Grow_From_Dubai_Meydan_Supplement

< Previous20 Grow from Dubai – Issue 02 / March 2024 DUB AI' S MOS T PO WERFUL CEOs international collaborations. Dubai's stra- tegic location enhanced logistical effi - ciency, while business-friendly policies and access to a diverse talent pool further contributed to the success of my venture. What challenges did you encounter and how did you eff ectively tackle them? The COVID-19 pandemic posed a signiﬁ cant challenge to my business in Dubai. Navigating the impact of the pandemic on the medical ﬁ eld, I had to swiftly adapt through agility and innova- tion. This was important in the face of unexpected challenges. Staying compli- ant with regulatory changes and main- taining ﬁ nancial ﬂ exibility are crucial components of a successful strategy in Dubai's entrepreneurial landscape. How has the Dubai market inﬂ uenced your business strategy and guided operational decisions? The Dubai market has profoundly inﬂ uenced our business strategy, guid- ing key operational decisions. The city's dynamic environment has instilled in us an agile mindset, prompting continuous innovation and adaptation to emerging trends. Embracing diversity in reﬂ ection of Dubai's cosmopolitan nature, we've built a globally minded team. Leverag- ing the city's status as a business hub, we've strategically expanded interna- tionally. In essence, Dubai serves as our dynamic compass, shaping our commit- ment to innovation, adaptability, and global relevance. How do you foresee the future of your business? Our medical business envisions a future shaped by technology, patient-centric care, and collaborative partnerships. To thrive, we're focusing on a patient-cen- tric approach, prioritising personalised care and preventive health measures, as well as establishing a collaborative ecosystem through forming strategic partnerships for innovation and holistic care. With that, we are committed to ensure that we are staying compliant while seeking effi ciency within evolving regulations all the while exploring opportunities for international reach and diverse healthcare exposure. Khaled Al Harmoudi: Driven by Entrepreneurial Zeal Khaled Al Harmoudi, the Founder of CURECELL and Dynasty Clinic, attributes his ventures’ success to Dubai's vibrant business environment, strategic location, and favourable policies Khaled Al Harmoudi, Founder of CURECELL and Dynasty Clinic Why did you choose to establish your business in Dubai? I chose to establish my business in Dubai driven by a passion for entrepreneurship and a keen observation of a gap in the medical market. Dubai's dynamic busi- ness environment, strategic location, and pro-business policies have signiﬁ cantly impacted my venture's trajectory. The access to a diverse market as well as a well-developed infrastructure have facil- itated operational effi ciency. Addition- ally, the city's entrepreneurial spirit, government support, and networking oppor tunities have accelerated the growth of my business. How has mentorship or support networks contributed to your success? Mentorship and a supportive network were pivotal in my entrepreneurial jour- ney. Consistency and trying diff erent approaches were key to achieving goals. Surrounding myself with passionate friends provided crucial encourage- ment. My advice to budding entrepre- neurs is to stay persistent, seek mentor- ship, and build a circle of supportive, passionate individuals to navigate chal- lenges and foster success. What opportunities and advantages did Dubai provide that contributed to the growth of your business? Dubai's government SME programmes provided vital support, off ering incentives and resources that fuelled the initial growth of my business. The city's status as a global hub for tourism and business expanded market reach and facilitated www.meydanfz.ae 21 Content creation to me is a form of art and self-expression; and something I enjoy doing. Though ﬁ lming and editing may take long hours, I always enjoy the process due to the love I have for it. When there is love, there is a way. How do you manage and strategize the success of your ventures including BYD street cap brand and your event ﬁ rm The Bicnic? I always try to look at opportunities in business where there is a demand and not enough supply in the market. Along- side that, I use the marketing that I must push out my business to the masses and so far, that strategy has worked for me What inspired the launch of The Besties Café in Al Seef and how do you envision its role in the market? The Besties Café is the fir st F&B venture I have done with my business partner and best friend Ebraheem Al Samadi. I am lucky to be in business with Ebraheem as he has experience and knowledge in the F&B world. I envision The Besties Cafe role in the market to be huge and impactful. We haven’t