The Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF), an initiative by the UAE’s Ministry of Finance, chose 11 new businesses for the latest round of its accelerator programme.
The companies joining the 2020 winter cohort will bring the total number of firms participating in the accelerator to 39 since its launch in December 2018.
“New members have demonstrated the power of entrepreneurship that is rooted in making a positive change. In turn, they have our country’s commitment to help their businesses flourish,” said Fatima Alnaqbi, chief innovation officer at MBRIF and a representative of the Ministry of Finance.
Eight of the new members are UAE-based businesses. These include Farmin, a company that uses artificial intelligence to improve farming profitability, and Food-ATM, which allows blue-collar workers to eat for free using a smart card topped up by corporations as part of their corporate social responsibility budgets.
“The strong presence of local UAE businesses in the winter cohort reflects the ever-growing entrepreneurial spirit present in our country,” said Ms Alnaqbi.
The other three businesses came from the US, South Africa and France. The French firm was Toucan Toco - a data storytelling platform that raised €12 million (Dh48.9m) last year and has a client list of more than 100 Fortune 500 companies.
The winter cohort was chosen to join the MBRIF Accelerator as part of a special edition application process held during Dubai's Gitex trade show, which aimed to attract the most innovative start-ups that attended the annual technology event.
MBRIF is open to companies that are already operational and beyond the “ideation”, or concept stage, both globally and in the UAE – provided they have a base in the country and seek to operate and grow in the Emirates.
They also must operate within industry sectors prioritised in the UAE’s National Innovation Strategy, including renewable and clean energy, transportation, education, technology, healthcare, space and water.
MBRIF was launched in 2016 but began operations at the beginning of 2017. Its accelerator programme offers members access to coaching and aims to enhance growth potential of innovative start-ups shaping the future of the UAE’s economy. The accelerator offers a tailored programme to companies covering five key areas: articulating strategic direction; articulating and validating a business model; access to clients and markets; access to finance; and defining a people strategy.
Emirates exiles
Will Wilson is not the first player to have attained high-class representative honours after first learning to play rugby on the playing fields of UAE.
Jonny Macdonald
Abu Dhabi-born and raised, the current Jebel Ali Dragons assistant coach was selected to play for Scotland at the Hong Kong Sevens in 2011.
Jordan Onojaife
Having started rugby by chance when the Jumeirah College team were short of players, he later won the World Under 20 Championship with England.
Devante Onojaife
Followed older brother Jordan into England age-group rugby, as well as the pro game at Northampton Saints, but recently switched allegiance to Scotland.
PROFILE OF SWVL
Started: April 2017
Founders: Mostafa Kandil, Ahmed Sabbah and Mahmoud Nouh
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: transport
Size: 450 employees
Investment: approximately $80 million
Investors include: Dubai’s Beco Capital, US’s Endeavor Catalyst, China’s MSA, Egypt’s Sawari Ventures, Sweden’s Vostok New Ventures, Property Finder CEO Michael Lahyani
Haircare resolutions 2021
From Beirut and Amman to London and now Dubai, hairstylist George Massoud has seen the same mistakes made by customers all over the world. In the chair or at-home hair care, here are the resolutions he wishes his customers would make for the year ahead.
1. 'I will seek consultation from professionals'
You may know what you want, but are you sure it’s going to suit you? Haircare professionals can tell you what will work best with your skin tone, hair texture and lifestyle.
2. 'I will tell my hairdresser when I’m not happy'
Massoud says it’s better to offer constructive criticism to work on in the future. Your hairdresser will learn, and you may discover how to communicate exactly what you want more effectively the next time.
3. ‘I will treat my hair better out of the chair’
Damage control is a big part of most hairstylists’ work right now, but it can be avoided. Steer clear of over-colouring at home, try and pursue one hair brand at a time and never, ever use a straightener on still drying hair, pleads Massoud.
MATCH INFO
Hoffenheim v Liverpool
Uefa Champions League play-off, first leg
Location: Rhein-Neckar-Arena, Sinsheim
Kick-off: Tuesday, 10.45pm (UAE)
Directed by: Craig Gillespie
Starring: Emma Stone, Emma Thompson, Joel Fry
4/5
From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
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'Nope'
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Dengue%20fever%20symptoms
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SPECS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206-cylinder%203-litre%2C%20with%20petrol%20and%20diesel%20variants%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E8-speed%20automatic%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20286hp%20(petrol)%2C%20249hp%20(diesel)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E450Nm%20(petrol)%2C%20550Nm%20(diesel)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EStarting%20at%20%2469%2C800%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
Shubh Mangal Saavdhan
Directed by: RS Prasanna
Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana, Bhumi Pednekar
Mrs%20Chatterjee%20Vs%20Norway
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