< Previous50 Grow from Dubai – Issue 02 / March 2024 a site in Abu Dhabi which marked an important milestone in our journey.The launch of HOP, our rapid delivery-only grocery service marked Deliveroo’s entry into grocer y in 2022 and currently successfully operates sites in JLT, Down- town and Motor City. Most recently, we launched ‘Deliv- eroo Shopping’, a new online retail off er- ing to bring consumers a world of retail options on-demand, alongside our exist- ing restaurant food and grocery off ering with categories such as electronics, health & pharmacies, fl owers, pet essen- tials, gifts, toys & games, and beauty & toiletries. Customers can get these with the same on-demand convenience they’re used to at mealtimes. We see this launch as a major new step in our growth journey and a natural extension to off er- ing consumers what they want and need for a wider set of occasions. What motivated the introduction of Deliveroo Shopping? This came as a natural extension of our marketplace, using two sides and extend- ing a third. We're giving customers a wider range of items from categories including electronics, health & pharma- Deliveroo: Your Everything Delivery Service That Makes Life Simple Deliveroo Shopping's launch signifies a strategic move into new categories which include electronics, beauty, groceries, and more. Catering to consumer desires for convenience, this launch marks a significant step in their growth, expanding their services to meet consumer demands for more diverse offerings for more occasions Anis Harb, General Manager of Deliveroo Middle East Can you provide an overview of Deliveroo’s journey as a business? Deliveroo’s launch in the UAE in 2015 marked the company’s entry into the region. In the last nine years, we have established ourselves fi rmly in the UAE and our journey has seen a range of signifi cant milestones including expan- sion to Abu Dhabi, RAK, Al Ain, Shar- jah, and Ajman.We pioneered the intro- duction of delivery-only kitchens in the UAE with the launch of Editions in April 2017, and now operate six sites across the UAE. Following the success of the Editions sites in Dubai, we also launched L OGIS TICSwww.meydanfz.ae 51 cies, fl owers, pet essentials, gifts, toys & games, and beauty.This marks a pivotal step in our growth, catering to diverse consumer needs. This launch was also driven by evident consumer demand for convenient shopping, observed in search trends and grocery purchases. Sustainability is an increasingly important focus in the business world. Has Deliveroo implemented any sustainable practices, and if so, how does this commitment align with the company's values? We have actively implemented a range of sustainable practices to align with Deliv- eroo’s global ESG strategy focus- ing on reaching net zero and reducing waste and tackling food insecurity in our communi- ties. Since 2022, we’ve been in partner- ship with Shredex, to run the 'responsible rider kit disposal' programme, success- fully diverting thousands of recyclables away from landfi lls.We also partnered with Sineo Packag ing to launch a web store enabling restaurants to purchase sustainable, and customisable packag- ing at cost-eff ective prices. We've also taken part in the Dubai Can initiative, distributing thousands of reusable bottles to our riders with the aim of reducing the consumption of 1-litre plastic water bottles by at least 1 million annually. To address plastic waste, Deliveroo was the fi rst to intro- duce the plastic cutlery opt-in function for all UAE customers, a successful initi- ative that has been extended to Kuwait and Qatar. In 2022, we launched Full Life to tackle food insecurity for which we have introduced a range of initiatives in partnership with local partners and raised AED 1 million ($272K) in dona- tions. Furthermore, our collaboration between Hop and the UAE Food Bank under Full Life has enabled us to donate products nearing expiry from Hop sites, benefi ting over 24,000 individuals. Networking and collaborations are crucial for business success. How has Deliveroo leveraged the local ecosystem to establish partnerships and collaborations that have positively impacted its growth? Partnerships will always play an inte- gral role in our journey as a business. In 2022, we partnered with Amazon, provid- ing UAE Prime members complimentary access to Deliveroo Plus Silver member- ship alongside their Amazon Prime subscription. This strategic partnership aimed to enhance the food delivery expe- rience for Prime members, providing greater convenience and rewards. Our partnership with Choithrams helped us enter the rapid grocery delivery space with the launch of HOP. Over the years, we have worked with restaurant partners to co-create creative occa- sion- based limited-edition experiences to help boost their visibility and encourage orders from customers. Additionally, our collab- orations with Salem