At Huddle Global 2025 in Thiruvananthapuram, Dubai AI and Future Foundation Executive Director Saeed Al Falasi urged startups to actively challenge governments to rethink how technology is used, not just to build private businesses but to create real public value. Addressing founders and entrepreneurs at the Kerala Startup Mission–organised event, Falasi said meaningful innovation happens when startups push authorities to adopt new technologies for community benefit.
He shared Dubai’s experience of tackling traffic congestion, where collaboration with the Roads and Transport Authority led to an on-demand public bus system inspired by Uber’s mobility model. Within three months, private operators were running buses that could be summoned from anywhere in the city, dynamically recalculating routes to serve passengers efficiently. The system was used by over nine million people last year and generated contracts worth 780 million dirhams for private companies.
Falasi also highlighted Dubai’s openness to working with innovators from Kerala, noting the strong relationship between the UAE and the state. Huddle Global 2025, held from December 12 to 14, showcased India’s startup journey, with Kerala positioned as a key innovation hub.
