Water and Food: The New Frontiers of Sustainability in the UAE
November 28, 2024, 12:47 pm
Location: United Arab Emirates, Dubai
Employees: 11-50
Founded date: 2015
In the arid landscapes of the UAE, two startups are emerging as beacons of hope. Manhat and Jalebi are not just businesses; they are revolutionizing how we think about water and food. They tackle pressing issues with innovative solutions that promise to reshape the future of sustainability in the region.
Water scarcity is a looming crisis. The UAE, surrounded by the Arabian Gulf, faces a paradox. It has access to vast seawater but struggles to provide clean drinking water. Traditional desalination methods, while effective, come with heavy environmental costs. They consume enormous energy, produce harmful brine, and emit carbon dioxide. Enter Manhat, a startup that aims to change the game.
Founded in 2019 by Dr. Saeed Alhassan, Manhat harnesses the power of nature. Its technology mimics the natural water cycle, using solar energy to evaporate seawater and condense the vapor into fresh water. This method eliminates the need for electricity and avoids the pitfalls of conventional desalination. It’s a simple yet profound solution to a complex problem.
Manhat’s floating devices are designed for diverse environments, from coastlines to artificial pools. They target floating farms, a modern agricultural method that maximizes space and minimizes land use. As the global floating farms market is projected to reach $14.9 billion by 2033, Manhat is poised to capitalize on this growth. Its technology not only addresses water scarcity but also supports sustainable farming practices.
The startup has already made strides in securing its future. With patents granted in 18 countries, including the UAE and the USA, Manhat is on the path to commercialization. It has raised $200,000 in funding from various government-backed entities, showcasing the trust placed in its innovative approach. The potential for partnerships with governments and desalination companies further amplifies its prospects.
While Manhat tackles water issues, Jalebi is addressing the complexities of the food and beverage (F&B) industry. Launched in 2021, Jalebi is a software platform that automates inventory management for F&B operators. The industry faces rising costs and food waste, challenges that Jalebi aims to mitigate through technology.
Co-founders Zohare Haider and Rizwan Ahmed Khan recognized a gap in the market. While other sectors embraced digital transformation, F&B lagged behind. Jalebi offers a solution that simplifies operations, allowing businesses to focus on what they do best—serving food. By leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning, Jalebi provides real-time insights that enhance efficiency and profitability.
The platform is subscription-based, making it accessible for various businesses. With a competitive pricing model, Jalebi stands out in a crowded market. It has already gained traction, boasting a 131% month-on-month growth rate since its commercial launch. The waitlist of over 400 outlets speaks volumes about its appeal.
Jalebi’s success is not just about numbers. It has garnered support from major players like Techstars and Hub71, which provide invaluable mentorship and resources. The startup’s participation in the Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF) has further solidified its position in the market. This backing allows Jalebi to focus on innovation while navigating the challenges of a competitive landscape.
Both Manhat and Jalebi share a common goal: to create sustainable solutions that address pressing challenges. They are not just startups; they are part of a larger movement towards sustainability in the UAE. Their innovations reflect a growing awareness of environmental issues and the need for responsible practices.
The UAE is at a crossroads. As it continues to develop, the demand for sustainable solutions will only increase. Water and food are fundamental to life, and the methods we use to manage them must evolve. Manhat and Jalebi are leading the charge, proving that technology can be a powerful ally in the quest for sustainability.
The future is bright for these startups. As they continue to innovate and expand, they will play a crucial role in shaping the region’s approach to water and food security. Their success will inspire others to follow suit, creating a ripple effect that could transform industries.
In a world where resources are finite, the need for sustainable practices is more urgent than ever. Manhat and Jalebi are not just responding to this need; they are redefining what is possible. Their journeys are a testament to the power of innovation and the potential for positive change.
As we look ahead, it is clear that the path to sustainability is paved with creativity and determination. The UAE is fortunate to have visionaries like Dr. Alhassan and Haider leading the way. Their work is a reminder that with the right tools and mindset, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
In conclusion, the stories of Manhat and Jalebi are not just about business success; they are about hope. They embody the spirit of innovation that the UAE is known for. As these startups continue to grow, they will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs to tackle the pressing issues of our time. The future of water and food in the UAE looks promising, and it is driven by the ingenuity of those who dare to dream big.