Al Attas, Aysha Hamrani, and Maryam Alzaabi celebrate the uniqueness of local talent, resonating with Dubai's diverse audience. When it comes to CSR, critical part- nerships with organisations like Emirates Red Crescent and the UAE Food Bank underscore our commitment to initia- tives like Full Life, aimed at continuous community improvement. Collaborating with key government entities such as Dubai Police, ITC, RTA, PCLA, and Mohre enables us to tailor programs for rider education and well-being. These strategic alliances bolster Deliveroo's local presence as well as contribute to community well-being. In terms of strategy, can you elaborate on the forthcoming plans for advancing and elevating the app to the next level in the near future? Our company is on a trajectory of robust growth, and as we enter 2024, our over- arching objective is to increase the value proposition we offer customers and deliver a seamless, reliable, and user- friendly experience for our valued part- ners, customers, and riders. Our mission is ‘to transform the way you shop and eat, bringing the neighbourhood to your door by connecting consumers, restau- rants, shops and riders.’ Our recent launch of Deliveroo Shopping has us very excited; we have onboarded key international and local retail brands onto the platform to cater to customers that are looking for Deliveroo convenience beyond food. Additionally, we're committed to further investment in our Plus subscrip- tion programme and fostering its expan- sion through strategic partnerships and developing innovative strategies to ensure that our Plus customers consist- ently receive enhanced value and savings. L OGIS TICS52 Grow from Dubai – Issue 02 / March 2024 satisfaction. Our mission at Sobha Limited is to deliver unparalleled quality in construction, from design to execu- tion.This commitment has allowed us to earn the trust of our customers and establish a solid foundation in the indus- try.While we continue to grow and inno- vate, we remain loyal to the principles that founded Sobha Limited and guided its growth trajectory. What prompted you to launch Sobha Group in Dubai in 2003? Making the strategic choice to enter the Gulf was motivated by both the need to sustain Sobha's legacy outside of India and the prospect of exploring new markets. The Gulf region, Dubai in particular, provided a unique opportunity for the real estate sector to expand and develop.While Dubai's ambitious plans and progressive outlook aligned with Sobha's dedication to quality and innova- tion, the city's cosmopolitan environment and standing as a major international business hub made it the ideal setting for us to expand our global presence.The Gulf region's journey has always been distinguished by notable projects and a commitment to designing spaces that are the pinnacle of sophistica- tion and luxury. Sobha Group's presence in Dubai has not only contributed towards this vision but has also helped transform the region's real estate landscape. Could you elaborate on Sobha Group's fi rst signature residential project, the S tower? The S Tower on Sheikh Zayed Road stands as a testament to this profound commitment, the fi rst signature residen- tial project of Sobha Group in Dubai, was meticulously designed and concep- tualised to refl ect the highest standards of living.The project was further elevated by its location on Sheikh Zayed Road, one of Dubai's most prestig ious addresses. The S Tower off ers a sophis- ticated blend of modern architecture, innovative design, and a variety of amen- ities to satisfy our diverse clientele. The tower's interior finishes, living space layout, and integration of smart and sustainable features are all examples of the attention to detail that has gone into each of our projects. Sobha Group: Redefi ning Dubai’s Skyline with Iconic Buildings Backed by a mission to deliver unparalleled quality in construction, from design to execution, Puthan Naduvakkatt Chenthamaraksha Menon, also known as P. N. C. Menon, Chairman & Founder of Sobha Group explains that their vision is to create spaces that represent an exclusive and refined way of life Puthan Naduvakkatt Chenthamaraksha Menon, also known as P. N. C. Menon, Chairman & Founder Sobha Group Can you share insights into your entrepreneurial journey, from your entry into India's property sector to the establishment of Sobha Limited in 1995? I set out on my entrepreneurial journey with the ambition of transforming India's real estate market.When I established Sobha Limited in 1995, I was motivated by a passion for creating high-end, inno- vative spaces. Upon entering the Indian property market, it was evident that our brand would set itself apart through excellence in construction and customer REAL ES TAT Ewww.meydanfz.ae 53 Can you provide details on Sobha Hartland, and Sobha Hartland 2? Sobha Hartland and Sobha Hartland 2 are two top-of-the-line developments