Can you share the vision behind Offline and what inspired you to create a private members’ community for scaled-up founders?
Offline was born from the realization that scaling founders often lack a trusted network for honest conversations. Our vision is to create a close-knit community where founders can share insights, navigate challenges, and support one another. Inspired by platforms like Tiger 21, we wanted to foster a space focused on peer learning, personal growth, and meaningful connections. Offline bridges the gap between ambition and shared experience, offering founders a sanctuary to thrive, both professionally and personally.

How does Offline distinguish itself from other entrepreneur networks, and what unique value does it offer its members?
Offline prioritizes deep, peer-led connections over broad networking. Our small, curated groups (pods) are led by executive coaches, ensuring focused discussions. Unlike traditional networks, we emphasize personal growth alongside professional milestones through retreats, leadership treks, and expert resources. Members gain access to a high-trust environment where they can openly discuss challenges, collaborate on ideas, and build lifelong relationships. This holistic approach sets us apart.

What motivated the decision to expand Offline from India into the UAE, and why was this region a strategic choice?
The UAE is a global hub for innovation, with strong government support for entrepreneurship and a vibrant ecosystem of diverse founders. Its strategic location as a gateway to the Middle East and Africa aligns with our vision of creating cross-border synergies. Expanding here allows us to connect Indian founders with UAE entrepreneurs, fostering collaborations that can lead to transformative outcomes.

How does Offline plan to integrate local UAE entrepreneurs with its existing community of India’s top founders?
We’re fostering cross-border collaboration through joint events, curated pods, and retreats designed to encourage interaction. By pairing complementary founders based on industry and expertise, we ensure meaningful exchanges. Additionally, our focus on addressing shared challenges—like scaling globally and navigating regulations—helps bridge cultural and market differences, building a unified community.

What challenges did you face while bringing Offline to the UAE, and how did you overcome them?
Adapting our India-focused model to the UAE required understanding local cultural and business nuances. Building trust with UAE entrepreneurs was crucial, so we partnered with local ecosystem leaders to co-host events and establish credibility. We also tailored our offerings to align with the UAE’s entrepreneurial landscape, ensuring relevance and value for members.

Can you share some examples of the success stories or synergies achieved through Offline’s community in India? How do you envision replicating them in the UAE?
In India, Offline has facilitated partnerships, joint ventures, and even co-founder matches. One founder pivoted their business model based on pod discussions, achieving rapid growth. In the UAE, we aim to replicate this by creating spaces for open dialogue and structured collaborations, while leveraging the region’s strengths in global trade and innovation.

What kind of founders or businesses are you targeting in the UAE, and what criteria do you use to select members for the community?
We target founders with a proven track record—scaling startups, securing significant funding, or achieving impactful exits. Beyond metrics, we look for members with a collaborative mindset, openness to learning, and a commitment to community engagement. Founders in tech, fintech, and global trade-focused sectors are particularly aligned with our UAE goals.

Looking ahead, how do you plan to scale Offline further in the UAE and other regions, and what are your long-term goals for the initiative?
Our next phase involves expanding pods and hosting flagship events to engage local founders deeply. We’ll continue building cross-border initiatives between India, the UAE, and other innovation hubs. Long-term, our goal is to establish Offline as the go-to community for scaling founders worldwide, creating a global network of trust, growth, and collaboration.

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The gaming center was founded in Abu Dhabi at Shams Boutik Mall, Al Reem Island in late 2015. It is quickly becoming the premiere household name for tabletop games across the UAE.

“The UAE’s thriving tabletop gaming communities are who we thank for such an unprecedented response and wonderful opportunity to expand,” explained Mark Azzam, the Founder of Back to Games. Back to Games is having its grand launch at its new location at Times Square Center, on March 24, 2017.

The brand is planning to celebrate tabletop games and the geek culture they stem from on a massive scale.

Everything from a giant size Star Wars X-Wing Game, to deluxe modern board games, to cosplayers, to giveaways for the first 200 visitors, to prizes that can be won, all whilst game demoes are on-going throughout the day.

“We are thrilled with our expansion to Dubai. There are many who already know of our brand here and would buy our products online through our webstore. Some would even drive from across the UAE all the way to our shop in Abu Dhabi to live the gaming experience. At least now, they will have us closer to them,” highlighted Mark Azzam, Founder, Back to Games.

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To be held from 10 – 11 May 2014 from 10:00am to 7:30pm at Dubai Ladies Club, for the first time, the fourth edition of the Mompreneur Market will not be part of a larger event such as The Great Parenting Show, Kids Fest and The Life and Style Show – Abu Dhabi, as it has done so in the past.

