Entrepreneur ME 03 2024 Freemagazines Top

APP OLYMPICS 2023/ Meet THE BUSINESS OF FUNNY/ Dubomedy FROM GRILL TO GREATNESS/ Dubai-
the winners P.14 co-founder Mina Liccione P.19 based burger joint Eleven Green P.61
March 2024
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Contents / March 2024
EDITOR IN CHIEF Aby Sam Thomas

aby@bncpublishing.net
CEO Wissam Younane

wissam@bncpublishing.net
DIRECTOR Rabih Najm

rabih@bncpublishing.net
ART DIRECTOR Simona El Khoury
MANAGING EDITOR Tamara Pupic

tamara@bncpublishing.net
FEATURES WRITER Aalia Mehreen Ahmed

aalia@bncpublishing.net
DIGITAL SOLUTIONS DIRECTOR

Mahdi Hashemi mahdi@bncpublishing.net
HEAD OF INNOVATION
↑ Founded in 2016 by Sophie Sarah Saddouk sarah@bncpublishing.net
Simpson, Atteline has operated
across three divisions of GROUP SALES DIRECTOR – B2B GROUP
communication -consumer, corporate,
and digital- providing services to
TREPONOMICS Joaquim D’Costa jo@bncpublishing.net
COLUMNIST Tamara Clarke

contemporary and established brands
across the UAE. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
51 Real Talk Fida Chaaban, Debra Corey, Ken Corey,
Hannah Curran, Devina Divecha, Sarah Lindsay,
PUREBORN founder HANNAH CURRAN
BUSINESS offers the low-down on the reality of

Muna Mustafa, Mehreen Omar, Natalia Sycheva
UNUSUAL building a business while being a new

mom.
53 Doing Leadership Right

19 The Business Of Funny DEBRA and KEN COREY share their
As DUBOMEDY approaches its 16th
expertise on how one can avoid the
anniversary, co-founder MINA LICCIONE SUBSCRIBE
traps that lead to being a bad boss.
explains how her entrepreneurial Contact subscriptions@bncpublishing.net to receive
venture has unabashedly redefined Entrepreneur Middle East every issue
55 From Setbacks To Triumphs
comedy in the GCC.
SupperClub co-founders MEHREEN
OMAR and MUNA MUSTAFA explain how
24 Positioned For Prosperity failing well can lead one to success.
COMMERCIAL ENQUIRIES
Following a management-led buyout sales@bncpublishing.net
of all equity held by its previous
56 Fight The Fear (And Do It
investor, UAE-born fitness brand
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GYMNATION is all set for a new phase ENTREPRENEUR.COM
ROAR FITNESS owner SARAH LINDSAY lists Access fresh content daily on our website
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five things she learned as an Olympian
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61 From Grill To Greatness

SULTAN and KINDA CHATILA , the All Rights Reserved 2024. Opinions expressed are solely those of the contributors.
Entrepreneur Middle East and all subsidiary publications in the MENA region are
entrepreneurs behind Dubai-based 14 From Contenders To officially licensed exclusively to BNC Publishing in the MENA region by Entrepreneur
burger joint ELEVEN GREEN , share the Champions Media Inc. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any
story of how they are driving a winning Meet the winners of the APP OLYMPICS form or by any means without written permission of the publisher. Images used in
Entrepreneur Middle East are credited when necessary. Attributed use of copyrighted
venture in the food and beverage competition staged by the Dubai images with permission. All images not credited otherwise Shutterstock. Printed by
industry. Chamber of Digital Economy. United Printing and Publishing.
10 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / March 2024
Editor’s Note/
BEWARE THE MIRAGE

In a world of bravado, seek substance
discussed on stage, it was rather a washout, starkly

