Latest news with #MasdarCity
TECHx
4 days ago
- Business
- TECHx
Masdar City Launches 24/7 Support and MasdarCom
Home » Smart Cities » Masdar City Launches 24/7 Support and MasdarCom Masdar City Free Zone has announced a major advancement in its business service offerings. It has become the first Free Zone in the UAE to introduce both a 24/7 customer support centre and a new digital platform, MasdarCom. These developments align with the UAE's digital transformation goals and Abu Dhabi's Economic Vision 2030. They also reflect Masdar City's commitment to innovation and support for its business community. MasdarCom is a community-driven digital ecosystem. It is designed to connect companies within Masdar City. The platform allows businesses to promote their services, collaborate with others, and manage transactions through a single, centralised interface. In addition, MasdarCom will be accessible to global users. This is expected to boost the international visibility of UAE-based enterprises. Alongside the platform, Masdar City Free Zone revealed its new 24/7 Customer Support Centre. It is the first of its kind in any UAE Free Zone. The support centre will assist tenants via phone, email, Microsoft Teams, and self-service kiosks. Key services include licensing, visa processing, and payments. Ahmed Baghoum, CEO of Masdar City, stated that MasdarCom is more than a platform. He described it as a transformative step in Free Zone support. According to Baghoum, the launch ensures businesses have the tools, access, and help they need at any time. He said this move positions Masdar City as a connected and future-focused business hub. During the announcement event, two new Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed: The first, with Emirates NBD, aims to simplify banking for businesses in the Free Zone and support joint initiatives. The second, with Torry Harris Business Solutions, sets a framework for co-marketing efforts and digital tool integration for SMEs and entrepreneurs. The event included a Town Hall attended by government officials, industry leaders, and strategic partners. Discussions covered Abu Dhabi's role in the global economy and how Masdar City Free Zone supports sustainable, innovation-led growth. Panelists featured representatives from ADIO, ADRA, Emirates NBD, Cell Lab 7, and The Catalyst.
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Masdar City launches community-driven digital platform, 24/7 customer support centre
Masdar City Free Zone has unveiled a significant development in business service delivery, becoming the first Free Zone in the UAE to introduce both a 24/7 customer support centre and a community-driven digital platform, MasdarCom. These initiatives support the UAE's broader digital transformation agenda and align with Abu Dhabi's Economic Vision 2030. MasdarCom is a centralised digital ecosystem designed to connect companies operating within Masdar City. Through the platform, businesses can promote services, collaborate with others, and manage transactions through a unified, innovative-focused interface. The platform will also be accessible to global users, helping to enhance the international visibility of UAE-based enterprises. The 24/7 Customer Support Centre, launched alongside MasdarCom, is the first of its kind in a UAE Free Zone. It provides around-the-clock assistance to tenants via phone, email, Microsoft Teams, and self-service kiosks, covering core services such as licensing, visa processing, and payments. Ahmed Baghoum, CEO of Masdar City, said, 'MasdarCom is not just a platform. It is a transformative leap in how Free Zones support their business communities. As the first digital ecosystem of its kind in Abu Dhabi, MasdarCom reflects our vision to lead with innovation, streamline business operations, and enable companies to grow smarter and faster. Combined with the launch of our 24/7 Customer Support Center, we are ensuring that every business in Masdar City Free Zone has the tools, access, and assistance they need at any time. We are creating a connected, future-focused business community that reinforces Abu Dhabi's position as a global hub for sustainable enterprise.' As part of the event proceedings, Masdar City Free Zone signed two new Memoranda of Understanding. The first, with Emirates NBD, is designed to simplify the banking experience for businesses operating within the zone, while also paving the way for joint initiatives and business development programs. The second MoU was signed with Torry Harris Business Solutions, a technology firm. It establishes a framework for exploring co-marketing initiatives and leveraging digital tools that support entrepreneurs and SMEs in the Free Zone. The Town Hall brought together government officials, industry leaders, and strategic partners. Key discussions focused on Abu Dhabi's global economic positioning and the role of Masdar City Free Zone in enabling sustainable, innovation-led growth. Panelists included representatives from ADIO, ADRA, Emirates NBD, Cell Lab 7, and The Catalyst.
