Today, the Indian citizen runs two business in the UAE – a digital sign company and a digital transformation firm.
Mr Moossa Alavi, 47, has invested in his businesses, stocks, property and gold, and aims to semi-retire in eight years, when he hopes to earn a monthly income of Dh100,000.
My Dubai Salary‘I earn Dh25,000 as an entrepreneur after a career pivot’
He currently lives in his own property with his wife and four children in Dubai’s Damac Hills 2. Mr Alavi, who comes from the southern Indian state of Kerala, has been in the UAE since 1997 and obtained his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Jaipur National University.
What was your first job and salary?
My first job was in Abu Dhabi where I worked as an executive secretary to the chief executive of a group of companies. I earned a monthly salary of Dh1,200 in 1997. I worked with that company for 12 years.
I then moved to Dubai and helped set up an advertising and printing company, but did not invest in it. I was a working partner and earned Dh25,000 a month by the time I left the role. I worked there for nearly eight years.
I currently run two business. One is Techbot Information Technology, a digital transformation company in Dubai, and the other is Altamyz Advertising, a sign manufacturer. I’m currently drawing a combined monthly income of about Dh50,000 to Dh55,000 from the two businesses.
Do you manage to save?
Yes, I save 60 per cent of my monthly income and reinvest in my businesses.
Do you have any debt?
When we run a business, we require cash and it needs to be utilised very well. When a loan is available on a low interest rate, I always opt for it. I also use three credit cards for my business and personal requirements to receive points and cash back. These are always paid back in full before the due date. I also have a mortgage.
My major monthly expenses are my kids’ school fees, household costs and mortgage payment.
How do you budget your income every month?
I spend 40 per cent of my monthly income on my expenses, which add up to nearly Dh20,000 a month, and save the remaining 60 per cent. Of this, I spend between 10 per cent and 15 per cent on stocks, 10 per cent on gold and the remaining amount is reinvested into my businesses. When I earn a profit, I take it back from the businesses.
What asset classes do you invest in?
Apart from my businesses, I also invest in Shariah-compliant stocks of oil and gas, infrastructure, and medical companies in the UAE and the US, real estate, and gold. I haven’t taken out money from my stock investments yet; I have only increased capital.
Two years ago, I purchased the three-bedroom Damac Hills 2 villa I currently live for Dh1.8 million. I also own a land plot in Sharjah, which I may resell for a profit or build a factory. I own property and land in India, too.
Have you started saving for retirement?
My plan is not to retire from work completely. I aim to run my businesses without my involvement at the age of 55. Currently, my businesses are in autopilot mode since I am not too involved and delegate work to my managers and team members. I plan to monetise my investment in stocks and property to sustain my retirement life.
Do you have an emergency fund?
Yes, I have six months’ worth of expenses in my emergency fund.
What do you spend your disposable income on?
My family and I love to travel, so we spend on that. I also like to reinvest in myself, for instance on learning, and I like exploring new technology tools.
Have you ever inherited a sum of money?
No, I am self-made, and it’s all my hard work.
I learnt about money management from my father, who worked in the UAE defence industry. Whenever I checked his purse, I always found between Dh3,000 and Dh5,000 in it. When I asked him about this, he said an emergency could happen at any time and he wanted to be ready to fly back. Even today, although we are three siblings, my father isn’t financially dependent on us and he has created a fund to sustain himself. I learnt how to earn money, save and manage funds from my father.
Do you worry about money?
I used to worry about money earlier in my career when I was an employee. Now, I am not worried because I know how to use my funds and investments if something happens.
What are your financial goals?
Currently, I earn up to Dh55,000 from my two businesses. By the time I am 55, I want to be able to draw Dh100,000 a month. I plan to achieve this by increasing my business revenue and using my assets.
What is your idea of financial freedom?
I want to live life on my terms and not have to depend on anyone else for financial help. I have already achieved financial freedom, so whatever surplus money I have, I’m reinvesting it and planning to open a business-to-consumer venture. Both my current businesses are B2B.
