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Raaiza

    • Raaiza — Independent Research in Natural Fiber Composites

      Development of materials and processes for low-complexity product creation
      Focused on researching natural fiber composite materials and practical process frameworks that enable new products to be designed and made using simple tools and equipment.

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    Design Approach - From vision to action, nature becomes design.

    Creating Customized Materials 

    Nature Becomes The Foundation

    Creating unique composites from jute, bamboo, and other fibers—turning raw nature into strong, sustainable bases for every product.

    Benefits of Jubamwood

    Making New Products Possible

    Innovation Made Possible

    Designing materials first, to unlock products that balance creativity, sustainability, and affordability—solutions ready to perform.

    PedalPro Boats & Paddleboards

    Using Cost Effective Methods

    Simplicity That Scales

    Simplifying methods and using low cost, adaptable tools—making composites accessible, affordable, and competitive without waste.

    Explore How It Works

    Rehan Merchant the founder of Raaiza.

    In November 2011, I tested this pedal‑powered boat prototype with my son at Juhu Beach. Creating it through a fiberglass workshop would have required a mould — and moulds demand exact prototypes, which workshops do not create.


    It was a catch‑22 situation, but I had already worked out the design in Google 3D SketchUp in great detail. So I hand‑crafted the marine plywood profiles myself, then bent and wrapped 3mm aluminium and polyethylene composite panels (ACP) around them using Araldite epoxy to create two pontoons. The cross beams were made from composite hardwood. This hands‑on solution allowed me to bypass the mould requirement and prove the concept in real conditions.

    That test became the starting point of my independent research — showing me how the 3mm ACP could one day be replaced with natural fiber composites. Today, I continue developing these composites in my own workshop, refining materials and methods so that, when perfected and tested, any small fiberglass workshop can adopt them through knowledge transfer and training on how to transition to lighter, relatively strong, and sustainable natural fiber composites.

    Juhu Beach Test –November 2011

    This prototype was tested at Juhu Beach in November 2011, where I, together with my son, used it for the first time.

    Natural Fiber Composites

    Harnessing Nature’s Strength

    Discover how plant-based fibers like flax, jute, hemp, and coir are transformed into sustainable composites. These materials combine ecological wisdom with modern engineering, offering durability, versatility, and a path toward greener innovation.

    Explore Natural Fiber Composites

    creative Media design

    From Digital Roots to Composite Futures

    I started Raaiza back in 2002, registered in Dubai as a branding, logo, and website design studio. In those early years, I built three IBM Lotus Notes applications—WinningWebsite CMS, WinningOffice CRM, and WinningNewsletters—pioneering digital solutions before they were common.

    From 2002 to 2009, while swimming at the crystal beaches of Sharjah, my vision grew. I began designing boats in Google 3D SketchUp and used Macromedia Flash and Fireworks to create eLearning modules, including training content for Emirates Airlines’ Bell helicopter ground school.

    Now, my focus is on Natural Fiber Composites, especially jute and bamboo, alongside fiberglass composites. Raaiza’s Creative Media Design services are dedicated to supporting these industries with authentic branding, digital storytelling, and campaign-ready visuals.

    Explore Creative Media Design

    Environment- Breathing Life into the Mangroves

    This article from Bandra Buzz published October 2017 documents my long‑term effort to restore the Carter Road mangroves — beginning with rubble clearing and water channel revival and continuing through years of persistence until the ecosystem began to flourish again. Excerpt from the article: “Five years ago, when Rehan Merchant, a web designer by profession, began his work on the mangroves at Carter Road, people passing by or jogging on the promenade were sceptical about what he was doing. A man with a vision and determined to prove his point, nothing hindered Rehan’s effort and he continued to work with vigour. Now, the results lie in front of everyone, his persistence has paid off and through it, the mangroves are slowly turning over a new leaf.” 👉 Read the full article on Bandra Buzz
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