Google, AstroLabs, DMCC Partner To Set Up Startup Tech Hub

HE-Mohammed-Al-Gergawi-with-Muhammed-Mekki-touring-AstroLabs-Dubai

To further foster the startup culture in Dubai, the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) and Google have partnered with AstroLabs to launch a tech hub in Dubai dubbed AstroLabs Dubai. The launch ceremony, that took place on October 26, 2015, saw the presence of H.E. Muhammed Al Gergawi – Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Ahmad bin Sulayem – Executive Chairman of DMCC, Mohamad Mourad – Managing Director of Google MENA and David Grunwald – Head of EMEA Partnerships, Google for Entrepreneurs among others.

Headed by Muhammed Mekki and Louis Lebbos – the founding partners of AstroLabs, the hub currently has more than 40 start ups from across 27 countries. The hub, spread over 6500 square feet, will cater to technology entrepreneurs from around the world looking to gain access to high-growth emerging markets, including the Emirates. The collaboration with AstroLabs is a first for Google in the region which has brought Google for Entrepreneurs and AstroLabs Dubai together to enabling start-ups to innovate and grow.

Speaking about how young entrepreneurs and tech hub such as AstroLabs should work towards assisting growth in the MENA region, Mr Mourad said that it was about solving the user problems. He explained, “The region has more than 200 million people connected online who are engaging in several activities with ecommerce and entertainment at the top of the list. While there is a high demand for good products, the supply is less giving an opportunity to entrepreneurs to bridge this gap.”

Launch keynote speaker, H.E. Mohammed Al Gergawi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to entrepreneurship and the importance of the AstroLabs Dubai tech hub in this national Year of Innovation. AstroLabs’ public launch introduces a purpose-built coworking space designed for entrepreneurs, featuring a Google mobile device lab, five meeting and video conferencing rooms, a training and events facility, and artisanal coffee boutique 59 Degrees.

DMCC plays the role of providing the right environment for these start ups to grow and flourish. “We have this specialized business hub but we also have other commodity centers like the T centre the T forum where we talk about challenges for consumers and their clients. When there is a problem, there is always an opportunity to provide a solution and this is what DMCC does,” commented Mr Sulayem.

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