Mona Tavassoli, Founder, Mom Souq, said: “Mom Souq’s Mompreneur Market gives a unique opportunity to Mom Entrepreneurs to participate in large exhibitions and events that are not usually affordable for small businesses. We initially began by organizing the markets as part of other big events. However, after the success of the first three editions, we feel that with our community growing, we are now ready to have our first stand-alone market so that we have more control over the format of the event as well as the activities organized. Our aim is to provide aspiring mom entrepreneurs with an opportunity to network with other parents as well as showcase their products and services at highly competitive prices.”

The event will have Mom entrepreneurs, female entrepreneurs as well as other companies participating and showcasing their products and services at the event. Gold sponsors of the event include companies such as: Speed Fit, Mariam Fashion Design, Satami, Bourn Hall Clinic and Cryo Save; and the official car sponsor of the event is luxury automotive brand Lincoln and its official UAE importer-dealer, Al Tayer Motors.

Heyam Hassan, Founder, Satami, said: “Satami is a local business in Dubai that offers unique Emirati heritage-inspired home accessories and fashion. We are very pleased to be displaying our beautiful new collection of burqa frames and burqa babes t-shirts at the Mompreneur Market. We are honored to be a gold sponsor of this event and look forward to an exciting two days of meeting new clients and other Mompreneurs.”

Exhibitors at the event will include companies and mompreneurs catering to a wide range of product and service categories such as health, nutrition, fashion, cosmetics, kids fashion, education and fitness. Exhibitors include: Organic Food Trading, Tree Hugger Company, Cute Edition, Leaps Centre, Super Food, Wellbeing Medical Center, Desert Diamonds, and Maddy & Eva and more.

Nermeen EL-Sawy (B.Sc. Pharm), Business Development Manager, Cryo-Save, said: “Cryo-Save is Europe’s largest Cord Blood Stem Cell Bank with more than 270,000 samples stored from 70 countries across six continents. We pride ourselves in owning the international expertise in collecting, processing and storing the life-saving cord blood stem cells in our world-class, state of art facilities in Dubai, Belgium, Germany, South Africa and India. We are delighted and honored to join hands with Mom Souq at the Mompreneur Market for the significant purpose of increasing awareness among UAE residents on the incomparable value of Stem Cell Banking.”

Apart from the exhibition, the event will also host a range of fun-filled activities from story-telling, yoga for moms and babies and dance, to face painting, nail spas, and photo booths.

United Colors of Benetton will be hosting a Kool Kraft Competition for children aged four to fourteen. As part of the competition, children will be provided with craft packs from Benetton, which will include art materials and an outlined drawing sheet.  Youngsters will be allowed to use paints, crayon, glitter, cloth, fur or any material of their choice to complete their art sheet. Winners – selected by Benetton team – will be awarded United Colors of Benetton Gift vouchers within a week.

With over 30 companies showcasing amazing products and more than 1000 visitors expected to attend over two days, the event will not only provide an opportunity for female entrepreneurs and companies to participate and present their business in a community environment, but also provide kids and moms the opportunity of have a fun filled day networking and meeting other parents and kids.

To exhibit at the Mom Souq Mompreneur Market or for further details, please e-mail market@momsouq.com

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Falling under the umbrella of MOX Telecom Arabia, the Middle Eastern arm of German telecoms group MOX Telecom AG, MOX iT invites its lifestyle-conscious audience to a smart online buying experience. Same day delivery for most items, a completely intuitive site, and authentic offerings from some of the world’s most recognisable brands, create a sophisticated and alluring shopping destination.

“We combine German reliability and technical know-how with a dynamic retail environment that is very much on trend and stocks the latest styles from premium brands. We have created a convenient, simple and trustworthy shopping journey. We offer customer service 7 days a week, and our customers benefit from a very high level of security. That is why they trust us with their details – 60 percent of our sales are through credit cards. And to this compelling mix, we have added the fastest industry-wide delivery, and unique loyalty programmes where our customer community is rewarded for shopping with us.” said Debbie Baertschi, CEO of MOX iT.

The Middle East is rapidly becoming a hub for online retail, with an estimated 135 million Internet users. Almost 50 percent of consumers across the MENA region have reported making an online purchase once a month, driving B2C E-Commerce sales to an expected USD 15 billion by 2015, up from an estimated USD 9 billion in 2012. Research indicates that online games, computer software, entertainment and accessories are the most popular item categories online.