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Masdar City becomes UAE's first Free Zone to launch community-driven digital platform and 24/7 customer support center
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Masdar City Free Zone has unveiled a significant development in business service delivery, becoming the first Free Zone in the UAE to introduce both a 24/7 customer support center and a community-driven digital platform, MasdarCom. These initiatives support the UAE's broader digital transformation agenda and align with Abu Dhabi's Economic Vision 2030. MasdarCom is a centralized digital ecosystem designed to connect companies operating within Masdar City. Through the platform, businesses can promote services, collaborate with others, and manage transactions through a unified, innovative-focused interface. The platform will also be accessible to global users, helping to enhance the international visibility of UAE-based enterprises. The 24/7 Customer Support Center, launched alongside MasdarCom, is the first of its kind in a UAE Free Zone. It provides around-the-clock assistance to tenants via phone, email, Microsoft Teams, and self-service kiosks, covering core services such as licensing, visa processing, and payments 'MasdarCom is not just a platform. It is a transformative leap in how Free Zones support their business communities,' said Ahmed Baghoum, CEO of Masdar City. 'As the first digital ecosystem of its kind in Abu Dhabi, MasdarCom reflects our vision to lead with innovation, streamline business operations, and enable companies to grow smarter and faster. Combined with the launch of our 24/7 Customer Support Center, we are ensuring that every business in Masdar City Free Zone has the tools, access, and assistance they need at any time. We are creating a connected, future-focused business community that reinforces Abu Dhabi's position as a global hub for sustainable enterprise.' As part of the event proceedings, Masdar City Free Zone signed two new Memoranda of Understanding. The first, with Emirates NBD, is designed to simplify the banking experience for businesses operating within the zone, while also paving the way for joint initiatives and business development programs. The second MoU was signed with Torry Harris Business Solutions, a technology firm. It establishes a framework for exploring co-marketing initiatives and leveraging digital tools that support entrepreneurs and SMEs in the Free Zone. The Town Hall brought together government officials, industry leaders, and strategic partners. Key discussions focused on Abu Dhabi's global economic positioning and the role of Masdar City Free Zone in enabling sustainable, innovation-led growth. Panelists included representatives from ADIO, ADRA, Emirates NBD, Cell Lab 7, and The Catalyst. These announcements reflect Masdar City Free Zone ongoing efforts to support innovation, enhance ease of doing business, and contribute to the UAE's economic diversification goals. Note: Historically, Masdar City and Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company) underwent a strategic separation in late 2022 to maximize their contributions to the UAE and the world while ensuring brand continuity for both entities. Please do not abbreviate Masdar City to Masdar. Masdar City is now a separate legal entity. About Masdar City Masdar City is a pioneering sustainable urban community, a world-class business and technology hub, and a 'green-print' for cities that want to be part of the solution to climate change. With one of the largest clusters of LEED Platinum buildings in the world, we are dedicated to creating a new kind of city, a new way of working and living, and a more sustainable future for everyone. The Masdar City Free Zone is a diverse, innovative, and ambitious group of over 1,000 organizations that benefit from comprehensive business support as well as the city's rich ecosystem. Tenants include the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the UAE Space Agency, Siemens Energy, G42, the Advanced Technology Research Council, several Fortune 500 companies, and the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence. The Masdar City Free Zone also includes The Catalyst, a clean-tech start-up investor powered by both Masdar City and BP.
The National
6 days ago
- Business
- The National
Tabreed optimistic data centres will adopt district cooling amid sustainability push
Abu Dhabi-based National Central Cooling Company, also known as Tabreed, is optimistic that power-hungry data centres will soon tap district cooling services, which offer a sustainable alternative, its chief executive has said. The utility's geothermal power-fed district cooling technology with its 'inexhaustible source' will be an appealing option for data centres, which consume massive amounts of energy and generate a lot of heat, Khalid Al Marzooqi told The National at the World Utilities Congress in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. Asked whether data centres will be game-changing for district cooling, he said: 'Well, we hope so.' Tabreed began using geothermal energy in December 2023 when it launched G2Cool in Masdar City, in collaboration with energy major Adnoc. 'When we started [the use of] geothermal [energy], we were targeting data centres because we knew that companies like Google and Amazon need … green data centres with the renewable energy sources,' Mr Al Marzooqi said. 'Since [data centres] don't have the ability to generate power and [there] are other players in the market to provide that, the option would be to go with geothermal. This is a great source of energy.' Data centres are mushrooming globally amid the boom in artificial intelligence and machine learning, which requires the processing of massive amounts of data. Increasingly, more sustainable and eco-friendly systems – including those powered by wind, solar and water – are being used by the technology industry to make data centres more efficient, in addition to reducing emissions and being able to recycle heat waste into producing more electricity. Unlike renewable sources such as wind or solar, geothermal energy is not bound by the availability of resources and 'it's [available] 24/7 all year round', Mr Al Marzooqi said. 'You have a typhoon, it doesn't matter, because geothermal is a subterranean source of energy. 'All it needs is just simply scaling it up so the option is there now for data centres … it plays very well with the narrative we had two years ago when we started [G2Cool]". Tabreed is also keeping its options open for international expansion. At the moment, it is focusing on Asia, a market that Mr Al Marzooqi said is 'very challenging' owing to the lack of knowledge about district cooling and regulations. 'The concept of district cooling is very small and minor, and the whole concept of a large district cooling company is not there, so you need to educate the customers. And … there's a bit of a risk entering a market which is unregulated,' he said. The global district cooling market was valued at about $26.8 billion last year, with the Middle East and Africa having the lion's share at 34.6 per cent, data from Fortune Business Insights shows. The market is projected to rise by about 80 per cent to more than $48 billion by 2032. 'For the time being we are looking at maybe the private sector [in the UAE], something that is large enough because we need an anchor load,' Mr Al Marzooqi said. 'The UAE and the [Middle East] region is a large market, and [that's] where my main focus would be, more than international.'
