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A US company that allows Muslims around the world to hear Friday prayers from Islams holiest sites took first place in the Innovation 4 Impact Awards at the Global Islamic Economy Summit. The competition, organized by Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) and Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre (DIEDC) in collaboration with Thomson Reuters, intends to connect international entrepreneurs with the resources had to create innovative products that redefine the future of the worldwide Islamic and Digital Economy.

Divine Connect manufactures special translation handsets for pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah, along with for Muslims around wishing to hear the Jumu'ah Khutbah at Masjid Al Haram & Masjid Al Nabawi in their own languages. The award existed to Divine Connect's Mohamed Pazhoor, who got prize and a prize money of $20,000 in addition to a range of company incubator services worth more than $10,000, including complimentary office space for a year in Dubai Technology Center for Entrepreneurship.

It was presented by Dr. Jumma Al Matrooshi, Deputy CEO, DSOA, Badr Buhannad, Executive Vice President of Corporate Strategy and ICT at DSOA, and Mustafa Adil, Head of Islamic Finance, Thomson Reuters. Divine Connect likewise gets an opportunity to develop its company in Dubai.

More than 250 applications were sent from over 40 nations, representing a wide range of sectors including data, social networks, e-commerce and much more.

Receiving the award, Mohammad Pazhoor said "I thank the almighty Allah and I am extremely humbled with this acknowledgment. We conquered the obstacles with sheer commitment. We wish to take our job to the worldwide level and welcome financiers and partners. We remain committed and have an intent to establish a production and operation centre in Dubai".

Applications were examined by a committee of experts comprised of company and industry leaders in the Islamic economy space. The five business owners in the field of digital Islamic technology and Arabic material who successfully passed the two preliminary evaluation rounds to make it to the finals, provided their company ventures towards supporting digital Islamic economy and boosting Arabic content during GIES 2016.

Nadim Najjar, Managing Director of Thomson Reuters, Middle East and North Africa, stated: "The digital economy cluster plays a vital role in sustaining an innovative, competitive and a growing environment in developing economies, and the Innovation 4 Impact competitors emerged from our commitment to nurturing the spirit of entrepreneurship in the Islamic digital economy sphere.

" We are delighted to be part of this exciting initiative for the second year in a row, and we are confident that our combined efforts will have a positive effect on the entire Islamic economy area.

DSOA's Bader Buhannad stated: "We wish to congratulate all those who made it to the finals. They are the trendsetters in the Islamic digital economy, and their innovative business solutions are true examples of how we can take the Islamic economy to a new level."

Ahmad Alshugairi, CEO of ARAM TV, said: "The concepts that existed actually address and fill authentic requirements of individuals.I was happy to see the diverse range of ideas that again show how important innovation is to tackle challenges around the world.

The winner was chosen by an elite judging panel, comprising Dr. Adnan Chilwan, Group Chief Executive Officer at Dubai Islamic Bank, Ahmad Al Shugairi, Media Personality, and Badr Buhannad, Vice President of Corporate Strategy and ICT at DSOA.

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