completed a year and we are already getting requests for franchises around the world. Juggling multiple roles can be challenging. How do you eff ectively manage your time for success? I sometimes don’t know how I do it, but things that have helped me are taking each day at a time and planning a day before on the tasks I need to do the following day. And patience has been my greatest asset. What was the inspiration behind launching your podcast Meet my Friendz? I was requested to join many podcasts as a guest and then realised that I really enjoyed speaking to people and getting to know them on a deeper level. So, I decided to launch my own podcast where my friends that have inspired me from diff erent walks of life get to share their stor ies. I believe the world should hear what they have to say and be inspired the same way I always am by my friends. Danya Mohamed: Redeﬁ ning Emirati Presence on TV and Social Media Famously known as Diva Dee, Danya Mohammed stands out as the first Emirati female to grace a reality TV show. Her social media feed reflects a deep interest in fashion, blending her style with a passion for content creation, distinguishing her as an influential figure in the digital world What makes Dubai the most conducive place for reality shows, content creation, and so on? I think that Dubai is a brand that attracts millions of people from around the world. The inspiring story where Dubai began to where it is inspires anyone that knows it's story. Dubai continues to create new projects and experiences so there are endless places for content creators to explore and the same goes for reality shows, too. How do you approach content creation considering your YouTube account has over 120,000 subscrib- ers and you are an Instagram Inﬂ uencer with over 900K+ followers? Danya Mohamed, Famously Known as Diva Dee, Co-Founder of Besties Cafe DUB AI' S MOS T PO WERFUL CEOs22 Grow from Dubai – Issue 02 / March 2024 Can you share what inspired you to start Gulf Buzz and the vision behind creating it? I started Gulf Buzz during the COVID pandemic from the comfor t of my bedroom. Prior to that, I used to work for another media company in the Middle East until 2019. After leaving that job, I began freelancing for social media clients. Many people encouraged me, saying that if I could build brands for others, I could do it for myself. I decided to launch Gulf Buzz. It began with me making one video a week, but as it gained traction, I increased my output accordingly. With Gulf Buzz, you've managed to capture the local ﬂ avour and excitement of Dubai. What is your philosophy when it comes to creating content? Our philosophy is all about creating content that resonates with our audi- ence. We focus on relatability, ensuring that people can easily connect with what we produce. We specialise in video content, and we are always on the look- out for the latest trends and happenings. Gulf Buzz has seen remarkable growth, with over 300K followers on Instagram alone. What strategies have you employed to engage such a wide audience? I believe that the key to making success- ful videos is to keep things relatable as well as straightforward. My personal strategy is to focus on capturing and making even the simplest content go viral. I aim to stay updated on current trends while also tapping into nostalgic elements. By covering everything and presenting it in a way that resonates with viewers, I ensure that my content is both relevant and understandable. Why did you launch your podcast, 'Spill the Tea with Gulf Buzz,' which aims to interview top industry ﬁ gures and uncover their secrets? You recently featured Steve Harvey during a segment. How was that experience like? Starting my own podcast was one of the steps in our growth journey, to showcase that we are more than just a platform for Gulf Buzz: Capturing the Local Flavour and Excitement of Dubai In curating content that highlights the most recent activities and attractions in Dubai, Dhruv Maniar, the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Gulf Buzz, emphasises that the core philosophy of his company is to produce material that deeply connects with their audience. Dhruv Maniar, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Gulf Buzz DUB AI' S MOS T PO WERFUL CEOswww.meydanfz.ae 23 recommending restaurants and new places. At the end of the day, our mission extends beyond recommendations; we're here to off er insights, motivation, as well as to encourage self-reﬂ ection. That's why we launched 'Spill the Tea with Gulf Buzz.' We recognise that people encoun- ter challenges in their careers, and we aim to address these issues by sharing personal journeys and experiences. Our goal is to motivate others by showcasing the resilience and determination of indi- viduals who have overcome obstacles. My