by the Sobha Group in Dubai, each off ering a distinctive living experience. Located in Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City, Sobha Hartland is a large-scale development that spans over 743.2 m2 (8 million ft2) and is designed to be an opulent and green community.The fl ag- ship project features premium villas and apartments with ample green spaces and a variety of amenities. Sobha Hartland 2 is a direct extension of the Sobha Hart- land community. Both developments promise premium living experiences, along with a variety of lifestyle amenities to improve residents' overall quality of life, such as fi tness centres, swimming pools, and recreational spaces. Addition- ally, the Sobha Hartland 2 is strategically located with easy access to the key areas of Dubai, making it a convenient and well-connected residential community. Sobha Hartland and Sobha Hartland 2 serve as examples of the group's commit- ment to developing luxurious, sustaina- ble, and well-integrated communities that provide residents with a distin- guished lifestyle. Can you discuss Verde by Sobha in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT)? Large-scale real estate initiatives such as Verde by Sobha can contribute to vibrancy in the adjoining community. One common outcome of major construction endeavours is the improve- ments to the local amenities and infra- structure. It is also possible for signifi - cant projects to stimulate economic growth in the area. By attracting busi- nesses, retailers, and other stakeholders, it creates a vibrant economic ecosystem. How does Sobha Realty's 'Backward Integration' model set it apart? This ‘Backward Integration’ model entails utilising in-house talent with in-house expertise in design, architec- ture, engineering, and construction so Sobha Realty maintains total control of the development process. This control guarantees that the highest quality standards are consistently met at all stages. The model assists the organisa- tion in upholding its commitment to quality, innovation, timeliness, and customer satisfaction by setting a stand- ard for comprehensive and integrated project delivery in the industry. What are key plans to continue Sobha’s growth trajectory in Dubai? At Sobha Realty, we recognise the importance of diversifying our real estate port- folio by exploring new varieties of devel- opments including mixed-use projects, hospitality, and commercial spaces. Like- wise, the company looks forward to taking advantage of new opportunities by partnering with strate- gic local and foreign partners. This can also allow us to consider expanding foot- print beyond Dubai into other interna- tional markets. More importantly, inte- g rating sustainable practices and eco-friendly elements into our develop- ments will continue to be a top priority due to the growing emphasis on environ- mental consciousness. As the company continues to grow, we will work diligently to navigate the complexities of the real estate market and capitalise on emerging opportunities in Dubai's dynamic busi- ness environment Integrating sustainable practices and eco-friendly elements into our developments will continue to be a top priority due to the growing emphasis on environmental consciousness REAL ES TAT E Sobha Realty54 Grow from Dubai – Issue 02 / March 2024 What innovative approaches have you implemented to achieve such success for clients like National Bonds Corporation, Investment Corporation of Dubai, and others? Our triumphs at Harbor Real Estate are underpinned by strategic methodologies. We employ data-driven decision-making, utilising advanced analytics and techno- logical innovations for streamlined property management. How do you navigate the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of the UAE property market to provide reliable insights and observations? Navigating the UAE's dynamic property market necessi- tates a continuous blend of market research, astute analysis, and an acute awareness of evolv- ing trends. Staying abreast of economic indicators and consumer behaviour shifts is paramount. How do you foresee the future of the real estate industry in Dubai, and what trends do you anticipate shaping the market? Dubai's real estate future is luminous, characterised by innovation, sustainability, and smart technology, epitomised by transformative projects such as Expo City. Strategic global positioning continues to attract international investors, injecting vitality, and diversity into the sector, forti- fying its resilience and dynamism. As an entrepreneur in the real estate sector, what advice would provide to budding professionals aspiring to make a mark in the industry? For aspiring real estate professionals, the paramount consideration is selecting the right company. Harbor Real Estate, exemplified is the only gold ranked company for six times in a row by the Dubai Land Department, stands