News

Revibe Has Raised $2.3 Million For Planned MENA Expansion

The Dubai-based online marketplace for refurbished electronics plans to expand across the region while contributing to the circular economy.

Published

2 years ago

July 10, 2023

Nour Nasir

Revibe

Dubai-based startup Revibe has raised $2.3 million in a seed funding round that will allow it to expand its product portfolio across the MENA region, while enhancing the refurbished electronics platform’s contribution to the circular economy.

The investment was led by Egypt’s Flat6Labs and French-based venture capital fund Resonance, plus several other angel investors. Revibe, which primarily sells refurbished smartphones, laptops, and tablets, will now be able to scale its supply chain and diversify its portfolio to include other categories of electronics later this year.

The company was able to grow 500% within seven months across the Gulf countries, with a particular focus on the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

“Our success has come from always meeting our pledge to customers. But we are expanding all the time, and our goal is to gradually introduce all categories of electronics,” explained Hamza Iraqui, co-founder of Revibe.

Revibe’s strategy aligns with the concept of the circular economy — an economic system that focuses on reducing the use of new natural resources and minimizing waste.

Also Read: Dubai-Based Startup Alfii Raises $2.5 Million In Seed Funding

“Refurbished electronics represents a massive opportunity, especially in this time of economic challenges and growing climate awareness, where consumers are more mindful of their carbon impact while facing decreased purchasing power,” noted Maxime Le Dantec, partner and co-founder at Resonance.

Revibe was founded in 2022 and uses a business-to-consumer selling model that offers refurbished electronics at 30-70% less than brand-new items. The company’s team of engineers makes a 50-point check on all products listed on the marketplace and uses artificial intelligence to monitor quality and meet its strict selling standards.

News

“AI Seal” Certification Now Required For Dubai Gov Partnerships

The new mandatory certification is designed to build trust in AI companies and create a reliable network of providers for government and public collaboration.

Published

16 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Nour Nasir

ai seal certification now required for dubai gov partnerships

Dubai Media Office

Dubai has introduced the Dubai AI Seal, a certification designed to establish trust in artificial intelligence (AI) companies and solutions. This initiative, directed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister, aims to create a reliable network of AI providers which government entities and businesses can collaborate confidently.

Companies must now obtain the AI Seal to qualify for UAE or Dubai government contracts. The Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI), which developed the certification, sees it as a competitive edge for companies looking to participate in key national projects. Once certified, businesses will be permitted to showcase the seal across their websites and marketing materials, signaling their credibility and dependability.

The evaluation process will consider six main criteria: the company’s services and operations, the number of employees specializing in AI, ongoing and future projects, as well as existing partnerships with public and private sector entities.

dubai ai seal certification

Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, which oversees the DCAI, commented on the initiative’s potential: “This initiative will help create powerful partnerships between the public and private sectors, locally, regionally, and globally. It will help drive new economic opportunities by leveraging AI to serve better the economy, society, and the future we aspire to”.

Also Read: Top Free AI Chatbots Available In The Middle East

The Dubai AI Seal’s goals include providing a clear framework for verifying AI providers, fostering business opportunities for AI companies, and acknowledging the industry’s strategic importance to Dubai’s economy. The initiative emphasizes AI’s role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and strengthening collaboration between government bodies and technology firms.

All technology companies operating in Dubai and offering AI-related services or products are eligible to apply for the certification at no cost through the official website.