experience with Steve Harvey was truly one-of-a-kind, and it's a memory I will forever cherish. Gulf Buzz covers a wide range of topics, from hidden gems in the UAE from ﬁ tness and adventure. How do you ultimately decide what content to produce? Initially, our focus at Gulf Buzz was on creating a diverse array of content, encompassing everything from undis- covered treasures and adventures to culi- nary journeys and lifestyle pieces. When I embarked on this journey, my primary goal was to achieve virality by crafting content that would resonate widely. However, as our brand began to grow and gain recognition, evidenced by people recognising us on the streets, approaching us with commendations, and inquiring about activities in Dubai, I came to a realisation. The pursuit of virality, measured in likes and shares, paled in comparison to the value of stay- ing abreast of all that Dubai has to off er. This shift in perspective led us to rede- ﬁ ne our mission. Rather than ﬁ xating on digital metrics, we embraced our role as a local guide, committed to providing timely and relevant information about the city's latest attractions and events. In fact, our aim is to deliver content that not only keeps our audience informed but also enhances their experience of Dubai, making Gulf Buzz an indispen- sable resource for discovering the city's vibrant off erings. What have been some of the biggest challenges you've faced in the digital journalism space, and how have you overcome them? The biggest challenges faced in the UAE is that the UAE is a smaller market with a monopoly of media houses, while getting through them can be diffi cult. I believe everyone is unique and diff erent, and if you keep pushing, you will excel. Looking ahead, what are your plans for Gulf Buzz? Are there any new projects or expansions on the horizon? Looking ahead for Gulf Buzz, we want to be the ultimate local guide in the UAE for tourists and residents. We want to cover a wide range of food, travel, lifestyle, and entertainment. In terms of expansion, maybe soon you will see Gulf Buzz covering other diff erent Middle Eastern countries. What advice would you give to someone looking to start their own digital journalism platform in Dubai? My advice to the younger generation entering journalism or content creation is to always remember why you started and stay true to your core values. Consist- ency is the key. It's important to have a solid plan, at least for the initial six months, so that as you execute, you're simultaneously strategizing for the next six months and beyond. Growth requires eff ort, so remain disciplined and consist- ent. Remember, it's not about chasing money but rather focusing on your goals. Consistency is the key. It's important to have a solid plan, at least for the initial six months, so that as you execute, you're simultaneously strategizing for the next six months and beyond DUB AI' S MOS T PO WERFUL CEOs24 Grow from Dubai – Issue 02 / March 2024 We have successfully created, developed, and managed over 100 e-stores and e-brands for our clients, guiding them through the trajectory of the entrepreneur- ialism. Many individuals find it over- whelming, not knowing where to start or how to navigate the complexities. In response, we provide guidance every step of the way. So yes, our e-brands off er some of the most demanded products in the markets, believe we’re the gamers in this game, and our goal is to position Dubai as a global hub, introducing new products to the world. As our product range expands, so too will sales and income, that’s what we believe in; we trust the process. How do you tailor your services to meet the needs of entrepreneurs? My target audience are Emiratis and Gulf nationals and I have focused more on understanding them, reaching their hearts before their minds as I’m also an Emirati. I began the journey with them by explaining the methods I personally developed in various business projects that I have ventured in diff erent sectors such as delivery, restaurant, and educa- tion sectors. I gathered valuable experi- ence and applied it in the real world and am guiding entrepreneurs toward a clear path in their projects. Are there speciﬁ c considerations when starting and expanding a business? Focus on one place or one region that people haven't focused on enough in the ﬁ eld. Specialise more in this area and avoid branching excessively. Look for a specialist in this ﬁ eld who can provide you with the best possible services. Also, search for talents and not just ordinary employees, as this is what will elevate your journey to success. Also, try to provide services to people that exceed their expectations. For instance, the example of choosing the right school; there are good, not-so-good, excellent, and schools that exceed expectations. This