Latest news with #KhalifaFund
Web Release
13 hours ago
- Business
- Web Release
Rafeeg Unveils Revolutionary AI Interior Design Tool and Franchise Initiative at GITEX Europe 2025
Rafeeg App, a leading UAE-based platform in the home services sector, made a bold statement at GITEX Europe 2025 with the unveiling of its new AI-powered interior design algorithm, allowing homeowners to professionally design their spaces without hiring interior designers or conducting in-person consultations. The announcement signals a major move toward digital transformation in home design while also setting the stage for Rafeeg's global expansion, starting with Europe. The patent-pending algorithm, currently undergoing the registration process with support from the UAE Ministry of Economy and Khalifa Fund, employs AI to instantly generate high-quality and fully customized interior design concepts based on user input. Without the need for costly site visits or manual layout reviews, the technology significantly reduces the time and the cost that is often associated with home redesign. It is expected to launch publicly by the end of 2025. Rafeeg introduced an innovative franchise pilot program at the event, inviting interested European partners to participate in a fully funded, one-month trial with no obligation to continue afterwards. During the opening days of the exhibition, more than 20 European businesses expressed formal interest in the program. Rafeeg will cover all startup costs during the trial, providing partners with a low-risk opportunity to test the platform in their respective markets. 'We believe that the success of a startup depends on cultivating knowledge, trust, and a seamless operation. This vision is what Rafeeg stands for and presents,' said Khamis Alsheryani, Founder and CEO of Rafeeg. 'We're excited to extend that vision to Europe and beyond.' Founded in 2017, Rafeeg was created to bridge the gap between homeowners and vetted service providers in the UAE. The app currently supports over 140,000 users and a network of 4,500 service professionals, including electricians, interior designers, and renovation specialists. The platform has already processed over AED 50 million in transactions and is celebrated for its focus on quality assurance, affordability, and customer satisfaction. What sets Rafeeg apart is its mission to empower local businesses rather than compete with them. Through comprehensive training programs, operational support, and strict quality control, Rafeeg helps small and medium-sized contractors to scale their operations and elevate their service standards. Their collaborative approach has been a key pillar of the brand's success in the UAE and is central to its strategy for future expansion. The company's participation in GITEX Europe represents a strategic initiative to enter new markets. Supported by the UAE's national innovation agenda, Rafeeg is actively seeking like-minded partners across the Northern Emirates, GCC countries, and key European cities to collaboratively develop the next generation of home services. Entrepreneurs and investors interested in joining Rafeeg's international growth journey can apply for the limited-time franchise trial through or by reaching out to the team at [email protected].
Zawya
17 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Rafeeg unveils revolutionary AI interior design tool and franchise initiative at GITEX Europe 2025
Germany - Berlin — Rafeeg App, a leading UAE-based platform in the home services sector, made a bold statement at GITEX Europe 2025 with the unveiling of its new AI-powered interior design algorithm, allowing homeowners to professionally design their spaces without hiring interior designers or conducting in-person consultations. The announcement signals a major move toward digital transformation in home design while also setting the stage for Rafeeg's global expansion, starting with Europe. The patent-pending algorithm, currently undergoing the registration process with support from the UAE Ministry of Economy and Khalifa Fund, employs AI to instantly generate high-quality and fully customized interior design concepts based on user input. Without the need for costly site visits or manual layout reviews, the technology significantly reduces the time and the cost that is often associated with home redesign. It is expected to launch publicly by the end of 2025. Rafeeg introduced an innovative franchise pilot program at the event, inviting interested European partners to participate in a fully funded, one-month trial with no obligation to continue afterwards. During the opening days of the exhibition, more than 20 European businesses expressed formal interest in the program. Rafeeg will cover all startup costs during the trial, providing partners with a low-risk opportunity to test the platform in their respective markets. 'We believe that the success of a startup depends on cultivating knowledge, trust, and a seamless operation. This vision is what Rafeeg stands for and presents,' said Khamis Alsheryani, Founder and CEO of Rafeeg. 