The reason why I want to start another business is to give back to my community by providing jobs.
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Moossa M. Alavi, Founder & CEO of Techbot ERP, highlights a strategic shift among UAE startups—from rapid scaling to an infrastructure-first approach. By adopting ERP early, founders ensure long-term sustainability, leveraging cloud-based solutions to enhance efficiency, compliance, and scalability, ultimately building resilient, data-driven businesses.
Over the past few years, there has been a powerful shift in the way UAE start-ups approach growth. While “scale fast” was once the dominant mindset, today’s most forward-thinking entrepreneurs are rewriting that narrative. They’re no longer treating infrastructure as a post-growth requirement—they’re building it in from day one. And at the center of this shift is the early adoption of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
Based on the observation new generation of start-ups is embracing ERP earlier than ever. This trend is not just a matter of operational efficiency—it’s a strategic pivot towards long-term sustainability, smarter decision-making, and scalable growth.
The traditional start-up trajectory focuses on growing fast and building systems later—often that leads to complexity, inefficiency, and costly growing pains. In fast-moving markets like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, this model can quickly fall apart when fragmented operations and siloed data begin to stifle agility.
However, the scenario has changed, now the founders are adopting infrastructure-first mindset. They have done their research well and understand that without a solid operational backbone, growth can collapse under its own weight. They believe that the right systems don’t slow you down—they enable scale, enhance transparency, and reduce risk. This is especially relevant in the UAE, where government regulations, VAT compliance, cross-border logistics, and regional expansion require strong, integrated systems from the outset.
Earlier, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) used to be adopted by mature enterprises with large IT budgets and complex supply chains. But modern ERP systems—particularly cloud-based and modular solutions—are now accessible to even small, agile start-ups. And their benefits at the early stage are hard to ignore:
1. Real-time Data for Smarter Decisions
Start-up founders wear many hats and make countless decisions daily. With ERP, they gain a unified dashboard of their business—inventory, sales, finance, HR, and more—all in real time. This empowers founders to respond quickly to market demands, allocate resources efficiently, and spot potential issues before they escalate.
2. Operational Efficiency from Day One
ERP adoption reduces duplication, manual work, and siloed tools. Whether you’re managing procurement, invoicing, or payroll, ERP centralizes processes—saving time, reducing errors, and keeping teams focused on value creation.
3. Built-in Scalability
Perhaps the most critical benefit: ERP systems understand your business well. A system implemented during the seed or Series A stage can adapt to new geographies, product lines, and team sizes without the need for a painful overhaul down the road.
4. Regulatory Compliance and Governance
In a region like the UAE, where compliance standards are high and evolving, ERP provides built-in controls, audit trails, and standardized workflows—protecting young businesses from costly penalties and governance lapses.
The UAE’s entrepreneurial landscape is unique—fast-moving, well-funded, and increasingly global. With government support for innovation, free zones tailored to start-ups, and easy access to regional and international markets, founders are planning for global scalability from day one. As a result, they’re more aware of the need for solid systems and processes.
Moreover, today’s founders are more tech-savvy and data-driven than ever. They’re not just building apps or services; they’re building companies meant to last. This new generation of entrepreneurs is looking beyond vanity metrics. They want financial discipline, traceability, and strategic control—and ERP helps them get there faster.
Many start-ups are choosing ERP as a competitive differentiator. By building better systems early, they can provide more consistent customer experiences, streamline fulfillment, and build stronger partner relationships.
This system is gaining strong traction among start-ups in the UAE across various sectors including, airlines, insurance, banking, logistics, supercar rental, and manufacturing due to their ability to streamline operations, reduce manual workload, and support rapid scalability. The UAE’s digital-first ecosystem, along with the growing availability of affordable, cloud-based ERP solutions, makes early adoption both feasible and strategically advantageous for start-ups in these industries.