Baertschi continues: “Our MOX iT community wants genuineness, and cool, laid-back sophistication in what it consumes. Our shoppers value style, but are also enjoy entertainment and adventure. They want to shop smart and find excellent deals but without compromising on quality, trust or convenience. We know our shoppers well and have tailored the shopping experience to their preferences. Our online shop allows us to be available 24/7 to save on expensive retail spaces and costs. It benefits our customers to save on all their favourite genuine brands and experiences by enjoying up to 50 percent less on the prices.”

Online shopping is definitely coming into its peak in the UAE. In fact, 60 percent of surveyed UAE residents say they are planning to purchase a deal online in the next month. MOX iT wants them to experience an online destination that chooses from select brands in established luxury and fashion as well as upcoming trends. MOX iT also wants them to enjoy their shopping journey, and return over and over. The idea is to provide a complete smart buying experience as opposed to a one-off transaction.

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The new community website will also update users about latest events being held at DSO and host photo galleries and videos. The online community initiative follows DSO’s announcement in December 2013 that it would be the first free zone in the UAE to offer complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the 7.2 square km technology park premises. The website was developed to offer a user-friendly interface and make the browser’s experience seamless, while optimising search engine capabilities to provide the information quickly and easily.

Adnan Al Bahar, VP of Marketing and Corporate Communications of DSOA, said: “We have launched the new community website to provide residents with an easy guide to living in our hi-tech free zone park, where they can promptly and conveniently obtain information on dining options, shops and services available in the community. DSO aims to keep pace with the digital age and establish an easy connectivity with its community and with the world outside through such initiatives.”

DSO is home to residential and commercial facilities – schools, nurseries, community shopping centres, cafes, restaurants, health, wellness and beauty centres catering to its residents and tenants, all of which are listed on the website with their location coordinates. The website will remain current and be updated on an ongoing basis to ensure new outlets and avenues are listed as and when they are opened.

A wholly-owned entity of the Dubai government, Dubai Silicon Oasis operates as a free zone technology park for the semiconductor, microelectronic and other high technology-based companies looking to set up their regional headquarters, as well as research and development facilities in the Middle East and North Africa region.

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After Mompreneur Middle East hosted its last Mompreneur Meet-up in November 2013, the first Mompreneur Meet-up of the year will have Carol Talbot, NLP Master Trainer (Neuro Linguistic Programming) and a respected expert on NLP, speaking on “Discovering your Inner Leader”.

Speaking about the upcoming meet-up, Mona Tavassoli, Founder, Mom Souq, said: “We are very excited to welcome Carol at our next meet-up to speak to the female entrepreneurs who have been part of the Mom Souq community. We wanted to start the New Year with a motivational subject because I believe that change is a door that can only be opened from the inside. Also, after interacting with so many people through Mom Souq, I have come to realise that many times it’s only our self limiting beliefs or thoughts that stop us from achieving our true potential. This is why we chose to invite Carol because when one is running a business, learning how to be mentally strong and confident is sometimes more important than learning the technical aspects of business.”

Being a successful entrepreneur to a well established learning company in Dubai herself, Carol strongly believes that in this competitive age of infinite choices, it’s vital to focus on what we really want, and have new ways to go about achieving it. Carol in this session will help attending female entrepreneurs discover what they are really doing inside their head, dramatically improve their results, and finally improve their focus and personal power.

Carol Talbot, NLP Master Trainer, said: “To be successful, you have to be transformed in the way you think, the way you act, and most importantly in the performance you deliver as a result.”

Carol seeks to empower people and works with them to create and enhance their energy within so they get ‘fired up’ to take action. As a professional speaker, Carol has spoken at numerous conferences, events and workshops to help people think differently.

Much of Carol’s work includes accelerated learning techniques and ‘breakthrough’ events. She has delivered motivational speeches to large audiences across five continents and motivated staff at world-class companies such as GE, Wrigley and Price Waterhouse Cooper, and groups such as the Entrepreneurs Organisation and Young Presidents Organisation.

To be held at the Dubai Ladies Club in Jumeirah, the meet-up will take place from 6:30pm to 8:30pm on 20 January 2014. Providing great networking opportunities, the fee to attend the Meet-up is AED 95 inclusive of refreshments.

To attend Mom Souq’s Mompreneur Meet-Up, you can RSVP at meetup@momsouq.com.

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The newly acquired funds will help GlamBox scale rapidly and strategically its operations in preparation for its regional expansion. End of 2013 will see the pink glossy GlamBox delivered to the doorsteps of thousands of women across Saudi Arabia.

“GlamBox was founded in January 2012 with the vision to create an all-encompassing beauty home for women in the Middle East that offers the most coveted beauty products via a convenient and valuable service, genuinely useful and insightful content and a strong community.,” said Shant Oknayan, Co-Founder and Managing Director of GlamBox.

