Weekly Wrap-Up: January 13-17
This week on Wamda, we covered startups involved in reviving their neighborhoods, and startups using gaming to rev up the regional entrepreneurship scene. What games do you think you learn from?
Pic of the Week
Believing in yourself and your startup has always been at the core of success. And so is dreaming; if you start believing in one impossible task per day, you're on the right track. For more inspiration, check out this post by Managing Editor Maya Rahal.
Upcoming Events
- 20 Jan - New Entrepreneur Roundtable at Shelter Dubai
- 23 Jan - Open Diversity Forum: The Next Stretch
- 27 Jan - Health 2.0 Middle East - Dubai Conference
Make sure to check wamda.com/events, or follow @WamdaME on Twitter to stay updated about more events you can!
Entrepreneur of the Week
How often do you go from interested gamer to developer and eventually founder of a development studio? This is exactly what DigitalMania founder Walid Sultan did. Find out more about him and the development studio behind social game DefenDoor in this interview.
Articles you Might have Missed
Palestine Gets Its First Startup Accelerator
Last week, Palestinian startups witnessed the launch of the country's first startup accelerator, Fast Forward. Read this post to find out what their terms are and how they will go about sourcing mentors.
Could a Sharing Economy Transform Saudi Arabia?
People have become increasingly interested in alternative economic models to the current model of buying, selling, and consuming. One of these new models is collaborative consumption, but is it fit for Saudi Arabia's lifestyle? Read this post and let us know what you think.
10 Lessons Startups Can Learn from Gamers
If you've ever been into gaming, then you know exactly how unnerving it can be to be told that gaming can turn your brain into mush. What are some business lessons you can learn while playing video games? Find out in this post by Wamda Features Editor Glen Dalakian and his brother Lucas.
What Facebook's Graph Search Means for the Middle East
Facebook has recently announced Graph Search, allowing you to search the content of your friends' timelines and newsfeeds. What does this mean for the Middle East? Find out in this post by Editor-in-Chief Nina Curley.
Maysalward Localizes New Mobile Game ShaqDown for the Arab World
If you've ever been envious of Shaquille O'Neal's incredible strength, you will appreciate this game. Maysalward is finally giving you the opportunity to use Shaq's prowess to fight zombies in a new game: ShaqDown. Get the full story in this post.
Do you feel like you could use a little help in your approach to PR? Check out these great tips in this crash course in PR post.
Can this Egyptian Mobile App Startup Meet its Ambitious Goals?
This mobile app startup took on a wild bet: to build 700 mobile apps in 10 years. How are they planning on achieving their ambitious goal? Find out in this post.
Two Skills that Separate True Innovators from the Rest of Us
Are you a true innovator? Wamda contributor Oubai Elkerdi writes that there are two essential skills that separate innovators from non-innovators. Find out what they are to see if you make the cut.
Middle East Startups Reveal How They Would Spend Investment [Poll Results]
Last week, we ran a poll on Facebook to know what Middle East startups would do if they received major investments. Investing in technology, user experience, their image, and marketing were all part of the answers we got. Which ones were the most popular? Find out in this post.
Jordan’s Nakhweh Relaunches as a Regional Hub for Social Ventures
Nakhweh has been steadily making volunteerism more popular and as of this week, they've relaunched as a comprehensive directory for social work int he Middle East and North Africa. Find out what founder Kamel Al-Asmar's goal is, and what new features were added to the platform in this post.
What the UAE's New Home Shipping Service Means for E-Commerce
A few weeks ago, the UAE's Emirates Post announced their door-to-door home delivery service. How will this affect E-Commerce in the UAE? Find out in this post by Wamda contributor Mo Ali Yusuf.
