LinkedIn announced the global launch of Open for Business, a new feature that allows freelancers and small business leaders to add their services to their LinkedIn profiles, making them discoverable from a LinkedIn search.

He added that the LinkedIn Open for Business launch in Dubai is testament to the emirate’s position as a trusted global economic and investment destination.

The Open for Business tool allows freelancers and small business owners to promote their services to the 660 million worldwide members of the platform. The feature complements existing tools and underpins LinkedIn’s vision of creating economic opportunities for every member of the global workforce, be it through business development, acquiring new clients, recruiting exceptional talent or expanding their network.

Allen Blue, Co-Founder of LinkedIn, said “Small businesses and freelancers play a critical role in the growth and future of our global economy. And with 660 million members and 30 million companies on the platform across the world, LinkedIn is uniquely positioned to help them be more productive and successful, whether they are based in Dubai or Dundee. We developed this feature with a global mindset and are delighted to launch it from Dubai, a region in which there is a lot of focus on supporting a growing entrepreneurial ecosystem”.

LinkedIn users on the lookout for freelancers or services can now search and filter through Open for Business members to locate the most suitable providers. Once members appear in search results, people can view the full list of services they provide with a link to their company page, if available, as well as send them a direct message in case of further inquiries. The feature also allows members to ask their network for service provider recommendations.

A special function was held to commemorate the launch of this new feature by LinkedIn in Dubai under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, in the attendance of His Excellency Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, and His Excellency Abdulla Al Basti Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai. And, to mark the launch, the LinkedIn logo illuminated Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper, located in the heart of Dubai.