File Photo. Image used for illustrative purpose
Numerous UAE startups that emerged during the Covid-19 pandemic to address specific needs are thriving in the post-pandemic era. These businesses, spanning education, recycling, and other sectors, have not only survived but are making significant strides in the market. Examples include Elmadrasaha.com, which offers online tutoring and educational programs, and Al Tabeeah, a manufacturer of biodegradable products. Rashid Al Balushi, co-founder of Elmadrasah, noted that while the company faced initial challenges, the pandemic's impact on educational consumption patterns was a turning point.
"We now have 50,000 active students from 30 countries and over 1,000 teachers across various nations including Egypt, South Africa, India, the Philippines, the UK, and more. We cover subjects from primary to high school, college admission programs, migration exams, and languages. The post-pandemic boom in GCC countries has led to an increased interest in learning Arabic. We are the largest online learning platform in the UAE," he said.
Al Balushi further explained, "We began with tutoring but aimed to establish a comprehensive online school from grade 1 to 12, especially for those abroad or traveling. For Arabs in the UK, US, and other countries where certain subjects like Arabic are unavailable, we serve as a backup." Elmadrasah is set to expand into Saudi Arabia after completing necessary legal formalities and plans to cover all GCC countries. Under the Dubai SME program, Elmadrasah charges Dh50-60 per hour-long session. Most students are from the UAE, followed by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other GCC countries. Al Balushi's son was the first student of Elmadrasah.
While Elmadrasah focused on online education, Al Tabeeah addressed waste disposal issues during the pandemic. Shifali Mishra, founder of Al Tabeeah, recounted how the business idea took shape when she encountered a 6-foot-tall plastic container awaiting recycling. "I researched and found that food in contact with plastic can be harmful, especially when hot. There needed to be an alternative, leading to the creation of Al Tabeeah post-pandemic," she said.
Al Tabeeah has transformed 3 million pieces of food packaging from plastic to compostable materials. Clients include airlines and catering companies involved in the Fifa World Cup. Products are made from sugarcane waste for food containers and cotton waste from the fashion industry for gifting items. The response has been positive, with concerns about plastic in food and blood driving demand for safer alternatives.