Water scarcity is a looming crisis. The UAE, surrounded by the Arabian Gulf, faces a paradox. It has access to vast seawater but struggles to provide clean drinking water. Traditional desalination methods, while effective, come with heavy environmental costs. They consume enormous energy, produce harmful brine, and emit carbon dioxide. Enter Manhat, a startup that aims to change the game.
Founded in 2019 by Dr. Saeed Alhassan, Manhat harnesses the power of nature. Its technology mimics the natural water cycle, using solar energy to evaporate seawater and condense the vapor into fresh water. This method eliminates the need for electricity and avoids the pitfalls of conventional desalination. It’s a simple yet profound solution to a complex problem.
Manhat’s floating devices are designed for diverse environments, from coastlines to artificial pools. They target floating farms, a modern agricultural method that maximizes space and minimizes land use. As the global floating farms market is projected to reach $14.9 billion by 2033, Manhat is poised to capitalize on this growth. Its technology not only addresses water scarcity but also supports sustainable farming practices.
The startup has already made strides in securing its future. With patents granted in 18 countries, including the UAE and the USA, Manhat is on the path to commercialization. It has raised $200,000 in funding from various government-backed entities, showcasing the trust placed in its innovative approach. The potential for partnerships with governments and desalination companies further amplifies its prospects.
While Manhat tackles water issues, Jalebi is addressing the complexities of the food and beverage (F&B) industry. Launched in 2021, Jalebi is a software platform that automates inventory management for F&B operators. The industry faces rising costs and food waste, challenges that Jalebi aims to mitigate through technology.
Co-founders Zohare Haider and Rizwan Ahmed Khan recognized a gap in the market. While other sectors embraced digital transformation, F&B lagged behind. Jalebi offers a solution that simplifies operations, allowing businesses to focus on what they do best—serving food. By leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning, Jalebi provides real-time insights that enhance efficiency and profitability.
The platform is subscription-based, making it accessible for various businesses. With a competitive pricing model, Jalebi stands out in a crowded market. It has already gained traction, boasting a 131% month-on-month growth rate since its commercial launch. The waitlist of over 400 outlets speaks volumes about its appeal.
Jalebi’s success is not just about numbers. It has garnered support from major players like Techstars and Hub71, which provide invaluable mentorship and resources. The startup’s participation in the Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF) has further solidified its position in the market. This backing allows Jalebi to focus on innovation while navigating the challenges of a competitive landscape.
Both Manhat and Jalebi share a common goal: to create sustainable solutions that address pressing challenges. They are not just startups; they are part of a larger movement towards sustainability in the UAE. Their innovations reflect a growing awareness of environmental issues and the need for responsible practices.
The UAE is at a crossroads. As it continues to develop, the demand for sustainable solutions will only increase. Water and food are fundamental to life, and the methods we use to manage them must evolve. Manhat and Jalebi are leading the charge, proving that technology can be a powerful ally in the quest for sustainability.
The future is bright for these startups. As they continue to innovate and expand, they will play a crucial role in shaping the region’s approach to water and food security. Their success will inspire others to follow suit, creating a ripple effect that could transform industries.
In a world where resources are finite, the need for sustainable practices is more urgent than ever. Manhat and Jalebi are not just responding to this need; they are redefining what is possible. Their journeys are a testament to the power of innovation and the potential for positive change.
As we look ahead, it is clear that the path to sustainability is paved with creativity and determination. The UAE is fortunate to have visionaries like Dr. Alhassan and Haider leading the way. Their work is a reminder that with the right tools and mindset, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
In conclusion, the stories of Manhat and Jalebi are not just about business success; they are about hope. They embody the spirit of innovation that the UAE is known for. As these startups continue to grow, they will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs to tackle the pressing issues of our time. The future of water and food in the UAE looks promising, and it is driven by the ingenuity of those who dare to dream big.