Business

Young Dubai businessman behind unique SDaaS for SMEs

Published

2 years ago

April 26, 2023

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A Dubai-bred young serial entrepreneur is disrupting the local Software as a Service market with a unique AI-driven platform for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, launched at the start of the year.

Called Zoftware, it is “Software Democratisation as a Service, where software products of the people (companies) are recommended by our people (the team), for the people (B2B clients) for any problems they face in their businesses,” says Aayushman Dalmia, 29.

Within the first quarter of operations, Zoftware already has arrangements with a growing list of over 6,000 companies – including the Microsoft and Zoho suites, Google, Adobe and others.

“You can find a packed suite of software just with a generic search, but do you require everything in that or can you customize it? Maybe not. Zoftware is free for the customers while we work with them to understand their needs and even do the work for them in customising solutions from the software companies. Consider us as the Zomato or Tripadvisor for the software industry.

“Avoiding wastage of resources by reducing the gap between the capability knowledge of any software’s offerings and solving the problems of the end users is core to Zoftware’s mission,” says Dalmia, who came up with the idea when he could not find such a solution while searching for his needs himself.

“Zoftware is about marrying software with the best of customer experience. We make it easy for customers to navigate the ocean of software to find the right tools for their business and purpose. We offer deep insights on software and match organisations to the right product, be it for accounting, customer relationship management (CRM), project management, IT, payroll and many more,” says Dalmia, confident his idea will revolutionise the convenience of running a business.

Aayushman Dalmia set up Zoftware after getting stuck with the wrong software as a choice for his family business. Supplied

Zoftware is a unique startup offering a choice of business tools in software with a personalised touch, using Open AI’s ChatGPT, for SME owners and companies. There are plans to take this to India, a huge market for SaaS providers and consumers.

“We have raised 500,000 dollars as a convertible note. And there are plans to raise another $1.5 million in the next round,” he says. “We are aiming for a revenue of $1.5 million by end of 2023.”

The rise of ChatGPT has only become an enabler for the Zoftware team. “Our technical analysts have been nimble to stay ahead on the transformation curve. We are in the process of setting up an AI bot with whom people can converse with, we understand what the customers want from the platform and give them the relevant output data while connecting with the vendors.

“If they want, we can also onboard it for them. With ChatGPT, it can give you out the names, but it cannot do comparisons and the prices that are out there. It cannot help you come to a decision, while we can help find the best value for the clients.

“According to studies, 75 percent of businesses fail in their software implementation. We want to make it to zero, because it is a waste of capital and resources such as time, effort and money. In the SME section, that is not something one can afford. We want to reduce the wastage cycle as much as possible. And we want to build the trust of our customers.”

Zoftware is Dalmia’s latest fruit of labour, coming from his own personal experiences when he saw a gap in the market. He set up Yalla Referral, a referral and benefits platform, is co-founder of an online diamond-purchasing platform Carat Finder and Director of Growth and Innovation at Data Direct Group.

“I remember, in 2018, when I wanted to implement CRM for my sales team, I ended up putting so much effort and money only to realise a year later that I had a complex setup which wasn’t needed at all. Several dollars went in waste apart from the time and effort. Many startups and SMEs may not be able to come out of the wrong direction taken.”

Related Topics:AI CEO under 30 ChatGPT customise Dubai MENA Microsoft SaaS Software Startup young entrepreneur Zoftware Zoho

Staff Reporter

Announcements

Dubai travel: Emirates minimises disruptions, reassures travellers ahead of summer holidays

Published

1 day ago

June 24, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Despite heightened regional tensions on June 23, Emirates Airline resumed regular operations within hours, with only minimal disruptions reported across its global network.

The Dubai-based carrier activated its contingency and disruption plans following the latest regional developments, swiftly stabilising operations without any flight diversions and only a few route cancellations. Most affected flights were rerouted slightly to avoid restricted airspace, resulting in limited delays due to congestion.

In a statement, Emirates confirmed that its scheduled services resumed quickly and that the airline had maintained operations to the majority of destinations. Flights to Amman and Beirut, which were briefly suspended, resumed shortly after, demonstrating Emirates’ agility in responding to dynamic situations while ensuring traveller safety.

“The safety of our passengers and crew is always our top priority,” the airline said, noting it would never operate any flight unless it meets the strictest safety regulations. Emirates continues to coordinate closely with global aviation authorities and regularly evaluates the security landscape to reroute aircraft if needed.

