Trained as a lawyer in the United Kingdom, Rukhsana Kausar left the legal profession in Dubai two years ago to work full-time for her company, Liquid of Life. The company reduces the use of bottled water by promoting water filtration systems. Ms Kausar, 34, spoke about the issue at Social Enterprise Week in Dubai last month.
You provide water filtration products. How did you start?
I did get some seed funding for the company, which started in 2009, and my family remortgaged their UK house to finance Liquid of Life. I also got good business mentors in Dubai. One of them is Edward Roderick of Envestors Mena. I took several courses in environment and sustainability in the UK and wanted to do something that would change the lives of people. We import filtration systems from the United States and dispensers from Canada. The dispensers filter and tank heated or chilled water for consumption.
Who do you target - domestic or corporate clients?
One of our first clients was Microsoft in Dubai. We have 30 corporate clients now. We focus only on corporate clients and never really marketed to domestic clients, and have no intention of doing so in the near future. But when we approach clients, some of the staff members might want the filtration system for their homes and we do not say "no". Sometimes the clients say the system would not work for our business but would work for home. We have distributed 200 to 300 systems to corporate clients and more than 50 to domestic clients. We are also working on a project that would introduce filtration systems for the staff working at Dubai Metro stations.
What is the cost of the systems?
It can cost from Dh2,300 (US$626) to Dh4,600. We also provide maintenance and change filters and sanitise the system. In less than 12 months, the clients can have 50 per cent less expenditure than what they had for bottled water.
What are your revenues like?
The actual revenues for last year were in excess of Dh1 million. This year we are working on several projects and hope to touch Dh10 million. It is based on some large projects we are involved with and also a lot of the companies we met with last year are now going to be implementing our solutions this year. We are also doing more work with labour accommodation in providing filters for drinking water that improves on the quality of drinking water currently being provided to some facilities, while at the same time reduce the operational, administration and actual cost of filters. The market for providing drinking water filters in labour accommodation sites is significant.
What are the challenges that you face?
As a young business we have no huge marketing budget. A lot of the business is through referrals from existing clients. I also belong to a networking group called BNI High Flyers Chapter in Dubai. I would recommend that to any business owner.
ssahoo@thenational.ae
Expert advice
“Join in with a group like Cycle Safe Dubai or TrainYAS, where you’ll meet like-minded people and always have support on hand.”
Stewart Howison, co-founder of Cycle Safe Dubai and owner of Revolution Cycles
“When you sweat a lot, you lose a lot of salt and other electrolytes from your body. If your electrolytes drop enough, you will be at risk of cramping. To prevent salt deficiency, simply add an electrolyte mix to your water.”
Cornelia Gloor, head of RAK Hospital’s Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Centre
“Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can ride as fast or as far during the summer as you do in cooler weather. The heat will make you expend more energy to maintain a speed that might normally be comfortable, so pace yourself when riding during the hotter parts of the day.”
Chandrashekar Nandi, physiotherapist at Burjeel Hospital in Dubai
Company%20profile
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Company%20Profile
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Company profile
Name: The Concept
Founders: Yadhushan Mahendran, Maria Sobh and Muhammad Rijal
Based: Abu Dhabi
Founded: 2017
Number of employees: 7
Sector: Aviation and space industry
Funding: $250,000
Future plans: Looking to raise $1 million investment to boost expansion and develop new products
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
About Seez
Company name/date started: Seez, set up in September 2015 and the app was released in August 2017
Founder/CEO name(s): Tarek Kabrit, co-founder and chief executive, and Andrew Kabrit, co-founder and chief operating officer
Based in: Dubai, with operations also in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon
Sector: Search engine for car buying, selling and leasing
Size: (employees/revenue): 11; undisclosed
Stage of funding: $1.8 million in seed funding; followed by another $1.5m bridge round - in the process of closing Series A
Investors: Wamda Capital, B&Y and Phoenician Funds
The%20specs
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The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power: 154bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option
Price: From Dh79,600
On sale: Now
RESULT
Copa del Rey, semi-final second leg
Real Madrid 0
Barcelona 3 (Suarez (50', 73' pen), Varane (69' OG)
BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Company Profile
Company name: Yeepeey
Started: Soft launch in November, 2020
Founders: Sagar Chandiramani, Jatin Sharma and Monish Chandiramani
Based: Dubai
Industry: E-grocery
Initial investment: $150,000
Future plan: Raise $1.5m and enter Saudi Arabia next year
Company%20Profile
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Smart words at Make Smart Cool
Make Smart Cool is not your usual festival. Dubbed “edutainment” by organisers Najahi Events, Make Smart Cool aims to inspire its youthful target audience through a mix of interactive presentation by social media influencers and a concert finale featuring Example with DJ Wire. Here are some of the speakers sharing their inspiration and experiences on the night.
Prince Ea
With his social media videos accumulating more half a billion views, the American motivational speaker is hot on the college circuit in the US, with talks that focus on the many ways to generate passion and motivation when it comes to learning.
Khalid Al Ameri
The Emirati columnist and presenter is much loved by local youth, with writings and presentations about education, entrepreneurship and family balance. His lectures on career and personal development are sought after by the education and business sector.
Ben Ouattara
Born to an Ivorian father and German mother, the Dubai-based fitness instructor and motivational speaker is all about conquering fears and insecurities. His talk focuses on the need to gain emotional and physical fitness when facing life’s challenges. As well managing his film production company, Ouattara is one of the official ambassadors of Dubai Expo2020.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Bib%20Gourmand%20restaurants
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