Wadi Makkah Company at Umm Al-Qura University (UQU) took the initiative regarding paying transportation and registration fees for start-ups owners with special needs who desire to participate in the First Saudi Startups Forum (SSF). The Forum is determined to be launched on 15-17^th Safar 1439H (4-6^th November 2017) at the Ritz-Carlton Jeddah, sponsored by HRH Prince Khalid Al-Faisal (Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Emir of Makkah), and inaugurated by HRH Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (Deputy Emir of Makkah).

Wadi Makkah Company was keen to create the proper environment, with which the owners of startups and entrepreneurs with special needs can deal. This started from registration on the Forum's website until attendance and participation in the events, through the facilities specially prepared for them, in the belief that they were part of the society to promote the knowledge economy.

In this context, Dr. Hani bin Othman Ghazi, UQU Vice-President for Development and Entrepreneurship and Vice-Chairman of Wadi Makkah, said that the target number to participate in the Forum was about 900 participants. They would receive their requests via the website, and include 600 persons for the purpose of attending and reviewing the events and models of startups.  On the other hand, 200 suites and seats were allocated to startups specialized in a number of domains, including medicine, engineering, Hajj, Umrah and visiting services, as well as a number of other logistic services, etc. In addition, the number of investors in the Forum reached 100 businessmen and owners of venture capital funds. He also stressed that 50 speakers of decision makers, experts and local and international companies will participate in the sessions of the Forum.  

Within the same vein, Dr. Hani Ghazi confirmed that persons with special needs were considered by Wadi Makkah part and parcel of society. Therefore, no effort was spared to create an attractive environment to the owners of startups and entrepreneurs with special needs. This started from registration on the Forum's website until the mechanisms of preparation of suitable door-to-door transportation and participation, according to the directions of Dr. Bakri bin Maatouq Assas, UQU President and Wadi Makkah Chairman, in addition to the company's board members. He pointed out that registration could be via the following email:   [email protected].