Abu Dhabi: It is not every day that you are reunited with a school friend you have not seen in more than 10 years, connect immediately and embark on a revolutionary business venture, manufacturing a product that can change standards across the Middle East. But that’s exactly what happened to Dr Hisa Nasser Lootah and Lamis Harib.
The two 30-year-old Emiratis from Dubai were reunited over a year ago and after extensive discussions realised they were both passionate about starting an innovative environmentally-friendly business involving non-toxic biotechnical solutions, and so they joined forces.
“The technology used to create our products is revolutionary. They are completely different from the traditional disinfectants. They are chemical-free and they sterilise,” said Dr Lootah.
“We are really excited because we will be manufacturing these German products, which are standard changers, right here in the UAE,” said Harib.
So how did the pair end up manufacturing a patented German product in the UAE?
Harib, who already owned an environment-friendly business, designing and selling biodegradable products, was introduced to Ecabiotec by a friend, Sherif Galal. She fell in love with the products and what they did immediately was to start a dialogue with them.
Harib, with the help of Galal, then set out a business plan to represent the German company in the Middle East.
“We met in Germany. Our meeting went really well and they [Ecabiotec] really liked the plan. We set a deadline for three months later to see if would go ahead with the plan,” said Harib.
Harib got to work, but she was struggling to find a solution for a few issues in her plans. Meanwhile, she had also reconnected with her school friend, Dr Lootah, whose background included medicine and manufacturing.
As the two reminisced and discussed their future goals and businesses plans, they realised that with Harib’s background in running an environment-friendly biodegradable business and Dr Lootah’s experience in manufacturing and business, they would make great partners in the new venture.
Dr Lootah and Harib put their heads together and reviewed the business plan, making changes as they went along.
“I thought why not manufacture the products in our own country,” said Dr Lootah.
The pair went back to Germany with a revised plan in April 2016, “very prepared”, and the company was so convinced with their strategy and determination that they agreed to sign them up as their partner in the Middle East to distribute and manufacture from the UAE.
“This is a huge deal. Our factory is in Dubai Industrial Park and so far we have started the filling line and packaging process,” said Harib.
“We are hoping to start full production soon. The machinery and technology that we are using means everything will be monitored by Germany and will be exactly the same standards,” added Harib.
The duo explained that the fact that the disinfectants were free of any chemicals and had a broad range that could be used in any number of sectors including air, water and surfaces, is what really got them interested in bringing them to the UAE.
“These disinfectants are completely natural. You don’t have to wear gloves, masks or worry about any side-effects,” added Dr Lootah.
To prove the harmlessness of the disinfectants, Harib sprayed some in her mouth. “Seriously, these products are completely safe to handle and use,” she said.
Dr Lootah explained that they have plans to bring out six products this year, the first, Anovet, is for use with animals and birds.
The pair are already in talks with various departments in Dubai Municipality, veterinary clinics and other organisations who are interested in their cutting-edge disinfectants.
“We hope to change the standards, from chemical, which is what is currently out there, to chemical-free. If we can achieve that, that’s a huge step. Not just in one industry but across the whole market,” said Dr Lootah.
“UAE symbolises innovation and we both wanted to do something that was in line with that vision. Hopefully, we have started something that will change standards in the whole region, and it will be done from right here in Dubai,” said Harib.