Choosing the Right ERP: Flexibility Is Key
In the current scenario, start-ups, select the ERP system based on more flexibility, affordability, and ease of integration. Cloud-based ERP platforms, especially those with modular options, allow founders to start small and add functionality as they grow—without heavy upfront investments.
It is essential for start-ups to focus on solutions that:
Earlier, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) used to be adopted by mature enterprises with large IT budgets and complex supply chains. But modern ERP systems—particularly cloud-based and modular solutions—are now accessible to even small, agile start-ups. And their benefits at the early stage are hard to ignore:
1. Real-time Data for Smarter Decisions
Start-up founders wear many hats and make countless decisions daily. With ERP, they gain a unified dashboard of their business—inventory, sales, finance, HR, and more—all in real time. This empowers founders to respond quickly to market demands, allocate resources efficiently, and spot potential issues before they escalate.
2. Operational Efficiency from Day One
ERP adoption reduces duplication, manual work, and siloed tools. Whether you’re managing procurement, invoicing, or payroll, ERP centralizes processes—saving time, reducing errors, and keeping teams focused on value creation.
3. Built-in Scalability
Perhaps the most critical benefit: ERP systems understand your business well. A system implemented during the seed or Series A stage can adapt to new geographies, product lines, and team sizes without the need for a painful overhaul down the road.
4. Regulatory Compliance and Governance
In a region like the UAE, where compliance standards are high and evolving, ERP provides built-in controls, audit trails, and standardized workflows—protecting young businesses from costly penalties and governance lapses.
The ERP conversation is no longer reserved for CFOs of large enterprises. It’s happening in accelerator programs, in pitch rooms, and in start-up board meetings across the UAE. Forward-looking investors are beginning to ask not just about product-market fit or growth metrics—but about operational readiness and scalability.
Start-ups that invest early in ERP are not just organizing their back office. They’re laying the groundwork for strategic agility, financial resilience, and long-term success.
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The UAE is positioning itself as a leader in digital innovation, committed to adopting technologies that enhance efficiency and competitiveness. As businesses accelerate digital transformation, AI and ML have emerged as key enablers, especially within Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. This evolution is reshaping how companies operate, with AI-integrated ERP solutions becoming the new standard.
The UAE government’s forward-looking strategies, such as the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 and Dubai’s Smart City vision, have created an environment ripe for AI adoption especially in businesses such as manufacturing, logistics, retail, and professional services. AI-driven tools are adopted to enhance workflow efficiency and enable faster, more accurate business insights.
Modern ERP systems infused with AI capabilities allow UAE businesses to move beyond basic automation. These intelligent systems analyse real-time data, recommend actions, and adapt to dynamic business environments, giving companies a competitive edge.
AI-Driven Innovation for businesses
These ERP features act as an intelligent business assistant, streamlining operations and enhancing overall efficiency.
Driving AI Adoption in the UAE
AI-integrated ERP systems are transforming the way businesses operate in the UAE, offering a path to sustainable growth through automation and data-driven decision-making. By leveraging advanced AI capabilities, modern ERP platforms help organizations automate workflows, minimize errors, and respond faster to changing business demands.
Whether it’s a start-up aiming to scale or a large enterprise seeking to optimize complex operations, tailored ERP solutions embedded with AI are becoming essential for improving efficiency and staying competitive in today’s market.
AI and ML bring transformational capabilities to ERP systems:
Together, these tools improve agility, reduce costs, and elevate customer experiences.
Companies that adopt AI-powered ERP systems are experiencing notable improvements in overall performance. These include up to a 40% reduction in operational costs, a 30% increase in inventory turnover efficiency, and faster reporting cycles that enable quicker and more informed strategic decision-making. Additionally, automating repetitive tasks through AI has led to a measurable boost in employee productivity.
