Arabian Automobiles Company (AAC), the exclusive Nissan dealer for Dubai, Sharjah, and the Northern Emirates, has introduced Urventures, a mobility solutions platform aimed at supporting startups in the UAE. This initiative marks a strategic shift for the company, moving beyond traditional automotive sales to become a direct investor in small businesses.
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Urventures is the first program of its kind in the regional automotive sector. Instead of providing traditional funding, the platform offers commercial vehicles to startups in exchange for a minimal stake in their future equity. By doing so, Arabian Automobiles is redefining how businesses acquire fleet vehicles while fostering entrepreneurship in the country.
Hussam Baghdadi, Senior Director of Arabian Automobiles Company, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating that Urventures represents a new way for businesses to build their fleets. He highlighted that the program goes beyond vehicle sales, positioning AAC as a true partner in business growth. Through Urventures, startups receive not only logistical support but also mentorship to help them scale effectively. This approach aligns with Dubai’s ambition to become a global hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.
One of the biggest challenges small businesses face in their early stages is logistical support. Urventures directly addresses this issue by providing access to commercial vehicles, which can be a critical factor in operational success. In its first phase, Arabian Automobiles has invested in two women-led startups based in the UAE—ProMed First Aid and Bambuyu. These companies were chosen based on their growth potential, societal impact, and need for a commercial vehicle in their core business operations.
ProMed First Aid, founded in 2024, provides emergency medical services training across the GCC. With the support of Urventures, the company has received a Nissan Urvan to facilitate mobile medical training and transport essential equipment. Founder and COO Auredel Sumalinog Magpantay acknowledged the program’s role in the company’s expansion, stating that access to vehicles has allowed them to reach new customers and scale their services efficiently.
Bambuyu, a sustainable tissue company established in 2021, has also benefited from Urventures. The program has enabled the business to enhance its delivery operations, accelerating its growth. Founder and spokesperson Sahar Karoubi described the initiative as a game-changer, emphasizing that access to a fleet allowed them to scale operations and achieve profitability much sooner than expected.
According to an October 2024 report by Statista, the UAE leads the GCC nations in startup incubation, with over 5,600 registered businesses as of the second quarter of 2024. Dubai, in particular, has taken significant steps to support entrepreneurship, launching the Ignyte platform to accelerate the growth of over 100,000 startups. Urventures is expected to play a crucial role in this ecosystem by addressing the specific needs of small and medium-sized enterprises in the region.
The second season of Urventures is scheduled to launch in the second quarter of 2025, further reinforcing Arabian Automobiles’ commitment to fostering innovation and business growth in Dubai.
