Dubai emergency kit startup sees surge in demand

A Dubai emergency kit startup is seeing demand surge as rising regional tensions and extreme weather push residents to prepare for potential disruptions.

Dubai-based Trooper reported that sales of its “Trooper Box” have increased more than eightfold month over month, reflecting a shift in consumer behavior driven by safety concerns.

Founded by Daamini Shrivastav and Dippesh Bhargava, the startup developed its emergency kits to support families during short-term crises. Each kit is designed to sustain up to four people for 72 hours and includes more than 75 items, ranging from a 101-piece first aid kit to water pouches, meal replacement bars, thermal blankets, and emergency tools.

The spike in demand follows weeks of escalation in the region after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, which triggered retaliatory missile and drone attacks across Gulf countries. In the UAE, frequent air raid alerts and defensive interceptions have heightened public anxiety, prompting many residents to seek practical ways to prepare.

On March 1, just one day after the conflict began, the UAE faced a large-scale barrage of missiles and drones. That same day, Trooper sold 19 kits. For Shrivastav, the moment confirmed what she had long anticipated: that the product would gain traction in times of crisis.

Her background in emergency medicine played a central role in shaping the product. Trained at Cardiff School of Medicine, she designed the kits to reduce decision-making under pressure, grouping items for quick access based on real-world hospital protocols.

The broader market trends reinforce this shift. The global emergency kit sector, valued at $1.8 billion in 2023, is projected to reach $3.4 billion by 2032, driven by climate-related disasters and growing awareness around preparedness.

Trooper itself was born out of local necessity. The idea emerged after severe flooding in the UAE in April 2024 disrupted daily life. Bhargava recalled how unprepared he felt during the storm, struggling to find basic supplies such as towels and lighting during a power outage.

Now, the company is expanding beyond individual consumers. Trooper is in discussions with governments and multinational corporations interested in equipping staff and facilities with emergency kits, signaling potential growth into institutional markets.

Despite the surge in demand, the founders emphasize that preparedness is not about fear, but practicality. As Shrivastav puts it, living in a region with strong infrastructure does not eliminate risk—it simply underscores the value of being ready.

Ultimately, the rise of this Dubai emergency kit startup reflects a broader shift in mindset, where preparedness is becoming part of everyday life rather than a response reserved for emergencies.