contradicting the marketing blitz it had put us through
beforehand.
Consider also the investors who make big claims about
investing, but for some reason, fail to actually write any
checks. This is the flipside of startups who have yet to
demonstrate anything meaningful in this space- investors who
ride the wave of their titles without actually deploying any
capital.
Another instance that comes to mind starts with a
conversation I had with the latest hire a startup had made to
boost its digital presence. This so-called expert spouted every
buzzword under the sun, and had no qualms making
outlandish statements about the positive impact they could
have on the business in question. However, in an email
exchange that followed this chat, I asked for a tangible action
plan that would lead to the bold results they had claimed, and,
well, let’s just say that the response was severely lacking.
Eloquence, as it turns out, doesn’t always translate into
efficacy.
For all you entrepreneurs out there, this is a problem that I’d
ask you to be wary of- it seems to have become far too
I
common for business leaders to be seduced by those who
s it just me, or are a lot more people being taken in by the come to them with promises of grandeur. Worse, in this
pizzazz and bravado a person or business showcases, rather process, they also often tend to disregard those already in
than the actual work or value that they bring to the table? their teams who have toiled for just about every success they
Maybe I shouldn’t be surprised by it, given that we live in had enjoyed until then.
an age where our social media existences -though largely Now, this is not to say that you should dismiss everyone who
unrelated to how we actually go about our days- are comes to you with a proposal to do something better, or to
assumed to be an accurate tracker of how we spend our create something with the potential to be momentous-
time on a daily basis- and an indicator of success. however, do take everything you hear with a grain of salt, and
I have often chanted “perception reality” to friends who put checks and balances in place to ensure that they can, at
have fallen for such fallacies in the online realm- but I’m the end of the day, walk the talk.
beginning to think I’ll need to start doing this for people At the same time, make it a point to acknowledge and
within my professional circle as well. appreciate those who have already proved their worth after
And that’s because I am noticing an alarming number of joining this entrepreneurial ride you’re on- in a world
people being hoodwinked by those who talk a very good inundated with noise and spectacle, there’s value in holding
game- but whose results reflect the age-old problem of on to those with genuine achievements on their track record.
something that (arguably) has a lot of style, but very little
substance.
Take, for example, a recent gathering that promised its Aby Sam Thomas
participants an experience like they’ve never had before- well, Editor in Chief
that turned out to be true, but for all the wrong reasons. From @thisisaby
the sloppy way it was organized, to the tone-deaf topics aby@bncpublishing.net
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In The Loop/
FROM CONTENDERS TO CHAMPIONS

Meet the winners of the App Olympics competition staged by the Dubai Chamber of
Digital Economy, who were honored by Dubai Crown Prince H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at a ceremony at the Museum of the Future
O
n February 29, 2024, the Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and The awards ceremony in February 2024
App Olympics competition, Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, thus marked the competition’s final stage,
an initiative launched by the who also handed out the awards. which saw the final 12 participants
Dubai Chamber of Digital Launched in October 2023, as part of the pitching their ideas to a panel of judges
Economy, concluded with an Create Apps in Dubai initiative kicked off comprising the following industry experts
awards ceremony held at the in March by Sheikh Hamdan, the App and venture capitalists: Arnav Danthi,
Museum of the Future in Olympics was a six-month-long Principal at Nuwa Capital, Begoña
Dubai. competition that saw 247 ideas selected Águeda C. De Albornoz, Corporate
Winners were selected from over 1,100 applicants during its first Sustainability Lead for the Middle East at
across four different categories, with one phase. International participants from 64 Accenture, Khalil Alami, founder and
of them also being awarded the title of countries accounted for 30% of the CEO at Telr, Rohan Patel, Senior Vice
“Dubai’s App of the Year.” The ceremony entries submitted, while the remaining President of Engineering at Builder AI,
was held in the presence of H.H. Sheikh 70% of entries were from UAE nationals and Sharif Elbadawi, CEO of Dubai
Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al and residents. Future District Fund.
← Takeem, the winner of ↑ Emudy, the winner of The Best
the Best Advanced App Youth-Made App category, as well as the
category. winner of the Dubai's App Of The Year title
→ Bareeq, the
winner of the
Most Innovative
App category.
BUILDING ON THIS SUCCESS, WE

ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE
LAUNCH OF A GLOBAL EDITION OF THE
APP OLYMPICS. THIS NEW CHAPTER
INVITES INNOVATORS WORLDWIDE
TO JOIN US IN CONTRIBUTING TO
DUBAI’S REMARKABLE DIGITAL
TRANSFORMATION JOURNEY.
The App Olympics had prizes with relevant internships and

listed for four separate also offers financial manage- ↑ H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown
categories, which included ment and educational Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, attended the App
Olympics awards ceremony
Best Youth-Made App, Best resources.
Social Impact App, Most The winner of the Most
Innovative App, and Best Innovative App category was attendees at the event- with licensing and banking
Advanced App. Bareeq, an app that connects Emudy was crowned Dubai’s services and help in identify-
The winner of the Best users with homemade App of the Year as well. ing potential partners and
Youth-Made App was Emudy, products from within their All the winning apps received customers.
a platform that assists communities. a prize worth US$150,000 In a statement released on
students in preparing for the Finally, the winner of the each, which includes a his official X account, Sheikh
Emirates Standardized Test Best Advanced App title was package of services provided Hamdan lauded the
(emSAT), a national system of Takeem, an app that reduces by Builder.ai, a UAE-based innovative ideas that were on
standardized computer-based the time, cost, and other global company specializing display during the App
tests in the UAE to determine stresses that come with in smart application software Olympics -an initiative he
entry into universities as well long-term renting of development. termed as “a cornerstone of
as scholarship applications. properties. The winners will also the Create Apps in Dubai
The award for the Best Sheikh Hamdan presented receive support from the initiative”- and also an-
Social Impact App was given awards to each of the four Dubai Chamber of Digital nounced the launch of a
to The Intern, an app that winners, following which Economy in launching their global edition of the
connects college students -based off the votes from all startups, including assistance competition. }}
← App Olympics was launched in October
2023 by the Dubai Chamber of Digital
Economy as part of the Create Apps in Dubai
initiative that was kicked off in March by H.H.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al
Maktoum.
top three cities,” he continued. “The

extensive participation of innovators and
digital creatives from around the world
in the App Olympics reflects Dubai’s
stature as a global hub for research,
innovation, and opportunity and a
leading city that offers sustainable
growth and a high quality of life.”
The App Olympics’ award ceremony
was also attended by H.E. Omar bin
Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State
for Artificial Intelligence, Digital
Economy, and Remote Work Applica-
THE EXTENSIVE PARTICIPATION OF INNOVATORS AND tions, and Chairman of the Board of
DIGITAL CREATIVES FROM AROUND THE WORLD IN THE APP Directors of the Dubai Chamber of
OLYMPICS REFLECTS DUBAI’S STATURE AS A GLOBAL HUB Digital Economy, Ahmed bin Byat, Vice
FOR RESEARCH, INNOVATION, AND OPPORTUNITY.” Chairman of the Board of Directors,
Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy,
Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah,
President and CEO, Dubai Chambers,
“Hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital ideas and innovations that shape the Khalfan Belhoul, CEO, Dubai Future
Economy, this competition drew 1100 future.” Foundation, Saeed Al Gergawi, Vice
entries, showcasing the exceptional tech “Empowering the technology sector is President, Dubai Chamber of Digital
talent available in the UAE and from an integral part of efforts to achieve the Economy, and several other officials and
around the globe,” he said. “Building on goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 dignitaries from the public and private
this success, we are pleased to announce to establish Dubai as one of the world’s sectors.
the launch of a global edition of the App
Olympics. This new chapter invites
innovators worldwide to join us in
contributing to Dubai’s remarkable
digital transformation journey.”
In a separate statement, Sheikh Hamdan
provided more information about the
global edition of the App Olympics, → The Intern, the
which will seek to expand the opportuni- winner of the Best
ties for innovators and developers of Social Impact App
smart applications from around the categoryMak-
world. toum.
“Dubai has an ambitious vision and is
taking proactive steps to enhance its
position as a global hub for technology
innovation,” he said. “The city has created
an exceptional platform for attracting
digital talent from around the world.
Guided by the vision of H.H. Sheikh
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,
Vice President and Prime Minister of the
UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the city serves
as an inspiring role model for nurturing
← Dubomedy
co-founder Mina
Liccione is a
performance
artist, tap dancer
and comedian.
IMAGES COURTESY MINA LICCIONE
The Business of Funny

