Supermodel turned entrepreneur Tyra Banks has chosen Abu Dhabi as the maiden international market for her global ice cream brand, SMiZE Cream.
The US businesswoman said she was inspired by the UAE’s achievements over the past 50 years, speaking at The Access Granted talk series, an initiative powered by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and Maven Global to help American companies led by women and minority entrepreneurs to expand in Abu Dhabi and serve as a gateway for the wider Middle East market.
“The UAE has evolved from the sand to the moon. The country’s beauty and warmth touch me. Also, its progress on female empowerment. The country has been really impressive when it comes to investing in innovation” said Banks.
“I have a global vision for SMiZE Cream so I’m really thrilled to be here to share my entrepreneurial journey, discuss strategy and explore how Abu Dhabi can be a part of its next big chapter. I truly adore the region and am excited to create lots of value and impact,” she continued.
Banks said she is thrilled to share the opportunities and challenges that exist for women in business and technology and how she plans to incorporate Web3 into her business model.
The Access Granted programme is part of the emirate’s strategy to attract global companies to set up their regional bases in Abu Dhabi.
Launched in 2021, SMiZE Cream incorporates augmented reality into its packaging and champions setting dreams and goals as well as mentorship.
As part of her visit to Abu Dhabi, Banks joined Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), the government entity overseeing ADIO’s activities, in front of an audience of business community members, business students and changemakers to share her journey and future as an entrepreneur. They also discussed opportunities for women in business in Abu Dhabi.
In their quest to explore Abu Dhabi’s business expansion opportunities, from 24th-26th May, the delegation met with crypto, blockchain and Web3 business leaders, and key business setup service providers across the emirate’s ecosystem.
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