For example, a UAE-based retail company that implemented an ERP system with AI-enabled inventory forecasting reported a 25% reduction in stockouts within just six months.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Despite its many advantages, integrating AI with ERP systems comes with several challenges. One of the primary hurdles is the cost of initial investment, as customizing ERP platforms and incorporating AI modules can be a bit expensive. Additionally, AI depends on structured data, which is often lacking in legacy systems, leading to data quality issues.
There is also shortage of skilled professionals capable of managing and maintaining AI solutions further complicates implementation. However, there are many people pursing their career in AI, leading to increase in demand.
What are the best solutions for the challenges?
Looking ahead, ERP systems are rapidly evolving towards greater autonomy, moving beyond traditional automation to platforms that can self-learn, adapt, and make operational decisions with minimal human input. The next-generation systems, known as “autonomous ERP,” will have the ability to optimize processes in real time, predict disruptions and suggest mitigation strategies, interact with users through natural language AI, and integrate seamlessly with IoT and edge devices.
With the UAE’s robust innovation ecosystem, strong government support, and AI-ready infrastructure, the region is well-positioned to lead the adoption of autonomous ERP platforms.
AI and ML are no longer optional add-ons but they are the core components of modern ERP systems. This transformation is already underway in the UAE, with the support of companies specializing in providing ERP services. From more intelligent decision-making to predictive operations, the benefits are profound, and businesses that embrace this shift will lead the charge in the region’s digital economy.
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With IT services adoption soaring across manufacturing, logistics, real estate, and education, experts predict a transformational decade ahead for the UAE’s digital economy
The UAE isn’t just adopting technology – it’s actively shaping the future of tech-driven economies across the Middle East, experts said. Image: Shutterstock
From manufacturing to real estate, UAE companies across all sectors are rapidly adopting advanced digital solutions, driving the country’s IT market toward a projected $12.5 billion by 2032.
This tech-powered shift is reshaping how business operates in the Emirates and cementing the nation’s position as the Middle East’s digital innovation hub.
From smart city developments to paperless governance, companies across the UAE are adopting technology at a feverish pitch. Supercar rentals are implementing fleet management systems, real estate firms are automating sales processes, manufacturers are modernizing supply chains, and investment companies are shifting to real-time portfolio management platforms. This widespread digital transformation is triggering unprecedented growth for the country’s IT services market, according to sector experts.
“The UAE isn’t just adopting technology – it’s actively shaping the future of tech-driven economies across the Middle East,” Moossa M. Alavi, Founder & CEO of Techbot ERP, which provides cost-effective, scalable and user-friendly IT solutions tailored for businesses of all sizes in the UAE, told Arabian Business.
“The growth ahead… is transformational,” he said.
Alavi said their company has seen a 180 per cent year-on-year increase in clients choosing cloud-native ERP systems – a clear sign that scalability, cost-efficiency, and real-time data access are top priorities for businesses today.
Industry players said the UAE government’s big push on the digital tech front to empower businesses, especially SMEs, is also playing a pivotal role in making advanced solutions like cloud-based tools, ERP and CRM more accessible, especially in logistics, retail, and manufacturing.
Sector experts and studies predicted the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector to surge to a whopping over $83 billion by 2029 from an estimated $41 billion in 2023.
They also bet that the IT sector in the UAE is set for a dynamic decade, with the IT market projected to surge to $12.5 billion by 2032 from the estimated $5.3 billion in 2023.
Industry players said the expansion of proactive IT services, green tech initiatives and large-scale data centre investments in the UAE reflects that the market is not only growing but also maturing at a rapid pace.
The country’s strategic investments in digital infrastructure have created fertile ground for the IT services sector to thrive, experts said. Image: Shutterstock
A slew of government-led initiatives, such as the National Digital Government Strategy 2025 and the AI Strategy 2031, are aiding the market acceleration in a big way, helping to create a future-ready business ecosystem, they said.
Besides, the country’s strategic investments in digital infrastructure have created fertile ground for the IT services sector to thrive, experts said.
