LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network, has announced the global launch of Open for Business, a new feature that allows freelancers and small business leaders to add their services to their LinkedIn profiles, making them discoverable from a LinkedIn search.

The global feature launch kicked off with an event that took place under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and in the presence of HH Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and the Future, and Allen Blue, co-founder of LinkedIn.

The event is the first of its kind for LinkedIn and demonstrates the platform’s commitment to supporting SMBs and freelancers across the world through a product that is aligned with Dubai’s keen support for entrepreneurs and freelancers.

Abdulla Al Basti, secretary general of The Executive Council of Dubai, said: “Support for small and medium enterprises is a critical pillar of Dubai’s economic policies and strategies. Open for Business aims to address the challenges these companies face in reaching potential clients. As such, it is a catalyst for growth that enhances the role small and medium businesses play in boosting the local economy and increasing its competitiveness while leaving a significant mark on the global economy and enhancing the business environment in Dubai.”

The Open for Business tool allows freelancers and small business owners to promote their services to the 660 million worldwide members of the platform. The feature complements existing tools and underpins LinkedIn’s vision of creating economic opportunities for every member of the global workforce, be it through business development, acquiring new clients, recruiting exceptional talent or expanding their network.

Allen Blue said: “Small businesses and freelancers play a critical role in the growth and future of our global economy. And with 660 million members and 30 million companies on the platform across the world, LinkedIn is uniquely positioned to help them be more productive and successful, whether they are based in Dubai or Dundee. We developed this feature with a global mindset and are delighted to launch it from Dubai, a region in which there is a lot of focus on supporting a growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

According to figures from the Dubai Statistics Center, small and medium businesses contribute to more than 47 percent of the UAE’s annual GDP and represent 95 percent of companies in the country. Early-stage startups make up nearly 50 percent of companies registered in Dubai.

LinkedIn users on the lookout for freelancers or services can now search and filter through Open for Business members to locate the most suitable providers. Once members appear in search results, people can view the full list of services they provide with a link to their company page, if available, as well as send them a direct message in case of further inquiries. The feature also allows members to ask their network for service provider recommendations.

To mark the launch, Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper, located in the heart of Dubai, was illuminated with the LinkedIn logo. – TradeArabia News Service