Abu Dhabi Investment Office to expand San Francisco office to attract further US investment into the emirate's health sector
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has announced plans to expand the operations of its office in San Francisco to support the global expansion of Abu Dhabi's economic clusters. At an epicentre of health tech, biotech, and venture capital, the expansion of the San Francisco office will promote Abu Dhabi's fast-track clinical validation and regulatory pathways to serve as a launchpad for global innovation in healthcare, as well as other priority sectors.The Abu Dhabi's Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine cluster (HELM), launched in April 2025 by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) in partnership with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, is projected to contribute $25.6 billion to Abu Dhabi's GDP, unlock 30,000 new jobs, and attract $11.5 billion in investment by 2045.The Cluster, tapping growth opportunities in the global healthcare market, which is projected to reach $25.3 trillion by 2045, will be a key area of focus for the San Francisco office. One of the largest global health innovation initiatives of its kind, HELM leverages Abu Dhabi's strengths in genomics, population health intelligence, AI in healthcare, and regulatory agility. ADIO office will enable US-based startups and scaleups to join other leading US healthcare firms, such as Insilico Medicine and Innovaccer, in expanding to Abu Dhabi.The announcement was made as part of a high-level delegation visit to San Francisco, led by the Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, His Excellency Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, to strengthen strategic partnerships and hold meetings with decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and representatives of leading institutions in the health technology and innovation sector in the region.Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, said, 'ADIO's office in San Francisco is more than a presence, it's a platform for investment matching, market entry, and long-term growth. By expanding our operations in San Francisco, we're not only opening new doors to Abu Dhabi's business ecosystem, we're building two-way bridges for capital, innovation, and impact across multiple innovation-driven sectors.'His Excellency Al Mansoori said, 'The future of health cannot be built in isolation; it must be co-created. The expansion of ADIO's office in San Francisco will give health innovators, and entrepreneurs the opportunity to build, test, and scale solutions with Abu Dhabi, for the world. As a Living Lab for real-world health innovation, backed by agile, innovation-focused regulations, capital and infrastructure, we offer a platform where global ideas can scale and create impact.'
Announced during Abu Dhabi Global Health Week 2025, the HELM cluster serves as a launchpad for health and life sciences companies seeking to tap into strategic capital with partners in Abu Dhabi, fast-track market validation through Abu Dhabi's digitally integrated clinical trial and regulatory infrastructure, simultaneously access and expand across two high-value markets—the US and the Middle East, collaborate with leading UAE-based research institutions and healthcare providers and scale globally with bespoke advisory and partnership support.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hi Dubai
an hour ago
- Hi Dubai
Smart Packaging Strategies to Boost Brand Value and Cut Costs for Dubai Businesses
Packaging today is no longer a passive layer that simply wraps and protects a product. It has evolved into a powerful business tool, shaping consumer perception, enhancing sustainability efforts, and directly impacting the bottom line. Smart packaging refers to modern, intentional strategies that blend innovation with functionality. This could mean using eco-friendly materials that reflect your brand's values, integrating QR codes to share your story, or redesigning boxes to reduce shipping volume and cost. If your packaging could speak, what would it say about your brand? In short, packaging has become a silent ambassador for your business and a surprisingly efficient cost-saver when done right. In a market like Dubai, where competition is intense and customers expect both luxury and responsibility, the stakes are even higher. The UAE's packaging industry is expected to cross USD 10 billion in 2025, driven by demand for premium, sustainable, and technologically enhanced solutions. Are you offering an experience, or just a box? Consumers here are not only drawn to what's inside, but also to how it's presented, how it aligns with their values, and how convenient it is to interact with. At the same time, rising logistics and warehousing costs are pushing businesses to rethink how much they spend on packaging—every extra gram, inch, or layer counts. For Dubai-based companies, smart packaging offers a unique opportunity to balance these pressures. It enables you to deliver a richer brand experience while being mindful of efficiency, scalability, and environmental impact. What if your packaging could do more, with less? In this article, we'll explore actionable packaging strategies that help businesses boost brand value and cut costs at the same time, proving that your packaging can do far more than you might think. Why Smart Packaging Is a Strategic Move in Dubai Dubai's packaging scene is undergoing a major transformation, driven by changing consumer behaviour, economic pressure, and growing sustainability awareness. What used to be a functional necessity is now seen as a crucial element of brand identity, customer experience, and cost control. 