Page 131 - KHALIFA FUND PR REPORT - OCTOBER 2025

10/24/25, 12:53 PM Khalifa Fund-backed Emirati startups showcase sustainable food solutions at ADIFE 2025 - Aletihad News Center

Speaking to Aletihad, participating SMEs shared their entrepreneurial journey and growth model.

Khadija Abdullah, CEO of East Gate Bakery Equipment Factory, said the business began with her husband,

Abdulraheem Qasem Al Marzooqi. When he bought his first bakery, they faced frequent maintenance problems,
which pushed him to start over. Eventually, he began making the bakery equipment himself and earned a profit before

teaching his workers how to assemble machines.

"In the beginning, bread production was completely handmade. Now our product supports food innovation by making

the process fully automatic," she said.

Abdullah added that KFED helped the bakery participate in both local and international exhibitions. After ADIFE 2025,

their goal is to expand beyond the UAE and Gulf countries and take part in major events.

Empowering Entrepreneurs

Mohamed Al Maysari, Founder of EXOTIC Colors – a company offering innovative solutions in IT consultancy, retails,

integration, and import/export services – said the inspiration came from a "desire to bring truly unique ideas to the

market.""Our product serves all segments of society, from young to old, creating diversity in both experience and
content. We aim to bring fresh and inclusive concepts that inspire the local food scene," he said. He credited the

supportive business environment that helped his company grow. "KFED has been the main driver and motivator. The

vision and guidance of our wise leadership continues to empower entrepreneurs across the UAE," Al Maysari
said. Looking ahead, Al Maysari said: "Our next goal after ADIFE 2025 is to expand our reach across the GCC,

addressing the region's food needs and contributing to a stronger and more resilient food ecosystem."

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For Sara Aljneibi, founder of Iconic Solutions, a company supplying high-quality vending machines, entrepreneurship
began at home where she learned the importance of good service."My father's guidance and support motivated me to

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