The upcoming AIM Startup summit in Dubai will help connect startups in the UAE to global investors

It was during a trip to Dubai in early-2017 that Anna Skigin realised there was a business opportunity waiting to be tapped. Although the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing had legalised Airbnb and holiday homes in Dubai in 2016, the concept of sharing economy had not really taken off in the city and the wider region.

"No one really knew the rules or how to get started. For those who knew, it seemed like a major hassle to get licensed and manage guests, cleaning and maintenance. This seemed like a massive opportunity - to facilitate the whole process and help people earn more money from their properties," recalls Anna. This led her to establish Frank Porter, an Airbnb management company in Dubai that maximises returns for the owners by renting out properties short term via platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com.