Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
As part of its vision to empower emerging local businesses, the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) is supporting three Emirati e-commerce and technology companies at the Global Digital Trade Expo (GDTE), China, which runs until September 29.
Innovations in artificial intelligence, virtual reality, smart logistics, digital entertainment, e-commerce, and smart cities are being showcased at the five-day event, held at the Hangzhou Grand Convention and Exhibition Centre.
More than 1,700 companies are taking part in this year’s edition, which spans 155,000 square metres, making it the largest since its launch in 2022.
The KFED supports Emirati companies in retail, smart agriculture, as well as tech sectors, spotlighting the UAE’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Aletihad spoke with the participating companies 7MD Store General Trading, an Emirati online store providing the latest electronic and technological products, and Ain, an innovative project which aims to transform agricultural spaces into digital data and insights.
Hamad Ali Suliman Salem Alshamsi, owner of 7MD Store General Trading, said participating in international exhibitions is a strategic step, offering a gateway to new markets, exposure to new technologies, and opportunities to build strong partnerships.
“At 7MD Store, we are proud to contribute to strengthening the UAE’s economic presence and represent Emirati innovation on the global stage. The Khalifa Fund enables this by supporting participation in international conferences,” he added.
He stressed that the company’s edge lies in quality and authenticity.
“We efficiently reach customers through digital commerce and integrate sustainability into the core of our operations.”
For Mohammed Almehrzi, founder of Ain, the Expo was an opportunity to present their agri-tech solution internationally.
“Our participation is a statement of intent… global engagement is not just about exposure, it’s about credibility and learning from international partners.”
He noted that Ain was designed in the UAE for one of the toughest agricultural environments in the world, “engineered from the ground up.”
More than a device, he said, Ain is a platform. “It integrates IoT, renewable energy, and cloud-based analytics, and it is open to third-party AI models. Our long-term vision is to make the farm a conscious entity, where farmers can communicate with their land as if it were an intelligent partner.”
Sustainability is built into its mission as Ain helps reduce water consumption, optimise resources, and make farming more climate-resilient.
“Growth for us is not about selling more devices – it’s about helping farms use fewer resources.”
Almehrzi added that the Khalifa Fund has been instrumental in providing visibility and resources.
“With the Khalifa Fund, we see our role as representing Emirati innovation on the global stage; showing that the UAE is not only importing agri-tech, but exporting it.”