as an ideal choice. Also, seek mentorship from industry leaders, invest in continuous education, and accumulate hands-on experience. I take pride in highlighting that Harbor fosters a nurturing environ- ment, as evidenced by our HR and finance teams repor ting 32 agents achieving millionaire status in 2023; a testament to our unwavering commit- ment to cultivating success. Harbor Real Estate: Enhancing Property Management with Streamlined Strategies Celebrated as 'the oracle of Dubai’s real estate industry', Dr. Mohanad Alwadiya, CEO of Harbor Real Estate is also a Dubai TV presenter and senior instructor at the Dubai Real Estate Institute, who has achieved success in delivering outstanding outcomes for clients with multi-billion-dirham portfolios Dr. Mohanad Alwadiya, CEO of Harbor Real Estate W hat factors have contributed to your reputation as a leading fi gure in the real estate sector? My standing in Dubai's real estate sector is grounded in my profound passion, backed by 25 years of industry immer- sion, and fortifi ed academic credentials, comprising two master's degrees and a doctorate degree. This unique fusion of educational prowess and practical expe- rience has been instrumental. Since 2008, my role has evolved from education to encompass licensing real estate profes- sionals, aligning with my vision of utilis- ing real estate as a catalyst for others to realize their aspirations, a recurrent motif in my professional journey. Can you share key strategies that have set Harbor Real Estate apart in providing real estate investment and management solutions? Harbor Real Estate distinguishes itself in real estate investment and manage- ment through meticulous, data-driven market studies and our extensive indus- try acumen. Our commitment extends beyond mere transactions, emphasising exceptional customer service. REAL ES TAT EFirst-of-its-kind B2B Marketplace in the UAE Our trusted B2B platform will cater to all your business needs.56 Grow from Dubai – Issue 02 / March 2024 Our ability to adapt to the ever-changing digital landscape has been instrumental in overcoming obstacles and ensuring sustained growth. How did Tasjeel.ae diff erentiate itself within Dubai’s market? Tasjeel.ae distinguished itself within the competitive domain and web hosting market by prioritising cutting-edge tech- nology, reliability, and customer support. Leveraging Dubai's status as a global busi- ness hub, we tapped into the city's diverse entrepreneurial landscape, tailoring our services to meet the specifi c online needs of businesses in the UAE.Through digital innovation,Tasjeel.ae positioned itself as a market leader, off ering secure and scalable solutions for domain registration and cloud hosting services. How has Tasjeel.ae tapped into the local ecosystem that has contrib- uted to its growth? Tasjeel.ae diff erentiated itself by initially networking with our tech-savvy custom- ers, fostering relationships that propelled both them and us, into the digital realm. This early collaboration was instrumen- tal in mutual growth. Later, as we engaged with Dubai's business ecosys- tem, strate- gic partnerships with tech leaders, e-com- merce platforms, and digital agencies played a pivotal role. Collaborations not only expanded services but also contrib- uted signifi - cantly to Dubai's digital econ- omy. Participation in key startup events like Hubreneur and LaunchDXB further strengthened our network. Has Tasjeel.ae incorporated any sustainable practices into its operations? WeatTasjeel.aeacknowledgetheglobal emphasis on sustainability and have incor- porated eco-friendly practices into our operations. The company has imple- mented measures to reduce its environ- mental impact, such as ener- gy-effi cient data centers, green hosting options, and promoting responsible data management. By embracing sustainable practices,Tas- jeel.ae aligns itself with the broader commitment to environmentally conscious business operations, contributing to Dubai's broader sustainability initiatives. Tasjeel.ae: Simplifying the Registration Process Shaped by Dubai’s tech-savvy population and a focus on digital transformation, Tasjeel.ae has transformed into a trusted partner for reliable domain registration and hosting services Wahid Aziz, CEO of Tasjeel.ae What are some key milestones in the establishment of Tasjeel.ae? Tasjeel.ae embarked on its entrepreneur- ial journey in 2009, revolutionising the domain registration landscape by becom- ing the fi rst platform to fully auto- mate the process of registering .ae domain names online. Focused on simplifying and expediting the registra- tion process, we quickly gained market prominence. Key milestones include pioneering tech- nological advancements, expanding our service portfolios, and cultivating a repu- tation as a trusted part- ner for individu- als and businesses seek- ing reliable domain registration and hosting