Get Inspired

In this insightful Q&A, Jawad Maaloum, founder of MLnetworks, shares his entrepreneurial journey and the lessons learned along the way. With a background in the telecommunications industry, Maaloum started his business to introduce new ways of working and drive positive change in the ecosystem.

Ahad Khurshid is a visionary entrepreneur on a mission to revolutionize the way humans interact with software and computers. With his strong background in AI research and his passion for creating innovative solutions, Ahad co-founded a company dedicated to developing an AI-powered platform that simplifies and enhances user experiences. His journey as a founder is characterized by resilience, adaptability, and a unwavering commitment to bridging the gap between man and machine.

Irish Joy Perez is a Filipino entrepreneur living in the UAE for the past 15 years. After working as a paralegal for several years, she took the leap into entrepreneurship by co-founding Jaiko Taho, bringing authentic Filipino taho and street food flavors to Dubai. Her journey showcases the passion and perseverance needed to turn a craving for a taste of home into a thriving culinary business.

Marc Michel is the Co-Founder and CEO of Reno, based in Dubai. With a background in engineering and extensive experience in digital strategy and business operations, Marc has led Reno since its inception in March 2024. Inspired by his entrepreneurial family and the challenges faced during his home renovations, he co-founded Reno to address common issues in the renovation industry, such as contractor quality and project timelines.

In this engaging Q&A, Zuhair shares his journey from growing up in Jordan and Lebanon to building a career in investments after moving to the UAE in 2012. Now, as the founder of Zest, he is transforming the alternative asset space by creating transactional infrastructure that digitizes workflows, enhances transparency, and simplifies transactions—empowering stakeholders to transact seamlessly.

Islam Khalil is a seasoned data analytics and business intelligence professional with over two decades of experience. As the co-founder of AbuErdan, a disruptive poultry technology startup, he has been recognized internationally for his innovative solutions. Alongside his entrepreneurial pursuits, Khalil teaches at the American University in Cairo, works on his Ph.D. in data forensics, and actively contributes to the growth of the Egyptian furniture industry through his leadership roles in various organizations.

José Rubinger is the Co-Founder and CEO of Key2Enable for the MENA region, an EdTech startup that provides innovative assistive technology solutions for individuals with disabilities. Driven by a personal connection and the desire to empower people of determination, Rubinger and his team developed the Key-X keyboard and accompanying software to help individuals with cerebral palsy and other disabilities communicate, learn, and enhance their autonomy. Under Rubinger's leadership, Key2Enable has expanded its operations from Brazil to the UAE, leveraging the supportive ecosystem and international recognition offered by setting up their business in Abu Dhabi.

In this insightful Q&A, Walid Dib shares about his journey about building startups that solve real issues. He co-founded three companies before: a B2B SaaS, an InsurTech that raised $6.4 million, and a mentorship platform that he sold to BRINC. Now, he is building Better, a telehealth platform focused on discreet, personalized men’s health solutions for the GCC.

We are delighted to have Jassim Alharoon, Co-Founder and CEO of Fai, join us for this interview. Jassim's journey into entrepreneurship began with a keen observation of the challenges businesses face with finance and tax management. This gap in the market motivated him to develop a technological solution that simplifies these processes, making them more accessible and affordable for SMEs.

Fady Azzouny is a veterinarian-turned-entrepreneur passionate about transforming the animal care industry. With two previous startups in the sector—one a learning experience and the other a modest exit—he now leads Vetwork as its CEO and Founder. Vetwork is an AI-powered platform bridging the gap between pet owners and animal care professionals, making veterinary services more accessible while empowering professionals. With a strong focus on innovation and digital transformation, Fady is also spearheading the development of AI-driven solutions to streamline operations, automate tasks, and elevate the quality of animal care globally.