Hub71, Abu Dhabi-based tech start-up accelerator, launched the region’s first Microsoft Reactor programme and welcomed 17 new start-ups to its network as it widens its entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Microsoft Reactor – an initiative by tech giant Microsoft – is a platform that enables interaction between developers and start-ups and aims to provide technical learning and knowledge-sharing, according to a Hub71 statement on Monday. Developers and start-ups can also connect with the local community, it added.
The Microsoft Reactor within Hub71 is “built to support the Gulf’s unprecedented rate of digital transformation”, said Jeana Jorgensen, general manager of cloud and AI division at Microsoft.
This initiative will provide a curriculum to help professionals strengthen their expertise around emerging topics such as cloud services and artificial intelligence.
The concentration of globally oriented start-ups, investors and industry, represents an enormous opportunity, said Ms Jorgensen, adding, “we believe bringing these elements together with Mubadala and Hub71 will be a catalyst for the region”.
Hub71 also announced 17 more winners through its Hub71 Incentive Programme, bringing the total number of start-ups within its ecosystem to 35.
“The 17 winning start-ups joining Hub71 will make waves across multiple industries, adding diversity to Abu Dhabi’s tech economy from around the world and creating new jobs in the emirates,” said Ibrahim Ajami, head of ventures at Mubadala Capital.
Hub71, which opened this programme to the public in October last year, received 348 applications from 47 countries. Start-ups that applied were predominately in the sectors of financial technology, AI and e-commerce.
Currently, Hub71 is offering up to 100 per cent free housing, office space and health insurance for two years for seed companies. Meanwhile, it is offering 50 per cent subsidies worth around Dh3.5 million for emergent companies for three years.
Last month, it partnered with accelerator Endeavor, a non-profit network operating in 37 countries across the globe, to support high-growth “scale-ups” in the region.
Set up in March, last year, by the Abu Dhabi Government, Mubadala Investment Company, Abu Dhabi Global Market, Microsoft and SoftBank, Hub71 is a flagship initiative of the Dh50 billion economic stimulus programme, Ghadan 21.
In May, the government rolled out the Dh535m Ghadan Ventures Fund, managed by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office specifically to invest in start-ups.
if you go
The flights
Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes.
When to visit
March-May and September-November
Visas
Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
Bio:
Favourite Quote: Prophet Mohammad's quotes There is reward for kindness to every living thing and A good man treats women with honour
Favourite Hobby: Serving poor people
Favourite Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Favourite food: Fish and vegetables
Favourite place to visit: London
Shubh Mangal Saavdhan
Directed by: RS Prasanna
Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana, Bhumi Pednekar
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