1. Trends Defining UAE's Packaging Market Sustainability is becoming a clear priority for both businesses and consumers. More people now favour brands that use eco-friendly packaging, whether it's recyclable, compostable, or made from responsibly sourced materials. At the same time, there's a growing demand for packaging that feels premium and looks beautiful, especially in industries like beauty, fashion, food, and luxury goods. On the technology front, smart packaging is beginning to make its mark. From QR codes and NFC chips to digital authentication and interactive labels, these features are adding new value to packaging, helping brands connect with customers, share information, and stand out in competitive markets. In a city like Dubai, where innovation is expected, these packaging solutions fit naturally into the business landscape. 2. Balancing Premium Experience with Margin Control Businesses in Dubai often find themselves caught between two demands: delivering a luxurious, seamless customer experience and keeping operational costs under control. As shipping fees, raw material prices, and storage costs continue to rise, packaging becomes one of the smartest places to improve efficiency. Right-sized boxes, lighter materials, and designs that require less handling or storage space can make a noticeable difference. At the same time, clever packaging decisions can protect products better, reduce returns, and improve the overall unboxing experience, allowing brands to maintain a high-end feel without overspending. 3. Regulation and Consumer Mindset Driving Smarter Choices Dubai's shift toward a greener future is influencing how packaging is made, used, and disposed of. Local authorities are encouraging businesses to move away from single-use plastics and explore more sustainable options. This push is reinforced by consumer habits—more people are aware of environmental issues and are actively choosing brands that align with their values. Smart packaging fits this new mindset perfectly. It allows companies to meet new regulations, reduce waste, and present themselves as forward-thinking and responsible—all while enhancing the customer journey. In short, smart packaging is becoming a competitive necessity. It helps businesses in Dubai stay relevant, stay efficient, and stay aligned with a customer base that's evolving just as quickly as the market itself. Smart Packaging Strategies That Boost Brand Value Smart packaging has become one of the most visible and effective ways for brands to stand out in a crowded market, especially in a city like Dubai, where customers expect both innovation and intention. The box, bottle, or bag that carries your product is no longer just a vessel—it's your brand's first impression, a silent storyteller, and often the moment a customer decides whether to trust you or not. Sustainable Materials as a Brand Story Today's consumers are far more conscious of what packaging is made of—and where it ends up. Using biodegradable, recyclable, or responsibly sourced materials doesn't just reduce environmental impact; it sends a clear message about your values. Is your packaging reinforcing your brand's mission or silently contradicting it? By incorporating visible eco-labels or recycled textures, you give customers a chance to feel good about their purchase—and about choosing you over a competitor. Personalized Packaging Experiences In a digital-first world, physical personalization feels luxurious. From custom thank-you notes to limited-edition seasonal packaging for Ramadan or Eid, thoughtful design choices can transform a standard delivery into a memorable unboxing experience. Have you ever received packaging that felt like it was made just for you? That emotional resonance builds brand loyalty—and turns customers into brand advocates. For Dubai-based businesses, personalisation aligned with cultural values or local occasions adds even more depth. Tech-Enhanced Interaction QR codes, NFC tags, and even AR layers now offer customers an easy way to interact with your brand beyond the product. A simple scan can tell your brand's story, show how the product is made, or validate its authenticity. In a market where trust and transparency matter, why not let your packaging do the talking? These digital features create engagement moments that extend far past the shelf and deepen the overall customer journey. Luxury Perception Through Tactile Elements Packaging that feels luxurious often influences how people perceive the product inside. Thick, textured paper, magnetic closures, embossed fonts, or foil detailing—all signal quality before the box is even opened. In high-end sectors like cosmetics, jewelry, or wellness, these touches are not extras; they're expectations. Would your product still feel premium without them? Eco-Awareness as Differentiation More and more customers are making buying decisions based on a brand's environmental responsibility. Smart packaging allows