Abu Dhabi Municipality launches Dragons' Den-style initiative to drive innovation in the city

Companies urged to share their ideas for the capital at new weekly event

Abu Dhabi Municipality are looking for new ideas to drive the city forward. AP

Abu Dhabi's brightest and best business brains are being urged to get thinking to help enhance the capital.

Starting next week, Abu Dhabi Municipality is launching a brand new event every Tuesday for companies to come forward and pitch their products or solutions directly to the department.

The idea is similar to popular UK TV show Dragons' Den, where entrepreneurs are given a chance to impress five millionaires with their business ideas in return for investment.

Except, in the case of Innovation Tuesdays, as the weekly slot is called, the judges are members of the Abu Dhabi Municipality Innovation Team, and the prize is the product or solution being adopted by the city.

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To be successful, the product must add value to Abu Dhabi city, and involve any or all of the following parameters: innovation; livability; smart cities; next-generation technology; connectivity; sustainability; self-funding or creative funding; safety and security; knowledge sharing; and aesthetics.

Companies will be given a 15-minute window to pitch their products or ideas from 11am to 2pm each Tuesday at the Abu Dhabi Municipality headquarters on Salam Street.

Those interesting in participating in the initiative should email [e-mail], stating what the idea is, how it will add value to Abu Dhabi city, how it can be self-sustaining, and what you want from Abu Dhabi Municipality to make it happen. The department will respond promptly to those invited to pitch to the team.