services. How did the decision to start Tasjeel.ae align with Dubai’s business landscape? The decision to launch Tasjeel.ae was strategically aligned with Dubai's progres- sive business landscape, characterised by a burgeoning digital economy and a growing demand for online presence.The local environment, marked by a tech- savvy population and a focus on digital transformation, played a pivotal role in shaping the company's growth strategy. Tasjeel.ae aimed to cater to businesses seeking seamless and secure online solu- tions, aligning its services with the evolv- ing needs of Dubai's dynamic market. What early challenges did Tasjeel. ae face initially? Tasjeel.ae f aced initial challenges common to tech startups, including market competition, technology infra- structure develop- ment, and establish- ing brand credibility. We navigated these challenges by foster- ing strategic local partnerships, continu- ous innovation using best-in-class technology, and a customer-centric approach. MARKETPLACE*Prices exclude VAT at 5% and for initial term only LAUNCH YOUR IDEA ON A .AE DOMAIN www.tasjeel.ae58 Grow from Dubai – Issue 02 / March 2024 Alexandra Dorf, Founder of Greeno ing the right POS terminals to integrate with our proprietary software and renting a small warehouse in the desired location. We’ve solved all the problems with the help of our local partners and advisors. Why did you choose Dubai to start your venture? Dubai is one of the most dynamic and open to innovations cities in the world nowadays. It’s also start-up-friendly with a fast-track for company setup, zero corpo- rate taxes for new companies (until they reach a certain revenue), no personal income taxes and growing digitisation in all business segments.This makes Dubai a great place to start any digital business. But being a huge regional logistics hub, Dubai is a perfect ‘playground’ for initiat- ing any new activity, testing it and then scaling it into other MENA countries. Were there specifi c opportunities unique to Dubai that played a role in launching Greeno? The biggest opportunity for our specifi c business segment is a change in nation’s eating habits and lifestyle that UAE government drives to encourage health consciousness. In the past years, we witnessed several very important strategic initiatives facilitated by the local authori- ties, such as the National Nutrition Strat- egy 2022-2030, UAE Wellbeing strategy 2030, and Dubai Fitness Challenge. Many of our corporate clients were motivating their employees to participate in Fitness Challenge month.Therefore, the introduc- tion of Greeno healthy food kiosks in their offi ces was a part of well-being initiative. In the context of sustainable initiatives, how has Dubai's business environment infl uenced the growth of Greeno? Dubai is home to MENA headquarters of major international corporations, who brought their ESG polices and corporate well-being standards to the local market. Some of these corporations became our fi rst loyal clients. They encouraged us to introduce new sustainable initiatives, like organic food from local farmers, recy- cling, eco-friendly packaging, and more. Being surrounded by top global compa- nies inspires you to aspire for excellence in your business. Greeno: Enhancing Health and Happiness Through Promoting Healthy Eating Habits Alexandra Dorf, Founder of Greeno, a foodtech company offering healthy, ready-to-eat meals and snacks through smart food points in offices, aims to lead the MENA region's healthy food market What are some key moments that led to the establishment and growth of Greeno? I’ve been living in Dubai for almost two years by now. And while working on diff er- ent projects, I am constantly looking for new and meaningful ideas for a new busi- ness. I want these ideas to resonate with my core principles and make a social impact. So self-service micro markets with healthy food sounded like a perfect solu- tion combining technology and value for people. It’s a popular service in Europe and USA, but here we were the pioneers. What challenges did you encounter during the establishment of establishing Greeno in Dubai, and how did you overcome them? There were some standard challenges that an entrepreneur in any country would face, like fundraising, hiring devoted employees, and procuring our fi rst clients. But there were some Dubai-specifi c issues, such as opening a corporate bank account to fi nd- MARKETPLACEWE NOTICE THE SMALLEST DETAILS. So you won’t have to. A door that is tested up to 100,000* times before approval. Flooring that doesn’t meet our approval, because it has a difference of 0.4* millimetres. These are just a few examples of the uncompromising standards that we follow at Sobha. Because when you focus on the smallest details, you create an extraordinary living experience. #ArtOfTheDetail *T&C ap ply I Based on internal data CALL: 800 999 999SOBHAREALTY.COMNext >