is because you aren't just selling them products; you're selling them values and emotions that will contribute to the success of your project. Ultimately, remember that the fuel of your project is the money paid by your customers and their satisfaction. Saif Al Naqbi: Empowering Entrepreneurs in Dubai Saif Al Naqbi, CEO of Sahab School and Rain Consultancy, and Co-Founder of GoArnab, reveals his plans to propel Dubai into the ultimate hub of innovation and entrepreneurship Saif Al Naqbi, CEO of Sahab School and Rain Consultancy, and Co-Founder of GoArnab How do your services contribute to Dubai’s entrepreneurs? The first company I founded is Rain Management Consultanc y which provides expert consultations in manage- ment and ﬁ nance. My vision for Rain is to enhance businesses and commercial projects in the region. Rain specialises in establishing realistic executive indicators for project development, a critical aspect often lacking here. We consistently conduct sur veys to assess market demand for the services we off er, includ- ing consultations. Sahab School focuses on educating people about entrepre- neurship and eff ective business manage- ment. My goal is to inspire and encour- age individuals in my community and region to enter the business world, utilis- ing their skills to ensure a stable addi- tional income stream. Can you share success stories where your services played a role in overcoming challenges? DUB AI' S MOS T PO WERFUL CEOswww.meydanfz.ae 25 place online for makeup lovers to connect, share, and grow! Then, we created the Huda Beauty Instagram page, which was the pivotal transition to launching my own brand in 2013. Sephora taking an exclusive on our ﬁ rst ever product, a collection of false lashes, in The Dubai Mall was a deﬁ n- ing moment for me and was a dream come true. Eleven years later, we have a full product range, a skincare brand, and so much more to come! How did you harness the potential of digital channels to drive the growth and expansion of your business? Our community was the reason we were able to launch Huda Beauty! We realized what a powerful tool social media is. We have such an amazing, loyal community, and we love to connect with them for feedback on new launches and what products they'd love to see us launch! I always say that I only create prod- ucts that I would use or feel are missing from my makeup bag, and I think that the key is we don't just make anything; there's a reason behind each of our products! Recently, we expanded our shade range for our #FAUXFILTER Color Correctors because I felt like something was missing, and I wanted to truly cater to all skin tones but also from seeing the incredible response of our community. They are the heart of Huda Beauty, and we are so lucky to have them. Could you elaborate on any additional business endeavours you are engaged with in Dubai, aside from Huda Beauty? In 2017, we launched HB Investments 2017, and our goal was to support entre- preneurs and start-ups worldwide. So far, we have supported several amazing companies, such as The Luxury Closet, Fresha, Kitopi, and Humantra. We're so proud to be able to help these incredible businesses thrive! I also helped my sister Mona launch KAYALI in 2018, which has evolved into a power perfume house based on the art of layering – her brand is available in Sephora, too, and she has nearly 20 beautiful fragrances in the collection! Huda Beauty: A Cornerstone of Beauty Innovation and Trends Since founding Huda Beauty in 2013, Founder and CEO Huda Kattan have become a source of inspiration for entrepreneurs and has successfully diversified into several other ventures What motivated your decision to venture into the beauty industry, and how have you broadened your vision since then? I've always been passionate about makeup, so entering the beauty industry was inevitable! Even some of my favorite childhood memories revolve around it; I remember watching my sister, Alya, apply makeup, and I'd try to recreate her techniques on my own face later! After moving to Dubai to work as a recruiter, I realized it wasn't for me, and I needed to follow what I loved. So, I resigned and moved to Los Angeles to train to become a makeup artist! In 2010, I started the Huda Beauty blog because I realized there wasn't a safe Huda Kattan, Founder and CEO of Huda Beauty DUB AI' S MOS T PO WERFUL CEOs26 Grow from Dubai – Issue 02 / March 2024 DUB AI' S MOS T PO WERFUL CEOs market. My relentless pursuit of oppor- tunities led me to continuously engage with prominent landlords, such as Emaar and Majid Al Futtaim, for retail spaces within their malls. Despite a ﬁ ve- years waiting list, my persistence paid off, remarkably shortening this time- frame to just a few months. Additionally, witnessing the UAE's proactive response to the COVID-19 