“The UAE’s IT services sector is experiencing remarkable growth, underpinned by the country’s ambitious digital transformation strategies and tech-driven economic diversification,” Deepak Kumar, Managing Director of ATOP Computer, told Arabian Business.
“As demand for intelligent IT services continues to rise, we are excited to support organisations in leveraging these advancements to stay competitive and sustainable in a rapidly evolving digital landscape,” he said.
Alavi said the current surge in adoption clearly signals that digital agility is no longer optional, but it’s the foundation for future growth.
“Whether it’s insurance firms adopting integrated platforms for regulatory compliance and customer service, or supercar rental companies embracing custom ERP solutions for fleet management and client engagement – the demand for sector-specific IT solutions is growing fast,” he said.
Alavi said educational institutions are also investing in unified ERP systems in a big way to streamline administration and learning.
The flurry of activities across industries – manufacturers hurrying to modernise their supply chains, real estate developers automating sales and customer management, and even investment companies rushing to switch over to digital platforms for real-time portfolio management and compliance – will further accelerate the current surge in IT adoption in the UAE, he said.
Educational institutions are investing in unified ERP systems in a big way to streamline administration and learning. Image: Shutterstock
Alavi said that from AI and cloud computing to smart city infrastructure, the UAE has positioned itself as a global digital leader, helping the accelerated growth of the IT industry in the country.
Sector experts said the UAE market is also seeing the emergence of some interesting new trends, such as ‘Green IT services’ and rising data centre-led expansion for the IT sector.
As the sustainability drive in the UAE – as well as in the wider region – becomes a focal point in the coming years, the Green IT services are expected to see an exponential growth going forward, they said.
The segment is projected to see a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 16 per cent from 2025 to 2030, according to Horizon Grand View Research.
Similarly, the UAE’s data centre market is projected to grow from an estimated $1.26 billion in 2024 to $3.33 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 17.58 per cent, indicating a robust infrastructure to support IT services.
Industry players, however, said that as the IT sector is seeing an unprecedented growth trajectory, the sector is also increasingly subjected to stringent data protection rules and regulations.
“The UAE’s evolving data protection regulations are prompting companies to seek trusted IT partners who not only understand technology but also ensure full regulatory compliance,” Alavi said.
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In a significant step toward digitalizing mission-critical aviation services, Techbot ERP has entered a strategic partnership with BlueDot, a globally recognized provider of air ambulance chartering and private jet fueling solutions. The collaboration sets the foundation for a comprehensive operational overhaul through the implementation of a centralized, real-time Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.
Operating across multiple continents, BlueDot manages time-sensitive services that rely heavily on precision and agility. The partnership aims to modernize these operations by deploying an advanced Odoo-based ERP platform, integrated with external systems such as aviation scheduling tools, emergency dispatch platforms, and fuel management solutions. This ecosystem will enable real-time data flow, seamless departmental coordination, and improved decision-making across BlueDot’s global units.
“The objective is to create a live, intelligent operational framework that brings transparency, synchronization, and responsiveness to every corner of BlueDot’s business,” said Moossa M. Alavi, Founder & CEO of Techbot Information Technology LLC. By unifying diverse workflows into a single, integrated system, we’re empowering BlueDot with the agility and precision required to thrive in today’s fast-paced aviation landscape.”
This initiative is not just about internal efficiency, the broader goal is to set new operational standards within aviation services. Stakeholders stand to benefit from enhanced regulatory compliance, faster service delivery, and real-time performance insights. Among the planned innovations is a specialized aviation module within the Odoo environment, purpose-built to meet the unique needs of sectors such as medical airlift and private jet fueling.
A pilot program is already underway within BlueDot’s Middle East division. The results from this rollout will inform a phased global deployment and serve as a benchmark for other organizations navigating complex operational terrains.