Keeping Passengers Informed

The airline kept its customers up to date throughout the disruptions via its website, social media channels, and through dedicated reservation teams, who assisted travellers in adjusting itineraries as needed.

Looking Ahead to Summer Travel

As Emirates prepares for a surge in summer travel, the airline said it remains ready to adapt to any changing conditions. “With the UAE’s strong infrastructure and support systems, we are fully prepared to continue safe and smooth operations,” the airline added.

Travellers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport and stay informed through official Emirates communication channels.

Announcements

Latest UAE travel update: What travellers, especially to India, need to know amid flight disruptions

Published

1 day ago

June 24, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Several UAE-based airlines have issued disruptions in their service and route changes as a precautionary response following heightened regional tensions after Iran attacks Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar

UAE residents planning to travel this week are advised to double-check their flight status before heading to the airport, as ongoing regional tensions have led to disruptions across several major carriers.

Following Iran’s attack on the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, airlines including Etihad, Emirates, flydubai, and Air Arabia have rerouted or cancelled select flights to ensure passenger safety amid restricted airspace and rising geopolitical risk.

What UAE Airlines Are Saying

Etihad Airways

Cancelled flights on Tuesday (June 24) to/from Kuwait, Doha, and Dammam:
- EY651/652 (Abu Dhabi – Kuwait)
- EY663/664 (Abu Dhabi – Doha)
- EY575/576 (Abu Dhabi – Dammam)
Flights to Israel remain suspended until July 15.
The airline confirmed it is using only approved airspace and warned that the situation is highly dynamic.
Passengers transiting through Abu Dhabi to connect to cancelled destinations will not be accepted for travel.

Emirates Airline

Has rerouted flights away from conflict zones.
Temporary suspension of all flights to Iran and Iraq (Tehran, Baghdad, Basra) until June 30.
Warns of potential delays due to longer routes and airspace congestion.

flydubai

Flights on June 24 resumed, but delays remain possible.
Temporary suspension of services to Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, and St. Petersburg (Russia) until June 30.
Passengers heading to these destinations via Dubai will not be accepted from their point of origin.

Air Arabia

Advises passengers of possible disruptions due to airspace closures.
Suspended services to Jordan (until June 25) and Iran, Iraq, Russia, Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan (until June 30).

Dubai/Abu Dhabi Airport Updates

Dubai Airports said operations across DXB and DWC have resumed, but some delays or cancellations may still occur.
Travellers heading to India are especially advised to confirm flight status in advance. “Due to regional airspace closures, flights from DXB and DWC – Al Maktoum International may be impacted. Please check with your airline for the latest updates before heading to the airport, especially for guests travelling to India,” Dubai Airports wrote on X.
“
Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi echoed similar advice: check with your airline before traveling.

Impact on International Flights

flydubai, Etihad, Emirates, and Air Arabia have adjusted or halted flights across the region.
IndiGo Airlines suspended flights to several Gulf cities including Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, Dammam, and Abu Dhabi until at least 10am Tuesday.
Pakistan International Airlines has halted services to Doha, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Dubai.
EgyptAir also cancelled Gulf-bound flights from Cairo.
Air Canada extended its Toronto–Dubai flight suspension until August 4.

Additional Restrictions

Pakistan has extended its airspace ban for Indian-operated aircraft, including military flights—until July 23, 2025.

Travel Tips for UAE Passengers

Check flight status online or via airline apps before leaving home.
Expect delays even if your flight is not cancelled—reroutings may extend travel time.
If you are transiting through the UAE to a suspended destination, contact your airline immediately to explore alternative arrangements.

Announcements

Dubai Airports resume full operations after precautionary pause, travellers urged to check flight status

Published

1 day ago

June 24, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Dubai Airports has announced the resumption of full operations at all its airports following a temporary precautionary pause, according to a statement from the Dubai Media Office.

“While Dubai Airports is working with airlines to ensure flights operate according to approved schedules, some flights may experience delays or cancellations,” Dubai Airports wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

While the exact nature of the pause was not disclosed, authorities emphasised that the safety and well-being of all travellers and aviation staff remain the top priority.

Operations teams are now working closely with airlines to normalise flight schedules, but passengers may still encounter delays or cancellations as services stabilise.

“Due to regional airspace closures, flights from DXB and DWC – Al Maktoum International may be impacted. Please check with your airline for the latest updates before heading to the airport, especially for guests travelling to India,” Dubai Airports wrote on its social media platform.

Travellers flying in or out of Dubai International (DXB) or Al Maktoum International (DWC) are strongly advised to: