Day: June 7, 2022

The Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), one of the agencies of the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in Dubai, has announced the launch of ‘Concept +,’ a new business incubator focusing on digital technology and supporting young people to develop their creative ideas into successful projects.

From attracting innovative ideas in emerging technologies and sectors to incubating them into commercially viable projects and guiding them through early-stage challenges, Concept + will provide a full range of support, including feasibility studies, legal and development consultancy, training and employment, co-working spaces, as well as access to investors, service providers, and partners, till the project attains the maturity to sustain growth.

The latest addition to the Dubai Business Incubator Network (DBIN) of business incubators and accelerators certified by Dubai SME, Concept + seeks to encourage young entrepreneurs unleash their creativity and reach their full potential. Tenants in the incubator will also receive marketing consultancy and support, including specialised spaces within the incubator to test-market products, and access to online as well as physical stores.

Welcoming Concept + to DBIN, Abdul Baset Al Janahi, CEO of Dubai SME praised the role of specialized business incubators and the private sector in supporting the economy and developing a new system that meets the needs of the next phase of entrepreneurship

“As a critical partner and chief engine driving commercial activity in Dubai, the private sector should continue to strengthen its role in overall economic development. Particularly in developing small and medium enterprises, the public and private sectors need to be aligned in unlocking opportunities for innovative enterprise through facilitating access to new markets and financing,” said Al Janahi.

“The government is developing systems and frameworks to promote start-ups and alternative financing options, like crowdfunding. Creating new business opportunities and directing entrepreneurial talent to emerging sectors are particularly important as the UAE seeks to build a prosperous future for its young generations through investing in humans as well as in advanced science and technology,” Al Janahi added

Referring to the contribution of start-ups to the gross domestic product and job creation in Dubai Al Janahi said these companies have gained global prominence during the past decade on the back of a number of prominent acquisitions, thus further consolidating Dubai’s position as a hub for innovation and knowledge in the region.

Mohammed Al-Mansoori, founder of Concept +, said: “Concept Plus is proud to be a part of the Dubai Business Incubator Network as we believe in the potential of our younger generations in making a difference in the world of entrepreneurship. At Concept Plus, we strive to nurture creative minds and build a community that is passionate about a brighter future, and our competent team can help them to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. We believe that co-creation is the secret recipe for success.”

Al-Mansoori said Concept + will provide the full range of services required by startups for a successful business journey. “Through our in-house services and our strategic partners, we provide all the services that any company would require to thrive in the UAE and the global market, whether it is commercial support, technical support, marketing support or financial support.”

Concept + joins 15 other certified business incubators and accelerators in the Dubai Business Incubator Network. The incubators in the network provide a variety of services, packages and events that support entrepreneurs operate in a conducive environment, in addition to specialised labs for innovators to design, develop and test-bed their prototypes before launching them as projects. DBIN also acts as a reference and catalyst for business incubation programmes in the country, also motivating and supporting the private sector to invest in business incubators and accelerators.

Concept + will enable entrepreneurs in adapting and reshaping their strategy to the post-COVID phase and assist them in focusing on sectors that showed remarkable resilience during the pandemic, particularly advanced technologies critical to digital transformation and future economy.

Source: Dubai SME

DUBAI, DP World’s container terminal at Southampton has taken a major step forward in the journey to net zero by becoming the first port in Britain to eliminate fossil diesel from its operations entirely and transition to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO).

Diesel previously accounted for 90 percent of the terminal’s emissions but HVO – a renewable biodiesel derived from sustainable sources – eliminates more than 80 percent of net carbon dioxide emissions as well as significantly reducing nitrogen oxide, particulate matter and carbon monoxide.

John Trenchard, UK Supply Chain Director at DP World, said, “I am delighted that we have successfully made the leap to fuelling all of our fleet and installations at Southampton with HVO. This innovation shows our determination to continue playing our part in helping the UK meet its target of delivering the Government’s Net Zero 2050 policy and improving local air quality.

“We estimate that using HVO will save around 14,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide on an annualised basis – the equivalent of taking over 8,000 family cars off UK roads each year. We have a clear responsibility to reduce the impact of our operations and offer customers solutions that support their own sustainability journeys, which is why we are working with our supply chain partners to accelerate the transition to green energy.”

“DP World Southampton moves more than one quarter of all containers by rail, and we are encouraging other customers to embrace this modal shift. Taken together with DP World London Gateway, we take 300,000 trucks off UK roads each year and every additional daily train we can fill saves up to 6,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year,” he added.

DP World first trialled HVO last year, using the fuel in its forklift trucks, reefer (refrigerated unit) generators and straddle carriers (pictured) which lift containers moved by the quay cranes and then service onward forms of transport via road and rail. Based on actual diesel usage calculations and replacing these with HVO technical data, a net carbon dioxide reduction of more than 80 percent was calculated.

HVO is regarded as an interim solution. Electric and hydrogen power are examples of alternative energy sources that are being researched and trialled within DP World, the leading provider of smart logistics solutions which helps trade flow across the globe. Its new Berth 4 at London Gateway could be 100 percent electric when it is completed in 2024.

Source: Emirates News Agency