Across the Arabian Gulf, a new generation of entrepreneurs is leading the charge in sustainable innovation—transforming waste, agriculture, energy, and eco‑products into viable, impactful businesses.
1. The Concept (UAE)
Founders: Muhammad Rijal Hikmathullah, Yadhushan Mahendran & Maria Sobh
Mission: Creating sustainable product design with purpose
They launched with a biodegradable food tray and have ambitious plans—tendering with four airlines and expanding into art and furniture design. Their work embodies the intersection of design, sustainability, and practicality.
2. Madar Farms (UAE)
Founder/CEO: Abdulaziz AlMulla
Mission: Vertical farming for local, year‑round fresh produce
Madar combines hydroponics and modular farming to grow crops like tomatoes indoors, drastically reducing water and land use while boosting food security in arid climates.
3. Badia Farms (UAE)
Founder/CEO: Omar Al‑Jundi
Mission: Indoor, high-tech vertical farming
Dubai’s first commercial high‑tech vertical farm delivers micro‑greens and herbs to high‑end markets—bridging innovation and availability in desert environments.
4. 44.01 (Oman/UAE)
Founders: Karan Khimji, Talal Hasan & Ehab Tasfai
Mission: Mineralizing CO₂ into rock
This groundbreaking startup harnesses geology—using peridotite rock to permanently sequester CO₂. Partners include ADNOC and Masdar, and they’re gearing up for commercial-scale deployment.
5. Zeroe (UAE)
Founders: Farouk Jivani & Ali Najafian (2023)
Mission: AI-powered corporate decarbonization
Zeroe has developed a platform to measure, strategize, and finance CO₂ reduction efforts—helping large businesses comply with evolving sustainability standards.
Women’s Environmental Innovation: Palmade (UAE)
Founder: Lamis
Mission: Biodegradable tableware from date palm fibers
Palmade transforms palm leaf fibers into eco-friendly cutlery and recently expanded into straws, aligning with UAE’s ban on single-use plastics. The company also aims to diversify into items like golf tees and hairclips.
Why These Founders Matter
| Key Strengths | Impact |
|---|---|
| Local Solutions | From deserts to vertical farms, each startup is solving region-specific sustainability challenges. |
| Innovation + Design | Whether it’s mineralizing CO₂ or crafting eco cutlery—innovation meets real-world applicability. |
| Environmental & Economic | These ventures reduce environmental footprints while unlocking economic and investment potential. |
What’s Next for Gulf Sustainability Startups?
- Scaling for impact: Expect these startups to expand regionally and globally, especially as support via hubs like Masdar and ADGM strengthens.
- Policy alignment: UAE’s plastic bans, carbon goals, and sustainability mandates fuel demand for green solutions.
- Funding momentum: As MENA’s climate-tech sector gains traction, expect more investor interest and public-private partnerships.
