Dubai is witnessing a transformative approach to tackling waste and helping residents, thanks to social entrepreneur Rana Hajirasouli. Through her platform, The Surpluss, she is transforming excess into equal access, turning unused business inventory into valuable resources for those in need.
The Surpluss began as a business-to-business platform that enabled companies to trade surplus materials, reducing waste while boosting operational efficiency. Over time, the platform evolved to directly support thousands of Dubai residents. By partnering with Dubai Holding, The Surpluss now operates a “circular giving” system, ensuring essential items reach low-income individuals rather than landfills. This approach reflects how transforming excess into equal access can benefit both businesses and communities simultaneously.
Currently, The Surpluss works with over 25 companies and organisations across Dubai. These partnerships prevent brand-new items from going to waste while providing tangible support to over 20,000 people. For businesses, this method not only reduces storage costs but also enables profitable engagement in sustainable practices. In fact, many small and medium-sized enterprises have reported recouping investments within weeks and improving their financial stability through surplus monetisation.
Rana credits Dubai Holding’s mentorship and expert guidance for the platform’s growth. She notes that real-time feedback helped The Surpluss discover new intellectual property and develop innovative go-to-market strategies. Companies implementing the platform benefit from “vertical circularity,” integrating sustainable resource management into their operations while enhancing social impact.
Looking ahead, The Surpluss plans to expand globally while keeping its roots in Dubai. The initiative aims to reach North America, the UK, and Southeast Asia. If adopted by 200,000 companies worldwide, it could prevent two gigatons of carbon emissions. Locally, the collaboration with Dubai Holding continues to demonstrate how sustainability, social responsibility, and innovation can coexist effectively.
By transforming excess into equal access, The Surpluss not only reduces waste but also delivers a new model for corporate social responsibility. This initiative exemplifies how innovation and compassion can come together to create lasting community benefits.
