As seen in press
Recent milestones
Published: GAMEHARBOR preprint on Zenodo
Design and development of a casual game platform with an AI wellbeing companion. DOI 10.5281/zenodo.23414048.
MindHarbor goes live on the web
Open-world 3D wellness game, developed by Athul and published by Old Port Solutions LLC.
GameHarbor: a 3D wellness arcade with an AI companion
A healthy-gaming virtual arcade featuring Ollie, an AI octopus companion. Play. Relax. Recharge.
Independent research on gamified wellbeing and AI companions
Working papers in preparation on GameHarbor, calm-play design and conversational AI companions.
Dahua Technology Education Vertical launch
Joined the Dahua Technology team at the launch of its education smart-ecosystem vertical.
Gulf Magazine: "A Young Mind Shaping Brands"
Profile feature on Athul's journey in building and shaping modern brands.
Indian Express: How to Start a Branding Agency
Feature on founding Old Port Design LLP and building a branding agency.
On the ground
Official bio
Use any of these bios with credit. Please don't describe Athul as holding a PhD; he is an independent researcher.
Short bio (25 words)
Athul Iyju Jacob is a Dubai-based brand strategist, digital marketer, game developer and independent researcher, and Managing Director of Old Port Solutions LLC.
Medium bio (60 words)
Athul Iyju Jacob is a brand strategist and digital marketer based in Downtown Dubai, with 6+ years across EdTech, e-commerce, healthcare and B2B. He is Managing Director of Old Port Solutions LLC, founder of Old Port Design LLP and co-founder of Gaatly. He created the wellness games GameHarbor and MindHarbor and writes about brand strategy, paid media and GEO.
Long bio (110 words)
Athul Iyju Jacob is a Dubai-based brand strategist, digital marketing expert, game developer and independent researcher. Trained in animation and graphic design, he has spent more than six years building brands and growth programmes across EdTech, e-commerce, healthcare and B2B in the UAE, GCC and India. He is Managing Director of Old Port Solutions LLC, founded the Bengaluru agency Old Port Design LLP, and co-founded the tech accessories brand Gaatly. He designed and built the wellness games GameHarbor and MindHarbor, published a preprint on AI wellbeing companions, and has been featured in Gulf Magazine and Indian Express. He also reviews Dubai restaurants as a food vlogger.
Quick facts
- Full name
- Athul Iyju Jacob
- Based in
- Downtown Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Known for
- Brand strategy, digital marketing, SEO and GEO
- Experience
- 6+ years across EdTech, e-commerce, healthcare and B2B
- Current role
- Managing Director, Old Port Solutions LLC
- Ventures
- Founder, Old Port Design LLP; Co-founder, Gaatly
- Games
- GameHarbor and MindHarbor (3D wellness games)
- Research
- Independent researcher; GAMEHARBOR preprint (Zenodo, 2026); ORCID 0009-0007-8115-0543
- Press
- Gulf Magazine; Indian Express
- Off the clock
- Food vlogger on Instagram, @athuliyjujacob
- Education
- Degree in Animation and Graphic Design
- Contact
- aijacob@oldport.ae · +971 52 961 4900
- Profiles
- LinkedIn: athuliyjujacob · Behance: athuliyju05
Writing a story?
Available for interviews, podcasts and speaking on brand strategy, AI search and GEO, wellness game design and building ventures in Dubai. Hi-res photos and a short bio are available on request.
