As a global and regional hub for business and innovation, Dubai offers unique opportunities and holistic business ecosystems to support thriving entrepreneurs. Having weathered the storm of 2020, many Dubai startups continue to see growth and profitability by remaining agile in this highly competitive environment. In a recent article by CEOWorld Magazine, the UAE ranks #1 in the Middle East and #31 globally in their list of the most start-up-friendly countries in the world.
Okadoc
Founded in 2018 by Fodhil Benturquia, Okadoc is a Dubai-based healthcare startup that allows users to easily book in-person or video appointments with medical professionals quickly and easily. Instead of struggling to look for a medical expert who can attend to unique medical cases, users can easily search for various qualified professionals using the Okadoc platform.
Healthcare providers are able to create profiles describing their medical backgrounds as well as their expertise. The system is free for patients, and the platform makes it possible to settle medical fees online once the patient and the healthcare provider have reached an agreement. Okadoc has attracted over 45 million AED in investment. With a customer-centric interface, Okadoc has transformed the healthcare system across Dubai and the United Arab Emirates.
The List
The List is a startup based in Dubai and founded in 2016 by Andreas Skorski as a luxury items marketplace. The platform only offers the most prestigious and valuable items from top designers. It allows users to buy items directly from luxury shops. The List carries out thorough reviews of boutiques to ensure quality and authenticity, guaranteeing user purchases. The List utilizes AI technology to offer customers a personalized shopping experience. The algorithm studies customer behavior to provide the platform's users with suggestions for items based on their preferences. It also provides rare unbranded items designed to appeal to a given niche group of elite collectors.
JunkBot
Junkbot is a startup founded by Abdus Samad, Mohammed Sinan, Rajeev Mylapalli, Ehteshamuddin Puthur, and Arun Kumar in 2014. It provides tutorials and kits for children interested in robotics. It enables young children and interested adults to develop and build working robots from discarded items, including old CDs, cardboard, water bottles, coffee cups, and wooden spoons. The platform teaches analytical thinking, prototyping, and lateral thought processes that help children develop creative skills and problem-solving techniques. Junkbot has been praised for its ability to promote sustainability, self-efficiency and continues to receive investment capital from investors.
Junkbot's success as a startup is only the beginning. In 2020, the company launched the Fight Corona Robotic Championship, inviting UAE's youth to help develop Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM)-based solutions with their robotics kits, further building Dubai's reputation for home-bred innovation and technology. "In the wake of the current situation, this is an opportunity for all of us to show support and give back to society," Junkbot's Chief Operating Officer Abdus Samad said. "We find students are always full of creative ideas and excited to build something new– and now that they're all at home as a result of the virus outbreak, not only is this is an engaging learning activity, but it is also an opportunity that empowers them to become a part of the cause, share knowledge, and feel a sense of purpose in contributing to the fight against COVID-19."
InstaShop
The popular grocery delivery startup was founded by Loannis Tsioris and Loanna Angelidaki in 2015. The app allows users to order groceries online, often delivered in less than an hour. Instashop provides a convenient and seamless grocery shopping experience that became a significant lifeline for households during the pandemic. InstaShop has partnered with over 50 supermarket chains, as well as pharmacies, pet stores, flower shops, and more, giving users and local businesses the ability to connect online with ease. With investment capital from various firms, including Souq.com, Instashop remains a major player in Dubai's e-commerce landscape.
With a strategic location connecting east and west and a diverse industry for innovation, tourism, economy, and healthcare, Dubai remains a solid choice for investors and entrepreneurs interested in business setup. The Dubai Creative Economy Strategy, as well as the 2040 Vision, have strategic infrastructures in place supporting the emirate's growth and global leadership goals for a brighter, lucrative future.