Some thoughts on the first BarCampUAE

There was a noticeable buzz in the air following the conclusion of the inaugural BarCampUAE conference in Dubai Internet City yesterday.  Although the conference drew roughly two-dozen or so attendees, each must have left DIC's Building 3 satisfied that they got exactly what they were looking for.

And what exactly did some of the region's youthful technologists actually receive? Plenty of answers while raising even more questions.

From social media ethics to cloud computing services to virtualisation software to encouraging people to redesign the way they live, each talk yielded informative and lively discussion. It was no traditional conference by any means as well. Social media web services such as 12seconds web conferencing, Twitter hashtags (#barcampUAE, naturally) and blogs were highlighted throughout the day. A Lego play area set up in one room designed to let BarCampUAE attendees create their "passion" using plastic toy blocks was interesting, to say the least.

Perhaps the most spirited discussion was centered around the concept of how to bring the ultralight start-up business model to the UAE moderated by entrepreneur Hashim Ahmed.

After finally coming to terms with what ultralight start-up companies actually are - that is, when you're ready to quit your day job and focus entirely on your start-up -  the informal discussion quickly became centered on the issue of business licenses in the UAE, a common hurdle many attendees were currently trying to negotiate. But with looming obstacles in the horizon, those same entrepreneurs acknowledge the potential the regional market held for technology start-ups. Just how much risk they are able to undertake may be a discussion for the next BarCampUAE event.

While this is not a full-fledged review - this reporter did not attend every talk conducted on Saturday - it is heartening to see that the local technology community rally together and embark on the beginning of an exciting adventure. Although many of these conferences in North America seem to take place every day, their influence is rapidly bleeding over to the UAE. While nothing was really physically created at the first BarCampUAE, the local tech community will be well served to continue these events until the fruits of their labour materialise.

If you attended BarCampUAE, please share your thoughts on the day's event below in our comment section.