Connect with us

Business

Zoftware’s Aayushman Dalmia wins Innovation Excellence award at Ignyte SME Challenge

Published

on

Spread the love

Aayushman Dalmia, founder of Dubai-based startup Zoftware, has won the Innovation Excellence Award at the Digital Enablement of SMEs Challenge. The event, hosted by the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence of UAE and Ignyte, positions Dalmia for further growth as he continues his mission to simplify software discovery for small and medium businesses across the region.

Dalmia’s platform, Zoftware, has been steadily gaining traction in the MENA startup ecosystem for offering a streamlined approach to finding, comparing and selecting enterprise software solutions – a process that remains a hurdle for many growing businesses.

“This award is a testament to the need for simplifying tech access for SMEs,” said Dalmia, who has been named among Forbes Middle East’s 30 Under 30 entrepreneurs in the past. “Our goal has always been to bridge the digital divide by helping businesses make faster, more informed software decisions.”

The challenge is part of a wider push to accelerate SME digitisation across the region — an agenda that aligns closely with both government and private-sector priorities in the UAE.

Aimed at recognising impactful solutions that accelerate SME digital transformation, the challenge, held recently in Dubai, drew hundreds of high-potential founders from across the MENA region. Dalmia impressed the jury with his platform’s clear value proposition and scalable vision—matching SMEs with the right digital tools through a curated marketplace backed by intelligent filters, user reviews, and guided discovery.

“This award validates everything we’ve been building at Zoftware for the past couple of years or so,” said Dalmia, speaking after the ceremony. “Technology shouldn’t be a hurdle—it should be a launchpad. We’re making it easier for SMEs to make smart digital decisions without needing an IT degree.”

With this latest recognition, Zoftware joins a growing list of Dubai-born startups gaining international visibility, reinforcing the city’s position as a launchpad for regional innovation.

A Track Record of Disruptive Innovation- 

Zoftware has been making headlines since its launch for its ambitious aim: to become the region’s go-to platform for B2B software discovery. In 2024, the company was recognised by TechRadar MENA as one of the “Top 10 Startups to Watch” in the SaaS enablement space.

Under Dalmia’s leadership, Zoftware has grown rapidly, onboarding hundreds of software vendors and serving SMEs in sectors ranging from logistics and retail to health and education.

Beyond the Prize: A Strategic Boost- 

“We’re at a tipping point now,” Dalmia added. “This support will help us go deeper in key markets and integrate more AI-driven features to guide SME software choices. Our roadmap includes multi-language access, fintech tools, and region-specific integrations.”

Digital Enablement: A Regional Imperative-

As the UAE and wider Gulf continue to prioritise SME growth as a cornerstone of economic diversification, platforms like Zoftware are stepping in to close the tech literacy and access gap. According to a recent report by the World Bank, nearly 75% of SMEs in the MENA region still lack structured digital infrastructure – a gap Zoftware aims to close.

“We’re not selling software – we’re selling clarity, confidence, and capacity,” Dalmia said.

“If we get this right, we unlock not just productivity, but resilience and long-term competitiveness for thousands of businesses.”

With the Innovation Excellence Award now under its belt, Zoftware is poised to scale further and cement its role as a key enabler of SME digital transformation in the region.

Real estate

City Walk Northline: Dubai’s next stylish urban address to elevate everyday living

Published

on

Spread the love

Dubai’s most walkable lifestyle hub is getting a sleek new extension. Meraas, part of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has awarded a Dh440 million contract to GCC Contracting to develop City Walk Northline, a premium residential expansion that’s set to reshape life in one of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.

Expected to be completed by 2027, City Walk Northline will feature three modern residential buildings that seamlessly blend with the area’s contemporary energy, offering residents a fresh take on urban living with more space, more light, and more lifestyle experiences right at their doorstep.

A new home in the heart of the action

City Walk Northline 1 will house 114 one- to three-bedroom apartments, while Northline 2 will feature two eight-storey towers with 190 units, all designed with open layouts, elegant finishes, and private terraces that extend the indoors into Dubai’s year-round sunshine.

Set between Jumeirah Street and Sheikh Zayed Road, the new development gives residents instant access to the best of the city, from Coca-Cola Arena and Dubai Mall to Jumeirah Beach, all just minutes away.

Designed for the way Dubai lives

The new residences will introduce a refined, minimalist aesthetic, inspired by City Walk’s architectural rhythm and landmarks such as The Green Planet and Central Park. Interiors will be bathed in natural light, with premium materials, sleek kitchens, and timeless design touches that balance comfort and style.

Residents can look forward to infinity-edge pools, modern gyms, shaded terraces, and stylish communal lounges, all designed to offer a private retreat from the city buzz while staying connected to its energy.

A community built around lifestyle

For residents, the expansion means even more walkable dining, leisure, and green spaces, reinforcing City Walk’s identity as a place where people can live, work, and play without ever needing to leave the neighbourhood.