you to wear that commitment proudly. Whether it's a printed pledge to offset carbon, a simple infographic on how to recycle the box, or a note explaining the choice of material, every element can turn packaging into a moment of shared values. Are you using your packaging to show customers you care about what they care about? Smart packaging can amplify your brand voice without saying a single word. When done well, it becomes an extension of your brand's identity—elevating perception, enhancing connection, and leaving a lasting impression long after the product is used. Smart Packaging Tactics That Cut Business Costs Smart packaging isn't only about presentation—it's also about precision. The right design can save businesses thousands in logistics, storage, returns, and labour. When you start treating packaging as an operational strategy, not just a branding exercise, the results often show up directly on your balance sheet. Let's explore how. Right-Sizing and Material Reduction One of the simplest ways to lower packaging costs is to reduce excess. Smaller, more efficient packaging doesn't just save on materials—it also means lower shipping fees, less warehouse space, and fewer resources used in production. Why pay for space you're not using? Even a few centimetres shaved off a box size can significantly reduce dimensional weight charges over time. And when sustainability and savings align, it becomes a win-win for both the business and the environment. Modular and Multi-Use Packaging For businesses with multiple product lines, modular packaging is a smart move. By designing boxes, inserts, or containers that work across several SKUs, you reduce the need for separate inventory and custom designs. Could your packaging system be simplified without sacrificing quality? The more versatile your packaging, the fewer design changes, storage issues, and reorder complexities you'll face. Digitally Printed Short Runs Traditional packaging often requires large print volumes to justify cost, but digital printing removes that pressure. Short-run packaging lets you test seasonal campaigns, product launches, or region-specific branding without committing to massive quantities. What if you could experiment more, without the financial risk? Faster turnaround times also mean your packaging can respond quickly to trends, cultural events, or customer feedback, keeping your brand agile and relevant. Shelf-Life Extension with Active Packaging In industries like food and pharmaceuticals, spoilage and returns are a major expense. Active packaging—such as oxygen absorbers, antimicrobial coatings, or humidity-regulating elements—can help extend shelf life and improve product integrity. Have you considered how much product loss you could prevent with smarter internal packaging? Fewer returns and damaged goods also mean stronger customer trust and reduced after-sales costs. Automated Assembly and Easy Packing Designs Smart packaging design isn't just about the box—it's also about how quickly and easily it can be assembled. Designs that require minimal folding, gluing, or taping can drastically reduce the time your team spends packing. Could your current packaging be slowing down your operations? By making the process faster and simpler, you save on labour costs while increasing daily output—a quiet but powerful way to improve profitability. By making better decisions at the design and production stage, businesses can unlock real savings without cutting corners. In fact, the most successful companies are those asking the right questions: How can we do more with less? And how can our packaging work harder for both our customers and our bottom line? Where Dubai Businesses Are Already Using These Smart Moves Smart packaging is no longer theoretical—it's already being used by Dubai brands to up their game across sectors like e‑commerce, F&B, beauty, and packaging manufacturing. 1. E-commerce Brands Using Branded Unboxing to Stand Out Top Dubai-based online businesses now treat packaging as a core marketing touchpoint. Think custom-printed boxes with consistent branding, coloured tissue paper, and thank-you notes—designed to deliver an emotional first impression. These thoughtful details turn a routine delivery into a memorable experience—and frequently, an unboxing moment captured on social media. Isn't it powerful when a customer shares their first impression of your brand before even using the product? 2. F&B Companies Adopting Eco-Packaging to Meet Green Expectations In the food and beverage sector, sustainability is fast becoming a baseline requirement. Local brands now use compostable containers, paper-based wraps, and reusable packaging to reduce single-use plastic waste. In Dubai, meal delivery services have led the way, offering biodegradable packaging that aligns with health values while reducing the environmental footprint. Have you considered how eco-friendly containers could reinforce your brand's commitment to sustainability, while winning customer trust? 3. Beauty & Wellness Businesses Leveraging AR and Interactive Packaging At the 2024 Beautyworld Middle East expo in Dubai, more than 30 exhibitors showcased luxury, sustainable, and tech-integrated packaging tailored for beauty and wellness brands. Some regional beauty labels now use packaging embedded with QR codes and NFC to deliver interactive product stories, authenticity checks, or digital experiences. Isn't it impressive when a simple scan can unfold your product journey, or offer virtual try‑on and demos? These tech-enhanced designs help brands build stronger consumer connections through both look and function. 