'We're excited to extend that vision to Europe and beyond.' Founded in 2017, Rafeeg was created to bridge the gap between homeowners and vetted service providers in the UAE. The app currently supports over 140,000 users and a network of 4,500 service professionals, including electricians, interior designers, and renovation specialists. The platform has already processed over AED 50 million in transactions and is celebrated for its focus on quality assurance, affordability, and customer satisfaction. What sets Rafeeg apart is its mission to empower local businesses rather than compete with them. Through comprehensive training programs, operational support, and strict quality control, Rafeeg helps small and medium-sized contractors to scale their operations and elevate their service standards. Their collaborative approach has been a key pillar of the brand's success in the UAE and is central to its strategy for future expansion. The company's participation in GITEX Europe represents a strategic initiative to enter new markets. Supported by the UAE's national innovation agenda, Rafeeg is actively seeking like-minded partners across the Northern Emirates, GCC countries, and key European cities to collaboratively develop the next generation of home services. Entrepreneurs and investors interested in joining Rafeeg's international growth journey can apply for the limited-time franchise trial through or by reaching out to the team at khamis@ About Rafeeg Facility Management: Rafeeg Facility Management is a subsidiary of the Rafeeg App, the first of its kind in the UAE. Founded in 2017 by Emirati entrepreneur Khamis Al-Sheryani, the company has quickly established itself as a leader in providing remote maintenance and decoration services to homeowners. In just a few years, Rafeeg has attracted a specialized engineering team with over 15 years of experience in facility management. This team of experts enables the company to expand its services and cater to both private and government sectors. Rafeeg helps these sectors manage their facilities and assets using advanced Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) systems and best practices that comply with international standards. For more information and to stay up-to-date on the latest news announcements, please visit: About the Founder: Khamis Al-Sharyani is an Emirati entrepreneur with extensive experience in strategic planning, project management, and sustainable business development. He began his entrepreneurial journey in 2004 by founding Wslaat, a highly successful online platform that attracted over 1.2 million visitors daily and was later acquired by Maktoob, which was later acquired by Yahoo International. Following his success in the technical and real estate sectors through the establishment of the platform, Al-Sharyani turned to the government sector, where he currently holds the position of Advisor at the Abu Dhabi Executive Office. He works to implement strategic initiatives that contribute to enhancing the investment climate and developing the business environment in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, through cooperation with government agencies and investors, improving regulatory performance, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Al-Sharyani holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from Griffith University, Australia, in addition to a wide range of executive degrees from leading international academic institutions such as London Business University (LBS), Stanford University, the European Institute of Business Administration (INSEAD), and IESE University, in the fields of entrepreneurship, negotiation, leadership development, and strategic planning. Notes to the editor: For media inquiries, please contact: Faten Abdulla FAC Marketing Management Consultancy Email: faten@
Al Etihad
21-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Khalifa Fund highlights success stories of Emirati SMEs – from making steel to developing AI chatbot
21 May 2025 04:09 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Reaffirming its support for the SME sector, the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development is showcasing over 15 pioneering Emirati projects at this year's Make it in the Emirates the SMEs supported by the fund is Sultan Almenhali, whose company provides top-tier medical, surgical, and laboratory equipment for the healthcare sector. Almenhali takes pride in the quality of the medical supplies they produce company, Shabab Al Watan Medical Supplies, also prioritises sustainability in its innovations and operations. For an instance, Almenhali and his team have developed 'tissue paper products—like facial tissues—made from 100% recycled materials, in line with the UAE's sustainability vision'. By participating in MIITE, the company seeks to expand its customer base within the UAE and beyond. Steel Manufacturer Awadh Almazrouei, who runs a specialised manufacturing facility for steel structures, acknowledges how the Khalifa Fund helped fuel the growth of his company. 'The Khalifa Fund provided both financial support and strategic guidance, helping us invest in new machinery, expand fabrication, and grow within the UAE's industrial ecosystem,' Almazrouei said. 'Getting started was tough,' he admitted. 'But quality, delivery, and certifications helped us build trust.' His products, fully designed and manufactured in Abu Dhabi, serve vital sectors like oil and gas and waste management. 'We focus on durable, locally engineered solutions that reduce reliance on imports,' Almazrouei said. Aligned with key national sectors — like machinery, logistics, and energy — his company also embeds sustainability into its operations through waste reduction and the use of recycled materials. 'Our long-term vision is to lead in steel fabrication and help strengthen the UAE's industrial self-sufficiency,' he said Digital Property Platform Another entrepreneur, Khaled Alblooshi, shared how the Khalifa Fund helped turn his digital real estate platform into a solution that supports national innovation and economic goals. Make it in the Emirates Continue full coverage 'Khalifa Fund provided the training and advisory support that helped us shape UR PROPERTY into a fully integrated platform tailored for the UAE market,' he said. 