pandemic further inspired me and demonstrated the UAE's resilience. It also reinforced my commitment to continue pursuing my entrepreneurial journey within this forward-thinking country. What opportunities in Dubai played a role in the development of your business? Dubai's dynamic tourism market has been a pivotal factor in the growth and expansion of my business. Initially, when I arrived in Dubai in 2010, the tourism landscape was predominantly dominated by visitors from KSA. However, as KSA began opening, there was a decrease in Saudi visitors. The UAE government's agile approach to this shift was remark- able. By swiftly diversifying its tourism sources to attract visitors from Russia and China, Dubai eff ectively compen- sated for the loss of its Saudi clientele. This adaptability is a testament to the government's deep understanding of its economy and its commitment to promptly address any challenges. Addi- tionally, my participation in the televi- sion show ‘Dubai Bling’ has unleashed multiple opportunities and has enhanced my credibility and trustworthiness in the eyes of a global audience. How did local entities support you during the development of your business? The UAE's vibrant exhibition scene has played a crucial role in our business development. Notable events such as Gulf Food and Beauty World, along with the landmark Expo 2020, have been instrumental in attracting global attention and interest to our region. These platforms have provided us with unparalleled exposure and opportuni- ties to engage with a diverse array of stakeholders, helping in driving traffi c and fostering growth. Ebraheem Al Samadi: Aspiring to Elevate a City Known for Global Excellence Ebraheem Al Samadi, CEO of The Al Samadi Group’s retail arm, and Founder of Forever Rose Café, reveals that Dubai's strategic location and booming economy was the impetus to not only start, but also to expand his business across the GCC region Why did you choose Dubai as the location for your venture? The decision to establish my business in Dubai was inﬂ uenced by my observa- tions of the city's rapid development and international acclaim in the early 2010s. The visionar y leadership of Sheikh Mohammed and his transformative goals for the UAE deeply resonated with me. I was captivated by the ambition to contribute to a city that sets global benchmarks in innovation, lifestyle, and business excellence. After thorough research and a comprehensive feasibility study, I recog- nised Dubai's potential to serve as the central hub for our operations. With a clear vision and strategic planning, I aimed to leverage Dubai's dynamic market to facilitate expansion into Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, KSA, and Bahrain. What are some key moments that inﬂ uenced the growth of your business? Upon my arrival in Dubai, I encountered numerous challenges, notably due to my youth and relative obscurity in the Ebraheem Al Samadi, CEO of The Al Samadi Group’s retail arm, and Founder of Forever Rose Café28 Grow from Dubai – Issue 02 / March 2024 their background and interests, whether they are an artist, an entrepreneur, or a homemaker. Our exclusive events and workshops educate women to grow in their professional lives. Our community also helps build business networks. We also collaborate with global brands to give them the beneﬁ t of exposure to an audience of over 100,000 Indian women, to amplify their reach and customer base. How has Dubai’s multicultural ecosystem help IWD cater to the diverse needs of its members? Our commitment to diversity is embedded in a dynamic societal setup, ﬁ nely attuned to the diverse needs of our members. We've established WhatsApp channels that serve as hubs for instant and meaningful connections, fostering a strong sense of community. In addition, our ﬁ tness, cook- ing, and book clubs provide dedicated spaces for like-minded women to bond over shared interests, creating a vibrant tapestry of community life. IWD prioritises skill development through upskill workshops, empowering women across various domains. Notably, our initiatives such as the IWD awards and Women's Day celebrations under- score our commitment to recognising and celebrating outstanding achieve- ments. Moreover, our collaborations with the Consulate of Dubai, Al Jalila Foundation, and support for Children of Determination highlight our dedica- tion to social responsibility. What are the plans for IWD moving forward? Our plans for Indian Women in Dubai align with a straightforward yet powerful vision: to continue providing diverse opportunities for women. Our focus remains on delivering the best opportu- nities across networking, expansion, and upskilling. As we move forward, our goal is to fortify this support system, ensuring that every woman associated with IWD feels empowered