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BLOCK 9

About BLOCK 9

About

A focused portfolio with active involvement

BLOCK 9 is a Dubai-based holding company co-founded by Michael Halas and Ashruf Hassaballa. Our current portfolio spans technology, real estate, healthcare and retail, with projects in Greece and Morocco and a regional outlook across Southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.

We work with project teams, strategic and financial investors, advisors and specialist partners on business planning, commercial development and the practical steps required to build sustainable operations. Our involvement is shaped by the needs and stage of each venture.

Our immediate priority is to develop the four projects in our portfolio, strengthen their operating foundations and support their long-term growth. We remain open to suitable opportunities and partnerships that fit our sectors, our regions and the way we work.

Founders

Michael Halas, Co-founder & General Manager of BLOCK 9

Michael Halas

Co-founder & General Manager

Michael is a technology entrepreneur with more than twenty years of experience in business development and strategic partnerships. His background combines electrical and computer engineering with economics and management. At BLOCK 9, he works with partners and project teams on business development and execution.

Before co-founding BLOCK 9, Michael founded and led MAGNOOS Information Systems, which was subsequently acquired by Midis Group.

LinkedIn profile
Ashruf Hassaballa, Co-founder & Head of Strategy and Business Development of BLOCK 9

Ashruf Hassaballa

Co-founder & Head of Strategy and Business Development

Ashruf co-founded BLOCK 9 to develop businesses through strategic partnerships and market opportunities. His focus within the group is strategy and business development, working with partners to shape and advance the portfolio.

LinkedIn profile

How we work

Five stages, shaped by each venture

The structure below explains how we get involved. The pace and depth vary with the needs and stage of each project.

  1. 01

    Assess

    We evaluate each project's market, business model and delivery requirements.

  2. 02

    Plan

    We align responsibilities, resources and milestones with our partners.

  3. 03

    Secure funding

    We raise the necessary funding through internal and external sources to achieve proof of concept.

  4. 04

    Build

    We support project teams as they develop their offering, establish operations and reach customers.

  5. 05

    Develop

    We review progress, strengthen execution and adapt as each business grows.

Our footprint

Based in Dubai, building in Greece and Morocco

Dubai is the BLOCK 9 group base. Our current projects are located in Greece and Morocco, supported by relationships across Southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.

Group base
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Project locations
Greece (Athens, Andros, Glyfada) and Morocco (Rabat)
Regional outlook
Southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East

Specialist advisors

Expertise where a project needs it

We work with specialist advisors where their expertise supports the needs of our projects. Their contribution complements the responsibilities of the founders and project teams.