News

Startup Funding At Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 Reaches $871M

According to the deputy chief executive, companies within the organization have generated over $680 million and created hundreds of direct jobs.

Published

2 years ago

October 14, 2022

Nour Nasir

startup funding at abu dhabi's hub71 reaches $871m

Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global technology ecosystem, has raised more than $871 million in funding for startups and created 800 jobs since its creation in 2019, until September of this year, according to the latest figures. The organization now boasts around 200 members, and is contributing significantly to the region’s economy, intending to grow 20 startups into companies worth over $1 billion.

“There was a resurgence in investor interest at Hub71 after the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic wore off. The momentum has been helping the ecosystem and partner network to support Abu Dhabi, which is increasingly positioning itself as one of the global epicenters of technology. There was a huge thirst to get out there to engage with partners to identify opportunities, and that momentum continues to this day,” says Ahmad Alwan, Hub71 deputy chief executive.

Abu Dhabi has invested heavily in initiatives that contribute to technology and innovation, and Hub71, in particular, is helping the country to promote entrepreneurship as the UAE government aims to become “the entrepreneurial nation by 2031“.

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Globally, the money generated by startups is close to $3 trillion — a staggering figure that almost matches the output of the G7 economy — Mr. Alwan said Hub71 had “several initiatives in the pipeline that are being planned with its partners”, which are rumored to include wealthy venture capital companies and funds, with the hope that one day, a local Abu Dhabi startup will become a global technology corporation.

Hub71 is open to the idea of expanding its “bilateral relationships” with partners in different regions, though right now, the ecosystem is focused on helping to develop its member companies by taking advantage of its existing partnerships.

In August, Hub71 welcomed 16 new startups to its platform and recently joined forces with Siemens Energy to support Abu Dhabi’s fight against climate change.

News

1,000 Drones Light The Dubai Sky For AC Milan Celebration

Cyberdrone’s groundbreaking display marked 125 years of AC Milan football club and the 1st-year anniversary of Casa Milan Dubai.

Published

19 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Nour Nasir

Cyberdrone, a leading UAV display company based in Dubai, put on a breathtaking drone light show on Monday to honor two significant football milestones: AC Milan’s 125th anniversary and the one-year anniversary of Casa Milan Dubai.

The spectacle involved 1,000 drones working in perfect harmony to project AC Milan’s iconic imagery against the city’s night sky. Highlights included the UAVs synchronizing to form the club’s iconic crest, the signature red and black jersey, and a special emblem marking its 125th year. The intricate performance demanded meticulous planning, not just in terms of choreography, but also in dealing with the necessary permits and logistics.

cyberdrone ac milan dubai

“Our goal was to spotlight AC Milan’s legacy through a stunning visual narrative,” explained Mohamed Munjed Abdulla, Director of Sales at Cyberdrone. “We celebrated the club’s history, its Dubai milestone, and the universal love for football. The show also enhanced AC Milan’s regional presence, growing its fanbase through a cutting-edge, memorable experience. Drone shows are unparalleled in leaving lasting impressions, making them perfect for driving partnerships and growth”.

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Greta Nardeschi, AC Milan’s Regional Director for MENA, echoed the sentiment, adding: “Collaborating with Cyberdrone for this 1,000-drone performance allowed us to connect with our fans in innovative ways. It gave us a unique opportunity to surprise and inspire audiences while elevating our Club’s visibility and that of our partners. Cyberdrone truly helped us take AC Milan to new heights”.

This groundbreaking drone display sets a new benchmark for the Middle East’s sports sector, which already contributes around $2.4 billion annually to Dubai’s GDP alone. Sporting events also generate $1.76 billion in revenues across the region, while the MENA’s entertainment sector, valued at $41.13 billion, is growing at 9.41% annually, driven by rapid technological advancements.