talabat has launched Open Door, a startup enablement programme. It links early-stage companies with business challenges across its regional operations.
The initiative lets startups test solutions in a live commercial setting. Successful pilots can grow into longer-term partnerships.
The programme runs across talabat’s eight MENA markets. The next cohort begins in the UAE this month. Rollouts in Oman and Bahrain will follow later in 2026.
talabat has signed a memorandum of understanding with QuikBot under the programme. The Singapore-headquartered company builds autonomous delivery robots for high-rise buildings.
The pilot is set to run at Dubai Digital Park in Dubai Silicon Oasis. Riders will hand off orders inside the building, and a robot will complete the delivery to the customer’s door.
“Through Open Door, we are creating a clearer pathway for startups to engage with our business,”
said May Youssef, Regional Senior Director of Corporate Affairs at talabat.
The programme supports UN Sustainable Development Goal 8 on decent work and economic growth.
It is part of the company’s wider efforts to strengthen the region’s entrepreneurship and technology ecosystem.
Featured image: Edited by Fintech News UAE, based on image by farknot via Magnific
