With their cutting-edge innovations, startups provide a glimpse into how we are stepping into the future of work, and Xplore Dubai’s Top Startups list is a great place to find the startups that are worth your attention. The startups like Careem, and Noon are scouring new frontiers in technology, answering customers’ increasing demand for an association, and helping accelerate business development and success. Almost all the firms nowadays employ and adopt the flexibility employees want now.

The last decade has seen a steady increase in the number of startups in Dubai. The United Arab Emirates has made several changes to its law to support startups. The UAE has recently come up with initiatives focused on nurturing new businesses that will employ young people and contribute to building an inclusive economy.

Dubai is one of the most dynamic places on Earth, with a buzzing economy and a rich culture. It is the perfect place to launch your startup with support from the government, investors, and many other stakeholders. 

Here are the top 5 startups you need to keep an eye on:

1. Kitopi

Kitopi is the leading cloud kitchen (virtual kitchen) platform globally. It is a UAE based cloud kitchen platform launched in January 2018 by Mohamad Ballout (CEO), Saman Darkan (Chief Product and Technology Officer), Bader Ataya (Chief Growth Officer), and Andres Arenas (Chief Compliance Officer). Kitopi offers end-to-end services to F&B (Food & Beverage) brands, where they take care of all the operations-from the sourcing & cooking to packaging & safe delivery. They also ensure the complete consumer experience, ensuring buyers are always happy. It provides the platform to leading F&B brands like GrubHub, UberEats, Zomato, DoorDash, Talabat, etc. Kitopi currently operates more than 60 kitchens across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the US, and the UK.

With over 200 brand partners, Kitopi has launched a grocery vertical called Shop Kitopi- a one-stop-shop for delivering essentials and other food items across Dubai in 60 minutes or less.

2. PISIQ

Peripheral Intelligent Systems In Quantum (PISIQ) was founded by Arman Salah (current CEO), Mohammad Nihal Shaikh (Chief Information Officer), and Mudar Muhissen (Chief Technology OfficerChief ) in November 2017. 

With 12 IP patents in its cradle, PISIQ is an R&D firm that does research in the areas of Artificial intelligence, Intelligent Hardware, Security, and Business Intelligence. Since its establishment, PISIQ has expanded into regions outside of Asia & Middle East, such as Europe, Australia, the Americas, and Africa. The headquarter of PISIQ is currently in Dubai, UAE. PISIQ is one of the earliest leaders of autonomous software and infrastructure globally.

3. Business Bureau Exchange (BXB)

BXB is the UAE’s leading online marketplace for businesses, franchises, and investments. They help you to connect with other business owners and investors. Founded in 2016 by Tutu Raul, BXB has become a go-to place for people to buy or sell assets. The BXB provides an excellent opportunity for both local and international business owners to initiate a trade with each other. The Bureau is committed to providing the most reliable environment for business exchanges with the most sincere intentions.

Owned and managed by BX Bureau DMCC, Business Exchange Bureau provides a professional platform to SMEs to increase efficiency and business opportunities. Having a host of businesses within one marketplace creates serious business buyers that require transparency, standardization, and market insight. So if you’re looking to buy or sell assets, BXB is certainly the place for you.

4. Ureed

Ureed is a Dubai based online platform that connects employers and businesses with freelance workers globally. Founded in 2017 by Nour Al Hassan, Ureed has become the go-to place for employers to look for freelance talents and vice versa. It was operated by a UAE based company Tarjama, founded in 2008. 

Since its establishment in 2017, Ureed has grown beyond borders and in size as well. In June 2020, led by CEO Marwan Abdelaziz, Ureed announced its separation from Trajama to become its own company and has acquired the ownership of Nabbesh (founded in 2012), one of the oldest online freelance marketplace of the region.

5. TripJohn

TripJohn is a UAE based leading online rent a car platform. With a click of the mouse, you can hire the best and luxurious cars, like Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Range Rover, Audi, Lamborghini, etc., from the best car dealers registered on TripJohn. All car dealers in UAE listed on TripJohn are registered by the Roads & Transport Authority. Established in 2017 by Tariq Zargar, TripJohn offers an unforgettable experience for all their customers with safe and affordable cars and the best rental deals on luxurious cars. Rent a car with TripJohn and enjoy the alluring and mesmerizing beauty of the Emirates.

From healthcare to virtual reality to online renting platforms-Dubai’s startups are actively shaping the country’s thriving SME ecosystem thanks to their creativity and persistence. The economic outlook remains uncertain, but some companies have managed to thrive amid the instability. They continue to attract the best talent by being the employer of choice.