Dubai Future Foundation [DFF] has announced the launch of a new, first-of-its-kind initiative in the region to encourage and support tech startups to participate in a special challenge to utilize latest technologies and innovations and contribute to the development of a quality and innovative experience for luxury brand customers.

The challenge is part of the Future of Luxury Retail startup incubation program, organized by Dubai Future Accelerators, an initiative by DFF, in collaboration with Richemont Middle East, India & Africa [Richemont], provides the opportunity for global entrepreneurs and startups to showcase their ideas and innovative solutions to advance the retail sector.

The innovative solutions will be developed as part of the Future of Luxury Retail challenge by participating startups at Area 2071 – the innovation ecosystem in Dubai that brings together the world’s brightest minds.

The challenge aims to redesign the luxury customer experience and help Richemont utilize modern technologies to analyze data, study customers’ behaviors and engagement, and enhance the communication through digital and traditional channels using innovative methods.

The solutions will contribute to the development of customized experiences that meet the needs of customers in line with their preferences, and help brands improve the level of their experiences, develop marketing and sales strategies, and enhance revenues in short and long term. Entrepreneurs and startups wishing to participate in the challenge can register via www.dubaifuture.ae/initiatives/future-design-and-acceleration/dubai-future-accelerators/challenges/

Abdulaziz Al Jaziri, Deputy CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, said: “The Future of Luxury Retail challenge is part of Dubai Future Foundation’s efforts to strengthen partnerships with the private sector at the local, regional and global levels and to provide an opportunity for entrepreneurs and innovators to launch new tech-enabled solutions from Dubai.”

He added: “Retail is a key sector in Dubai, and the innovative solutions that will be developed at Area 2071 in collaboration with Richemont will help advance the sector, which can utilize the latest technologies to enhance Dubai’s position as a global hub for incubating, testing and developing innovations.”