Khaleej Times
21-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE born aerospace company rises from Masdar City, Abu Dhabi
In the heart of Masdar City, where sustainability meets innovation, a homegrown aerospace company has been quietly charting its own flight path. Air Q, founded by CEO Dino Dedic and CTO Igor Pongrac, is showing what's possible when big ideas, grit, and the right environment come together. The company started with a simple but ambitious goal: to design and build advanced UAV systems entirely in-house, right here in the UAE. Back then, it was just five people and one big dream. Fast forward a few years, and Air Q is now a fully operational aerospace company with its first internally developed aircraft in the sky—and a growing presence in the region's tech and innovation scene. Their recent visit to the 'Make it in the Emirates' event in Abu Dhabi wasn't about exhibiting—it was about reflecting. The Make it in the Emirates exhibition, organised by the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) in collaboration with several partners, is taking place from 19-22 May 2025 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. 'Walking through the exhibition gave us a moment to pause. It reminded us how far we've come—and how much further we want to go,' said CEO Dino Dedic. Based in Masdar City since day one, Air Q has grown up in an ecosystem designed to nurture clean technologies and forward-thinking industries. From the outset, the team focused on building UAVs suited to local challenges—modular and durable aircraft designed to thrive in the harsh desert climate. CTO Igor Pongrac, an expert in systems engineering, led the technical charge. Under his direction, Air Q created a UAV platform that could go the distance—literally. With long-endurance capability and strong thermal resilience, the aircraft is tailored to regional needs. Meanwhile, CEO Dino Dedic—just 35, with a background in entrepreneurship and a passion for aviation—shaped the company's broader vision. Together, they've built a company culture that values precision, ambition, and a deep belief in doing things differently. It's a mix that's attracted engineers and innovators from across the UAE and beyond. The company's first major breakthrough came with Harara, its debut UAV project. More than just a prototype, Harara was proof that the team could take an idea from whiteboard to runway—without outsourcing key parts of the process. 'Harara is where it all began,' said Pongrac. 'It wasn't just an aircraft—it was our statement of intent.' True to its name, Harara was built to perform in extreme heat, and its success marked the beginning of a new phase for the company. It also opened the door to broader conversations about what a UAE-based UAV manufacturer could look like. Earlier this year, Air Q had the opportunity to present its vision at IDEX, one of the largest tech gatherings in the region. For a young startup, being part of such a major event was more than a milestone—it was a chance to show the world what local innovation really looks like. 'Our aircraft didn't come from a catalogue,' said Pongrac. 'It came from long nights, repeated testing, and a belief in building, not just buying.' Although the team didn't participate in Make it in the Emirates as exhibitors, they walked away inspired. The event's message—about creating, investing, and scaling from within the UAE—felt personal. 'The idea behind Make it in the Emirates hits home for us,' said Dedic. 'It's about more than manufacturing. It's about committing to build something real, something lasting, and something that belongs here.' As the Air Q team walked through the event, met other innovators, and saw what's being built across the country, they couldn't help but feel part of something larger. 'We may not have had a booth, but we live that message every day.' Looking ahead, Air Q is preparing for the next stage in its journey: expanded flight testing, deeper industry partnerships, and scaling up production. All of it will continue to be anchored in Abu Dhabi. 'We don't just want to be made in the Emirates,' said Dedic. 'We want to be made for the Emirates. That's the difference.' In a country that's encouraging bold ideas and building a future powered by innovation, Air Q is a quiet success story already in flight—and just getting started.