'It is the first of its kind locally, designed to integrate with government systems like digital ID.' The AI-driven platform enables full digital property management, eliminating reliance on foreign systems. 'We offer an Emirati solution that boosts self-sufficiency and market efficiency.' Alblooshi sees the MIITE forum as a springboard: 'We are here to explore partnerships with government entities, expand across the Emirates, and explore regional exports.' UAE-made AI Chatbot Venturing into the rapidly growing AI sector, Abdullah Albadi founded a tech company that features a locally developed AI chatbot. Seniar Technology, he said, stands out in the market with its 'deep local roots'. 'Seniar is a locally developed AI chatbot platform tailored for Gulf-specific language and culture,' Albadi said. 'This local touch reflects the 'Made in the UAE' spirit in terms of innovation, quality, and identity.' Khalifa Fund has been a big help for the tech firm, serving as a guide towards the best opportunities, Albadi said. 'Through mentorship and connections with supporting entities, we've accelerated progress toward our technological and expansion goals,' he added. By introducing locally managed AI solutions, Seniar aims to reduce entities' dependence on foreign tech and support digital sovereignty, Albadi said. 'Our work supports the advanced technology and digital transformation sector, delivering AI tools for industries like education, healthcare, and government,' he said. Participating in Make it in the Emirates, he added, opened doors for the company: 'We hope to expand our strategic partnerships and showcase our capabilities to decision-makers and investors.'
Al Etihad
21-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
From healthy chocolate to furniture: Female founders aim to go global top-notch UAE-made products
21 May 2025 03:39 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Women have been making a mark in the UAE's industrial landscape - and, with the support of the government, some have started their own ventures, built their facilities, and now on their way to global this year's Make it in the Emirates (MIITE) forum, the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development showcases more than 15 innovative Emirati-led projects, including those led by female entrepreneurs. Among them is Khadija Al Ameri, who has established a UAE-made keto chocolate brand called idea, she said, was to produce a healthy, tasty treat that is "sugar-free, diabetic-friendly, and made with clean ingredients that reflect the UAE's commitment to quality and innovation"."We produce locally, use responsible packaging, and reduce reliance on imports-all while promoting healthier lifestyles," Al Ameri told Aletihad. With support from Khalifa Fund, Al Ameri was able secure a certified factory partner in Dubai and navigate regulatory challenges, she said. "We aim to lead the UAE's healthy chocolate segment and contribute to national goals for economic diversification and industrial innovation," she her participation in MIITE, she now hopes to find partners that will help the brand grow beyond the UAE. Manufacturing Bakery EquipmentAnother entrepreneur, Khadija Abdullah, has built a factory that now produces high-quality bakery tools and equipment - from ovens, dough sheeters and bread cutters to automated systems tailored to their clients' needs. "We are the first UAE and Gulf-based factory in this sector. Our designs are tailored for local needs and built entirely in the UAE using high-quality materials and Emirati talent," said Abdullah, who founded the Bawabat Al Sharq Factory with the backing of Khalifa Fund. She admitted that the starting the venture wasn't easy, adding that financing and technology access were among the major hurdles. With Khalifa Fund's support, however, Bawabat Al Sharq Factory was able to move forward. Now, the company seeks to "expand its exports, build technical partnerships, and showcase what 'Made in the UAE' truly means", Abdullah said. Through the solutions they create, they seek to help boost food security while supporting the UAE's vision for a knowledge-based industrial economy. Making Furniture Widad Alhammadi, an entrepreneur in the furniture and interior design sector, makes sure her work reflects the UAE identity. Widad Al Hammadi Furniture & Decoration, a full-service interior design firm, offers environmentally responsible design solutions that blend with modern trends and cultural authenticity. "Everything is manufactured here - not just assembled. We use quality materials and Emirati-inspired designs," Alhammadi said. Her approach goes beyond aesthetics, focusing on sustainability and local innovation. Make it in the Emirates Continue full coverage "We develop raw materials from our environment and use them in furniture-making. This reduces import reliance and supports the national economy." Alhammadi currently collaborates with factories to deliver her designs but she has big plans for the future. "I aim to move into direct manufacturing-to gain more control, respond faster to market needs, and deepen my impact on local industry," she said. Highlighting the crucial role Khalifa Fund played in the growth of her company, Alhammadi said: "They helped us join exhibitions at discounted rates and supported us with letters that secured fee exemptions on government projects-boosting our market presence and competitiveness." In the long run, Alhammadi aims to "create a fully integrated design and manufacturing business that honours Emirati identity - and reaches global markets".