“We noticed that while the online fashion market was growing considerably in the Middle East, there was a gap in the beauty market. We were aware of the challenges, because beauty entails trying, touching and feeling a product, but we knew that an e-commerce model that would allow consumers all the interaction with the product, plus a higher level of engagement and connection with the beauty brands would definitely work. And it did,” explained Oknayan.

“Now we think our renewed focus on engagement and content will resonate with Arab women and our approach has the potential to fundamentally change the way beauty products and content are consumed around the region. We’re fortunate to have a dynamic group of investors that support our vision,” concluded Oknayan

Speaking for MBC Ventures, Managing Director Stephanie Holden said: “With our investment in GlamBox, we take MBC’s commitment to the digital space to new heights, supporting the growth of start-ups that provide fresh and compelling offerings to consumers in the Middle East & North Africa region. There is an actual demand for premium, relevant, e-commerce offerings, delivered in an attractive, smart and targeted manner. Based on its development so far, GlamBox has proven that is tuned to the market needs and trends. We’re delighted to contribute to fuelling its next stage of growth, while having a strategic addition to our group’s already strong line-up of investments.”

STC Ventures also gave their vote of confidence: “in GlamBox we found a great team and business, capitalising on the significant opportunity regionally in e-commerce, as well as the growing market for personal care and beauty which is under-served online, and offering a great product for female consumers. We are excited to be on board and supporting them in their regional expansion” commented Angus Paterson, Partner, STC Ventures.

A recent report commissioned by PayPal and conducted by Ipsos shows that online spending in the Middle East and North Africa is expected to grow from $9 billion in 2012 to $15 billion by 2015, and as much as $3 billion will be paid for on mobile, compared to the $500 million today.

“Start-ups that understand that innovation, market relevance and timing are critical factors that influence competitiveness and success, will immediately benefit from the changes in the market place; they will in fact ride the wave of change. That’s why we believe in GlamBox,” said a spokesperson on behalf of R&R Ventures about investing in the UAE start-up.

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Based at the twofour54 campus in Abu Dhabi, #thelab was inaugurated by Noura Al Kaabi, Chief Executive Officer of twofour54, who welcomed the guests, Many of creative lab’s award-winning community members joined in the occasion.

The evening also included an inaugural Creative Lab Awards ceremony, recognising the community’s exceptional contributions to production across a wide range of projects.

The space allows other creative entities to host events such as screenings and workshops. The first of these is being hosted on behalf of Cinefinance. This is a three day workshop programme on the filming of the sci-fi thriller ’51’.

Designed as a space for community members to meet, collaborate, brainstorm or simply relax and share ideas, #thelab offers a number of specialist production facilities, which guests had the opportunity to view. Facilities include a sound lab, edit lab, ideas lab, gaming area, dry kitchen, stage area and hot desks equipped with PCs and Macs loaded with creative design software.

Noura Al Kaabi, CEO of twofour54, said, “During creative lab’s three year history we’ve grown to over 5,000 members, with 52 projects completed and 20 awards received to date. These remarkable achievements have led us to build a real physical space to allow the community to grow in new ways. I’m sure I speak for a lot of people here tonight when I say how much I look forward to seeing the film, music, publishing, new media and other projects which come out of #thelab.”

Noura Al Kaabi’s speech was followed by the first ever Creative Lab Awards ceremony. The awards were developed by creative lab to recognise the exceptional contribution that members have made to creative lab’s numerous projects. With 16 winners, the awards covered 11 categories including: Best Emerging Talent; Best Production Manager; Best Producer; Best Applicant; Best Volunteer; Best Intern; Project most selected at festivals; Best creative lab Ambassador; Best Screenwriter, Best Editor and Highest Achievement. The creative lab award winners included 9 UAE nationals and 7 members from various Arab countries residing in the United Arab Emirates. See appendix attached for winner details.

#thelab is open to all creative lab community members who apply for a creative lab membership card through creative lab’s website, and is open 10am-10pm, seven days a week. An online booking system allows community members to book the editing, sound and idea labs.

The Acting workshop taking place on 20th June, will be delivered by Navid Negahban who plays a leading role in the top US drama, ‘Homeland’ and Ali Al Sayed, founder of Dubomedy, the first and only urban art school in the region. More workshops are planned on the 28th and 29th June and include: Writing for Film with Ahmed Aishi, a recognized screenwriter and novelist; Pitching and Producing for Film with Michelle Nickelson, Co-Chairwoman and Founder of Women in Film and Television, UAE; and a session on Directing, with David Moore, expert lecturer at the UAE’s Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT). Further information is available on the creative lab website. ..

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