4. Regional Packaging Companies Offering Smart Solutions Home-grown UAE firms like Hotpack Global and EcoPack are increasingly supplying sustainable and smart packaging alternatives. Hotpack, one of the GCC's largest packaging manufacturers, invests in biodegradable materials and innovative production lines for food and FMCG companies. Meanwhile, EcoPack supplies local restaurants and brands with compostable paper, pulp, and bagasse-based packaging options—helping businesses align with both regulation and customer sustainability expectations. Could your supply chain benefit from smarter, local packaging partners who understand Dubai's market dynamics? Smart packaging is already being used by many Dubai businesses to improve both customer experience and operational efficiency. From enhancing unboxing in e-commerce, to cutting down on single-use materials in F&B, to using interactive tech in beauty products, companies are gradually integrating these solutions into their operations. It's a practical step toward aligning with evolving consumer expectations and local sustainability goals. Implementation Roadmap: How to Get Started Smartly Introducing smart packaging into your business doesn't have to mean a complete overhaul from day one. In fact, starting small and building gradually is often the most effective approach, especially in a market like Dubai, where costs, speed, and customer expectations all come into play. 1. Audit Your Current Packaging Before you make any changes, take a close look at what you're currently using. How much does your packaging cost per unit? How do customers respond to it—positively, neutrally, or not at all? And how much material is wasted during production, storage, or delivery? A simple internal review of these factors can reveal whether your packaging is doing its job, or quietly draining resources. 2. Define Your Top Priority What's your main goal with smarter packaging? Are you aiming to improve the customer experience through design and functionality, or are you focused on reducing costs tied to shipping, materials, or returns? Identifying your priority helps determine what type of changes will deliver the most value early on. Is it better to invest in digital features or simply reduce package size? 3. Start with a Low-Risk Pilot Rather than applying new packaging across your entire product line, test it with a seasonal promotion, subscription box, or one of your best-selling items. This helps you evaluate the impact on customer response and operational costs without committing large resources upfront. Would a limited trial make it easier to gather feedback and refine the design? 4. Work with Local Packaging Experts Collaborating with Dubai-based suppliers and packaging companies gives you an edge in both turnaround time and market understanding. Local teams can help tailor materials, designs, and compliance details to suit the UAE's logistics and sustainability requirements. Could a regional partner reduce delays and offer packaging more aligned with local customer habits? 5. Track ROI from Both Sides The most effective packaging isn't just attractive or affordable—it performs well on multiple fronts. Track not only the savings on materials or freight, but also any shift in customer satisfaction, social media engagement, or product returns. Over time, these insights will help shape a packaging system that supports both your brand and your budget. Taking a measured, step-by-step approach to smart packaging makes the transition more manageable—and more likely to produce meaningful results. The key is to start with clarity, test thoughtfully, and adjust based on what actually works. Smart packaging isn't about following trends—it's about making practical improvements where they matter most. As business pressures grow, both in terms of customer expectations and operational costs, packaging presents a quiet but valuable opportunity to do things better. For companies in Dubai, it's not about doing everything at once, but about making small, intentional changes that reflect what your business stands for and what your customers actually need. The solutions aren't one-size-fits-all, but the approach can be: stay focused, stay flexible, and treat packaging not as an afterthought, but as part of the bigger picture. Over time, these choices can lead to clearer communication, more efficient systems, and a stronger connection between your product and the people buying it. Also read: Why Store Design and Product Placement Are Key to Retail Success in Dubai Learn how smart store design and product placement can boost retail sales, customer engagement, and footfall for businesses in Dubai. How to Expand Your Startup Using Micro-Entrepreneur Network Discover how Dubai startups can grow faster by tapping into micro-entrepreneur networks for support, collaboration, and real opportunity. Clear Dead Inventory: UAE Retailers' Guide to Smart Stock Moves Learn how UAE retailers can spot and clear dead inventory early to protect margins, save space, and improve buying decisions.