and equipped to navi- gate and excel in their personal and professional journeys. Through sustained eff orts, we aim to make a lasting impact on the lives of women in Dubai, fostering a community that thrives on shared success and continuous growth. Reema Mahajan Gupta: Fostering a Network of Empowered Women Reema Mahajan Gupta, the Founder and Admin of INDIAN WOMEN IN DUBAI (IWD), explains how the platform helps to create an unconditional and unrelenting support system for every woman out there in UAE and even the world What inspired you to launch IWD? I come from a conservative family in a small town in India. My parents always backed my dreams and were my biggest cheerleaders. This made me realise how vital and valuable family support is for a woman to chase her dreams and I always wanted to provide the same support system to fellow women globally. I launched INDIAN WOMEN IN DUBAI, a platform for women to come together, bond, celebrate, uplift, and empower our individual selves. By fostering a network of strong and vision- ary women, we aim to create an uncon- ditional and unrelenting support system for every woman out there. In what ways does IWD serve as both a social and business platform in Dubai? Socially, IWD helps women connect. This connection blooms into friend- ships, business networking opportuni- ties and even customers, irrespective of Reema Mahajan Gupta, Founder and Admin of IWD (Indian Women in Dubai) DUB AI' S MOS T PO WERFUL CEOswww.meydanfz.ae 29 terparts like YouTube and Instagram. Anticipating 2024, I see this trend esca- lating, with video podcasting dominating, driven by the demand for content that is informative and visually captivating. TNB Podcasting is focusing on short-form video content, ensuring our offerings resonate with regional preferences and technological advancements. How did your 'talking head' style content propel your success? Leveraging 'talking head' content, where we directly engage the camera, has been key to our company’ success. This style, emphasising personal charisma, fosters a one-on-one connection, making the messaging more relatable. It's this direct and engaging approach that has signiﬁ - cantly contributed to building a strong online presence for our clients whose combined reach across all social media platforms is greater than 100 million views. How does TNB Podcasting align with Dubai’s vision for content creators? TNB Podcasting aligns with Dubai's vision for content creators by contribut- ing to the emirate's goal of becoming a global hub for digital content. We are at the forefront of producing innovative, engaging podcasts that resonate with a global audience, supporting Dubai's digi- tal economy expansion. What is your roadmap to overcoming key challenges you faced? We faced initial funding challenges as TNB Podcasting was self-financed through my credit cards, thanks to a strong credit history which I built here in Dubai over the course of my employment within the region. But even credit cards can only get you to certain places within business. To fuel growth despite limited funding, we heavily invest our time and eff ort in enhancing our systems and oper- ations. This focus on operational effi- ciency enables us to manage resources eff ectively and serve clients better. Looking ahead, our plan involves scal- ing within the UAE, perfecting our service delivery, and then expanding into Saudi Arabia. This strategy of operational excel- lence and targeted expansion underpins our roadmap for becoming a regional leader in podcast production. Neet Bherwani: Leveraging Opportunity into Podcasting Success Neet Bherwani, Founder of TNB Podcasting reveals that his venture into entrepreneurship was born out of necessity which later became a golden opportunity to offer podcasting services Neet Bherwani, Founder of TNB podcasting Why did you decide to pivot into entrepreneurship in Dubai? My venture was born out of necessity when I was off ered a job in Dubai, but the residence visa was not provided. This challenge turned into an opportunity to off er podcasting services, from more than 20 million views at that time on my own podcasting content to then ﬁ nding my ﬁ rst client. Dubai's vibrant business ecosystem, supportive of innovation and digital ventures, provided the perfect launchpad. With its streamlined processes and a focus on digital media, it was an ideal place to start TNB Podcasting. How is the regional market evolving with regards to video podcasting trends? In the Middle East, notably the UAE, the podcasting scene is swiftly pivoting from long-form audio to short-form video content, aligning with the audience's pref- erence for quick, visually engaging narra- tives. This shift reﬂ ects the region's rapid digital adoption in favour of video coun- DUB AI' S MOS T PO WERFUL CEOsNext >