The UAE is taking critical steps to advance entrepreneurship and innovation, along with the government’s commitment to fuel sustainability, smart technology, and women empowerment.

To echo last year’s success, SME Beyond Borders Dubai will bring together entrepreneurs, industry leaders and investors in a large-scale gathering on October 27 in Atlantis Hotel, the Palm.

The SME Beyond Borders Series is an annual event that has grown to include more than 7000 registrations, 4000 attendees and 150 renowned speakers.

While the past sessions have tackled the issues of access to finance, business growth and leadership, this year’s agenda will promote entrepreneurship for all – including women, youth and social enterprises. The event programme unveils three panel discussions:

• On the money: panel to feature the region’s top five VCs and investors, who will answer some questions about SME finance and funding strategies.

• Prescription for growth: experts will urge business owners to rethink health and wellbeing in the workplace.

• Local origins, global ambitions: unveiling companies that are set to make history and become leaders in their domain.

Meanwhile, the three sessions of the day tackle a different aspect of the SME experience –

1. Meet the transformers: connecting stories of entrepreneurs that are making a definite difference

2. The inclusive agenda: this is a woman-led session that talks about educating, empowering and inspiring women in leadership.

3. Disrupting monotony: unveiling companies that are going against the norm – challenging international standards, rethinking success and redefining use of technology.

Moreover, 12 SMEs will get to give their best pitch to a panel of hardened experts. Winners of 'Pitch Please' will have the opportunity to pitch to an audience of 2,000 decisionmakers on the main stage of SME Beyond Borders.

For information on the conference and to register, please visit: http://smebeyondborders.com/workinprogress/