Continue Reading

Automobile

Gopichand Hinduja: Honouring a visionary who strengthened the UAE–India business bridge

Published

on

Spread the love

The passing of Gopichand Hinduja, Co-Chairman of the Hinduja Group, marks the loss of a remarkable visionary whose leadership transcended borders and industries.  The chairman of the Hinduja Group and one of Britain’s wealthiest businessmen died in London on Tuesday, November 4, at the age of 85, according to PTI. Fondly known as ‘GP’ in global business circles, Hinduja had been unwell for several weeks and passed away in a London hospital, said sources.

Under his stewardship, the Hinduja Group evolved into a diversified multinational conglomerate spanning automotive, energy, banking, infrastructure, and technology, with a growing footprint in the Gulf region, particularly in the UAE.

He recognised the UAE not just as a commercial hub, but as a key growth market and a platform for innovation and sustainability. His belief in the nation’s vision of economic diversification inspired strategic collaborations that strengthened local industries while deepening India’s enduring partnership with the Emirates.

Hinduja also acknowledged the region’s dynamic reforms and its emergence as the ‘Capital of Global Wealth,’ aligning perfectly with the Group’s guiding philosophy of ‘think local, act global.’ Under his direction, the UAE became an essential regional hub for the Hinduja Group’s business expansions across the Asia-Pacific and beyond.

One of the Group’s most promising ventures in the region is Switch Mobility, formed through the merger of Ashok Leyland’s electric vehicle division and the UK-based Optare. The company exemplifies Hinduja’s long-term vision for a greener, smarter future. In line with the UAE’s sustainability goals and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Switch Mobility had planned trial runs of its electric buses and light trucks in both countries this year, signalling a new era of sustainable mobility in the Middle East.

Hinduja’s influence was never confined to business. He believed deeply in “business with a purpose”, emphasising philanthropy, education, and community empowerment as integral parts of success. His humility, spirituality, and people-first leadership style earned him respect across continents.

As the UAE continues to evolve as a hub for innovation and sustainable development, Gopichand Hinduja’s legacy endures in every partnership, investment, and idea that bridges nations for a better tomorrow. 

Gopichand Hinduja leaves behind his spouse Sunita, two sons Sanjay and Dheeraj, and daughter Rita.

Sources: India Today, Gulf News, PTI

Continue Reading

Announcements

DP World ILT20 Crowns ‘Habibi & Habibti’ as mascot winners

Published

on

Spread the love

The DP World International League T20 concluded its first-of-its-kind Mascot Design Competition this week. The competition was held from 4 July to 21 September. 

The competition captured the imagination of students across the UAE. With an overwhelming number of entries, the activation demonstrated the extraordinary creativity, enthusiasm, and energy that cricket inspires among young minds, making it a truly nationwide celebration of sport, culture, and community. 

The grand mascot unveiling was held at the Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, Indian High School, Oud Metha. The winning student, Levin Veeroy Fernandes, was officially announced, and his imaginative design (Habibi and Habibti) was transformed into the official mascot of the DP World ILT20, now set to become the face of the league for seasons to come. 

The event featured an exciting reveal ceremony, with the student’s design brought to life and presented in front of a vibrant audience, celebrating not only Levin’s creativity but also the remarkable participation of schools and students across the UAE. 

The DP World ILT20 extends its heartfelt thanks to all participants whose contributions made this initiative a resounding success. Each entry brought unique ideas and perspectives, reinforcing the league’s commitment to inspiring young minds and celebrating the spirit of cricket. 

DP World ILT20 CEO David White: “On behalf of team DP World International League T20, I want to thank all the participants for their efforts. For us, all of you are winners, we are delighted with the interest that the competition created across the UAE. 

“The DP World ILT20 is all about UAE and the development of the sport amongst present and future generations of cricketers. Sport and cricket in particular has helped bring together a number of communities and nationalities across the UAE. Cricket has a four-decade long legacy in the country and with the continued growth of the league, the future of cricket not only in the UAE but across the Gulf region is bright and exciting.”  

Indian High Schools Group CEO Shri Punit MK Vasu: “Our partnership with DP World ILT20 presents a remarkable platform for our learners to witness world-class cricket in Dubai while embracing the deeper lessons the sport imparts.  

“At The Indian High Group of Schools, we uphold the belief that cricket’s enduring spirit fosters respect, discipline, leadership, resilience, teamwork, and composure under pressure, values that cultivate not only accomplished athletes, but also well-rounded, future-ready individuals prepared to lead with integrity, ethics and purpose in a global arena.” 

The DP World International League T20 Season 4 will begin on Tuesday, 2 December – UAE National Day (Eid-Al-Etihad) with a blockbuster opening, the six-team, 34-match tournament will conclude with the final on Sunday, 4 January 2026. 

Continue Reading

Popular

© Copyright 2025 HEADLINE. All rights reserved

https://headline.ae/