A BlueDot representative said, “Our collaboration with Techbot ERP marks a transformative step toward fully digitizing and integrating our operations across continents. By leveraging Techbot’s deep expertise in Odoo ERP and aviation-specific solutions, we are not only enhancing our internal efficiency but also setting a new standard of responsiveness, transparency, and innovation in the aviation services sector. “
The partnership also signals a shift in how aviation firms are approaching enterprise modernization. With growing demand for real-time coordination in fields like emergency medical services and fuel logistics, the need for agile, scalable ERP systems has never been more apparent.
As part of their joint efforts, both organizations will launch “Powered by Precision: BlueDot x Techbot” — an initiative that includes webinars, operational showcases, and a behind-the-scenes documentary chronicling the transformation journey.
This collaboration highlights a growing trend: the intersection of aviation and digital innovation, where intelligent systems are no longer optional but foundational to sustainable, responsive operations.
About Techbot Information Technology LLC
Techbot Information Technology LLC is a leading Odoo implementation partner, providing custom ERP solutions for industries such as insurance, logistics, supercar rental, and manufacturing. With a focus on business automation and digital transformation, Techbot helps organizations optimize operations, reduce inefficiencies, and achieve seamless scalability. The company has successfully digitized over 50+ companies and 600+ users and continues to drive innovation in ERP solutions.
Dubai, UAE – 16th April 2025: At the recently concluded Business Show UAE 2025, held in Dubai on April 15, Techbot Information Technology LLC made a lasting impression as one of the leading partners of Odoo in the region. The event, which drew an audience of approximately (number to be added by client) industry professionals, served as a dynamic platform to explore the future of enterprise technology, with Odoo 18 taking center stage.
Odoo 18, the latest version of the all-in-one business management suite, was a major highlight of the event. With features spanning CRM, Accounting, Manufacturing, Inventory Management, and eCommerce, the software continues to set benchmarks in how businesses streamline and centralize their operations. Known for its modular design and user-friendly interface, Odoo 18 demonstrated how digital transformation can be made accessible and scalable for enterprises of all sizes.
As a certified Odoo partner since 2020, Techbot ERP has built a strong reputation for delivering deeply customized solutions tailored to industry-specific challenges. With a focus on customization and industry-specific implementation, Techbot has emerged as a go-to partner for companies needing advanced Odoo implementations beyond the standard offering.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Aadil Moosa, Business Development Manager at Techbot, shared his insights on the company’s experience in implementing deeply customized Odoo solutions. “When people think about customizing Odoo to fit niche industries, we want them to think of us,” said Aadil.
“Since becoming a partner in 2020 – right in the middle of the pandemic, we’ve dedicated ourselves entirely to Odoo. We believe in being masters of one rather than jacks of all.”
Attendees at the event engaged in live demonstrations, case studies, and open Q&A sessions, gaining real-world insight into how Odoo 18 can be harnessed to drive operational efficiency, improve visibility, and support scalable growth. Techbot’s session was particularly well-received for its clarity on how technology, when customized thoughtfully, can align seamlessly with complex business needs.
Highlighting Techbot’s approach to long-term client relationships, Mr. Aadil Moosa added “Our work across specialised industries like supercar rental, insurance brokerage, manufacturing, and freight forwarding has shown us that off-the-shelf isn’t always enough. What sets us apart is not just what we build, but how we support it.
We’ve invested heavily in support infrastructure because we know that the last customer interaction matters, just as much – if not more – than the first.”
As businesses across the UAE and wider region continue to embrace digital transformation, events like Business Show UAE 2025 highlight the crucial role that platforms like Odoo and partners like Techbot ERP play in shaping the next generation of enterprise operations.
About Techbot Information Technology LLC
Techbot Information Technology LLC is a leading Odoo implementation partner, providing custom ERP solutions for industries such as insurance, logistics, supercar rental, and manufacturing. With a focus on business automation and digital transformation, Techbot helps organizations optimize operations, reduce inefficiencies, and achieve seamless scalability. The company has successfully digitized over 50+ companies and 600+ users and continues to drive innovation in ERP solutions.