TECHx
3 hours ago
- TECHx
Mastercard and Monak Launch Digital Platform for Workers
Home » Emerging technologies » Fintech » Mastercard and Monak Launch Digital Platform for Migrant Workers Mastercard has announced a partnership with Monak, an Oman-based fintech company, to launch a digital financial services platform. The platform aims to improve cross-border money transfers for migrant workers. It also streamlines wage disbursement and onboarding processes for employers. This initiative addresses key challenges faced by migrant workers, a group often underserved by formal financial services. By offering seamless money movement and expense management tools, the platform reduces delays caused by slow onboarding. It also lowers the cost and complexity of basic financial services. These efforts support broader financial inclusion. According to the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, GCC countries host over 30 million foreign workers, making up more than half of the region's population. This highlights the importance of Monak's focus on migrant workers. The company equips users with skills to navigate the digital financial landscape. Mastercard's Senior VP, Muhammad Nana, said the partnership advances financial inclusion and empowers migrant workers to participate fully in the digital economy. Meanwhile, Monak's co-founder Said Salim Al Shanfari emphasized the platform's role in inclusive digital transformation across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Employers also benefit from integrated recruitment, onboarding, and payroll tools. The platform enables timely wage payments and fast, secure remittances back to workers' families. This enhances worker satisfaction and operational efficiency. Monak also promotes digital and financial literacy to empower users beyond just financial access. The company recently joined the Sanabil 500 MENA Seed Accelerator Program, highlighting its commitment to innovation. Partnership targets financial inclusion for migrant workers Platform simplifies cross-border payments and payroll Monak recognized by Sanabil 500 MENA Accelerator Program
Al Etihad
4 hours ago
- Al Etihad
AD Ports Group opens Islamabad office, expanding its strategic presence in Pakistan
5 Aug 2025 20:09 ISLAMABAD (WAM)AD Ports Group officially launched its first representative office in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, marking a significant milestone in the Group's international growth journey and its long-term commitment to enabling trade and logistics across South and Central the Group's global network of more than 140 offices, and strategically located in close proximity to Pakistan's key federal ministries, regulatory bodies, and state-owned enterprises, the new office will serve as a critical platform for deepening engagement with government stakeholders and advancing priority infrastructure and trade initiatives. As a client-facing and administrative hub, the Islamabad office will also support ongoing operations and facilitate strategic partnerships in the ports, maritime, logistics, and industrial development inauguration ceremony was attended from Pakistan's side by Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs; Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, Federal Minister for Railways; Jam Kamal, Federal Minister for Commerce; Attaullah Tarrar, Federal Minister of Information and Broadcasting; Khalid Hussain Magsi, Federal Minister for Science and in attendance were Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi, the UAE Ambassador in Pakistan; Abdulaziz Zayed Al Shamsi, Regional CEO, AD Ports Group; AbdulAziz Al Balooshi, Regional CEO, AD Ports Group, and other senior officials, reflecting the depth of the bilateral relationship and shared vision for long-term economic opening of the Islamabad office follows a series of high-impact investments by AD Ports Group in Pakistan, including US$295 million committed towards the development and enhancement of container, bulk, and general cargo terminals at Karachi Port's East Wharf. These investments are central to the Group's strategy to support the transformation of Pakistan into a regional trade and logistics Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, said, 'The opening of our Islamabad office represents a key milestone in our global expansion strategy and underlines our deep and enduring commitment to Pakistan." He added, "This move will enable closer collaboration with government entities and strategic partners, positioning AD Ports Group as a key contributor to Pakistan's economic transformation. Our growing footprint, underpinned by significant investments in critical port infrastructure, aligns with our wise leadership vision for trade facilitation, industrial diversification, and sustainable development.'Pakistan holds a strategic geographic position as a maritime gateway to Central Asia, making it a vital component of AD Ports Group's broader vision for developing an integrated trade corridor spanning from China to Europe. The Group has already made strategic inroads into key markets along this corridor, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and 2022, AD Ports Group entered the Pakistani market through a landmark 50-year concession to develop and operate container terminal berths 6–10 at Karachi Port's East Wharf, in partnership with Kaheel Terminals. This was followed by a second 50-year concession signed in 2023 to develop and manage berths 11–17 for general and bulk cargo. Through its operating entity, Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited (KGTL), the Group has introduced world-class operational systems, advanced equipment, and global best practices to significantly enhance terminal productivity, reduce vessel dwell times, and increase cargo enhancements have elevated Karachi Port's standing as a key logistics hub, boosting the resilience and competitiveness of Pakistan's export infrastructure and contributing to the country's economic diversification parallel, AD Ports Group has signed several high-level agreements aimed at expanding its integrated logistics and digital trade ecosystem in Pakistan. These include:• A Memorandum of Understanding with the Pakistan Board of Investment to explore the development of a dedicated industrial zone near Karachi Port and Port Qasim.• A strategic agreement with Pakistan Single Window to co-develop a unified digital trade platform, streamlining customs and trade procedures.• A collaboration with the Bahria Foundation to enhance dredging, vessel pooling, and marine services.• An initiative by Noatum Logistics, a subsidiary of AD Ports Group, in partnership with KGTL, to establish a multi-modal logistics corridor linking Pakistan with Central Asia via integrated air, sea, and land transport solutions, along with warehousing, distribution, and cold chain these initiatives, AD Ports Group aims to catalyse the modernisation of Pakistan's logistics and trade infrastructure, unlock new avenues for foreign direct investment, and promote greater regional connectivity. The Islamabad office represents a strong foundation for furthering these objectives, enabling the Group to engage more closely with key stakeholders, accelerate project delivery, and support Pakistan's journey towards becoming a leading regional trade gateway.
