Astrolabs: Supporting ingenuity by launching MENA’S only Google-partnered tech hub

Mohammed Al Gergawi Keynote Speech

The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) and Google have partnered with Astrolabs to launch a tech hub in Dubai. The launch ceremony welcomed prominent guests, Mohammad Al Gergawi – Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Ahmad bin Sulayem – Executive Chairman of DMCC, Mohamad Mourad – Managing Director of Google MENA and David Grunwald – Head of EMEA Partnerships, Google for Entrepreneurs. Astrolabs Dubai has created the vibrant tech hub to support the most innovative technology-driven startups. The collaboration with Google is the first of its kind in the MENA region, bridging the gap between the Dubai startup community and the global market.

Astrolabs, headed by Muhammed Mekki and Louis Lebbos, aims to embrace startups with the potential to scale and have the biggest impact on the region and beyond. Astrolabs currently hosts over 40 start-ups across 15 industries with founders hailing from 27 countries and is providing a 6,500 square foot coworking space to access and explore new opportunities through events, networking and mentoring.

Vimbai Mhlanga, Tech Hub Manager at Astrolabs tells Arabad Magazine, “The launch of Astrolabs Dubai is significant because we are the only Google-partnered tech hub in the region. This relationship allows us to give our members exposure to programmes run by Google for Entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley and all over the world in the 20+ Tech Hubs, and give them access to training and mentors from leaders in the technology space.”

In his speech, Mohamad Mourad, Head of Google, Middle East and North Africa, discussed the inspiring nature of growth in Dubai with Astrolabs representing an exemplary form of talent in the emerging market. “Every single initiative that Dubai has embarked upon has succeeded. Astrolabs is one of the best examples of entrepreneurship in