The Dubai Multi
Commodities Centre (DMCC) and
AstroLabs platform have recently launched the Middle East and North Africa’s
(MENA) first Google-partnered technology centre. Dubai’s AstroLabs will aid
businesses set up within the DMCC while granting access to Google for
Entrepreneurs. Google for entrepreneurs is an international and resourceful
network.
More than 350 businesspeople have already showed interest in AstroLabs
new DMCC premises. The 6500 square feet includes five conference and meeting
rooms, a Google mobile lab, an events and training unit as well as the 59
Degrees artisan coffee boutique. AstroLabs new premises are found in Jumeirah
Lakes Tower in Dubai.
The DMCC has been commemorated with as the Global Free Zone of the Year
award by Financial Times FDI magazine.
The DMCC strives in creating an
innovative and contemporary environment where startups have the ability to
create, innovate, expand and thrive. With DMCC’s newest addition, the
AstroLabs, which is the only technology hub across the MENA to have collaborated
with Google, the free zone is facilitating talented entrepreneurs to realize
future innovations.
DMCC and AstroLabs cooperation grants startups with fast and subsidized
business licenses, company bank accounts as well as helping owners or founders
of businesses to gain United Arab Emirates (UAE) residencies. The DMCC grants
businesses with 100% foreign ownership. The DMCC has also introduced platforms
that allows entrepreneurs to register and receive a business license online,
making the whole procedure much faster.
Muhammed Mekki and Louis Lebbos, two local entrepreneurs, founded
AstroLabs. During the last two years, Muhammed Mekki and Louis Lebbos have trained hundreds of new startups
throughout the MENA. AstroLabs provides technology-linked startups many
features including mentoring services, business licenses to establish a business
within the UAE as well as a custom co-working space. All of the members of
AstroLabs automatically become members of Google for Entrepreneurs Passport
Programme. The exclusive programme allows entrepreneurs to access more than
twenty Google hubs throughout the world.
AstroLabs has already hosted startups from 27 countries across 15
industries. Currently, AstroLabs is in the process of creating an entrepreneurs
community that can compete on an international level. More than 25% of
AstroLabs members in Dubai are women.
AstroLabs has
already obtained an HR platform as a member. The HR platform is Beneple.
AstroLabs is positive that many other members will join and set up businesses
within Dubai, thus providing investments and growth. It is important to mention
that AstroLabs has already influenced the regional startup network. In
December, AstroLabs has already organized an event for Google for Entrepreneurs
Exchange Programme, where twelve leading international-recognized travel
startups will attend in Dubai.
Dubai, one of the leading emirates, has all the
rights features to grow into a top international hub for technology startups.