Entrepreneur
19-05-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Khalifa Fund to Unveil Over 15 SME-Supporting Ventures at 'Make It in the Emirates' Forum 2025
An agreement is also expected to be signed with Khalifa University to foster innovation and entrepreneurship across the country. You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) will be showcasing more than fifteen ventures that are supporting UAE-based small and medium enterprises (SMEs) during the fourth edition of the 'Make it in the Emirates' forum -an annual event which convenes innovators, investors and policymakers to transform the future of the UAE's industrial sector- which will take place this year from May 19-22 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The forum will facilitate the signing of Khalifa Fund's three key strategic agreements, including one with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MOIAT), to support the UAE's entrepreneurs and innovators in the industrial sector. In addition, an agreement will be signed with the 'Make' platform to jointly develop prototype acceleration programs for light manufacturing. The launch of the Light Manufacturing Accelerator program is a part of KFED's broader efforts to enhance local manufacturing capabilities, by nurturing a comprehensive ecosystem that connects entrepreneurs, manufacturers, government entities and industry partners. The initiative also aims to streamline regulatory processes and facilitate access to supply chain opportunities. More than fifteen key ventures supported by the KFED will participate in the event. These ventures belong to various sectors, including technology, food industries, manufacturing, trade and hospitality, all of which play an integral role in bolstering the local economy, as well as increasing the presence of national products and services in local markets. KFED will also present various strategic initiatives that have been designed to support SMEs, and have thus paved the way for their sustainable growth and market expansion. These include the Abu Dhabi SME Champions Program, which connects startups with key buyers; the SME Export Enablement Program aiming to enhance SMEs' global competitiveness; the SME Finance Facilitator Program, which addresses funding gaps through cutting-edge banking solutions; as well as the ICV Readiness Program, which empowers SMEs to meet in-country value (ICV) standards and actively participate in government tenders, and the aforementioned Light Manufacturing Accelerator. In addition, an agreement is expected to be signed with Khalifa University to foster innovation and entrepreneurship while supporting the growth of startups and SMEs across the country. This partnership aims to leverage the shared expertise of both entities to create an integrated ecosystem that supports entrepreneurs, researchers and students by providing them with the necessary resources, knowledge and funding to transform innovative ideas into successful ventures. "Our participation in the 'Make it in the Emirates' forum exemplifies the Fund's commitment to supporting and empowering national entrepreneurship, particularly in priority sectors aligned with Abu Dhabi's Falcon Economy system," Mouza Al Nasri, Acting CEO of the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED), said. "We, at Khalifa Fund, are committed to implementing the UAE's vision of building a competitive and sustainable economy driven by innovation and production. To achieve this goal, we aim to promote national ventures and create platforms that empower SMEs to confidently enter into new regional and global markets. In this regard, the event serves as a unique platform to highlight inspiring success stories and forge new partnerships, further strengthening the role of SMEs in advancing economic growth while strengthening the UAE's industrial and technological sectors." The four-day-long forum will highlight relevant opportunities and growth prospects, review latest innovations, and enable collaborations across key sectors such as food and beverage, agriculture, aviation, automotive, defence industries, pharmaceuticals and medical technology, ship, navigation and boating industry, metals and manufacturing, handicrafts, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence (AI), fourth industrial revolution's innovations (Industry 4.0), chemical industries, plastics, sustainable materials, machinery and equipment, electrical equipment and electronics, construction, future energy, as well as industrial decarbonization. Related: Make it in the Emirates 2025 to Help Position UAE as a Global Hub for Manufacturing and Advanced Technology