As Dubomedy approaches its 16th anniversary, co-founder Mina Liccione explains how
her entrepreneurial venture has unabashedly redefined comedy in the GCC
by DEVINA DIVECHA
B/ The Big Idea
I
n 2007, Mina Liccione -an Italian American
performance artist, tap dancer and
comedian- received a call from her agent
offering her a gig in the UAE. At a time when
information about the country and the
surrounding region was limited in the USA,
Liccione was a little uncertain. But after
throwing away any misgivings to the wind,
she landed in Dubai. And this marked the start
of a journey that would change her life -and
the landscape of comedy in the GCC- forever.
“I thought, ‘Let’s just take a leap of faith; let’s
just go,’” Liccione recalls. “It was supposed to be 10
days, performing as part of a festival, and then it
turned into a month-and-a-half. Everyone I met kept
saying they love comedy, but there was no local
comedy scene. I too was one of the comics that had
been flown in. People told me I should come back,
and start a [comedy] school. I had to finish up my
Master’s as well as a couple of contracts, but I said
I’ll come back in a year, and I’d give it a year- as we all
say.”
Fast forward to 2008, and Sayed -who, by the way, went

Liccione, with her background on to get married to each
in performing arts and other in 2011- launched
education, saw the opportu- Dubomedy as a platform for
nity to fill the void that was aspiring comedians and
apparent in the local comedy performers. From the start, it
scene. While speaking to was always envisioned as more
people interested in what she than just a comedy club- the
was hoping to achieve, two entrepreneurs running it
multiple contacts kept telling saw it as a platform for
her, “Have you met Ali? You nurturing talent, offering
need to meet Ali.” They were workshops and classes in
THERE’S TRUTH IN JEST, SO

all referring to Emirati improv, sketch comedy,
comedian and television stand-up, and even tap
presenter, Ali Al Sayed. “It was dancing. Reminiscing about
like an arranged friendship,”
Liccione laughs. “He was just
when they first started
teaching Dubomedy’s WE HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY,
AS COMEDIANS, TO SPEAK
leaving his corporate job, signature “Comedy 101”
because he wanted to start a course, Liccione says, “In
comedy company, and start 2008, when we first started
building the comedy scene.
We had the same vision. His
doing classes, there would be a
circle of 20 people, who had THE TRUTH, AND EXPOSE THE
TRUTH IN UNIQUE WAYS.”
dream was to be able to export never met a local, ever- they
talent, especially as a local. We had so many questions for Ali.
partnered almost instantly.” Plus, because I was an Italian
Soon after, Liccione and Al American woman with a local
man, a lot of women felt more
comfortable taking the workshop,
and a lot of Arabs -especially if
English was their second
language- felt very comfortable
having Ali there.”
But starting this venture was
definitely not smooth sailing. After
all, in 2008, venues were mostly
booking karaoke spots and cover
bands for their live entertainment-
comics were not necessarily on
their list. “The hardest part was
definitely the very beginning,”
Liccione admits. “This is 2008,
and the only comedy shows
happening are the big names
being flown in- and even that
wasn’t that many.” That said,
having started Dubomedy,
COMEDY HAS BEEN OUR CULTURE

FOR A LONG TIME. FOR ALI AND I,
COMEDY IS A WAY OF LIFE.”
Liccione and Al Sayed were Dubomedy co-founders needed-

looking for a platform to showcase Liccione proudly declares that she
their students. “We were ready to and Al Sayed started the first
do a regular weekly [show],” weekly comedy show in Dubai that
Liccione recalls. “We had the featured both locally-based and
talent; now they needed a regional comedians. “And after
platform to get better. We talked that, the phone would not stop
to multiple venues, and back then ringing,” Liccione adds. “All of a
it was a bit stricter, so they said, sudden, everyone wanted comedy.”
‘No, it’s going to be too dirty.’ And
we told them we’ll keep it on the The duo still co-teach the
cleaner side. And then they said, signature class, nearly 16 years
‘But then it won’t be funny.’ So, later. Significantly, Al Sayed also
there was this juxtaposition, and teaches classes in Arabic. “That’s
this constant push back.” very important, he’s very passion-
But this didn’t deter the two ate, because so many kids in our
entrepreneurs- and soon enough, generation don’t want to speak
their efforts bore fruit. “It took Arabic,” Liccione adds. “And it’s so
← Dubomedy is behind months, but we finally met a guy important that we do that.” That
several community projects named Jose, who worked at an said, Dubomedy has also evolved,
like Clowns Who Care, F&B venue called Warehouse at with its offerings catered to the
through which they host arts the Le Méridien Dubai Hotel and changing needs of the market. For
camps, shows and workshops
at refugee camps and
Conference Centre, who said he instance, in addition to classes and
centers for children with had a free slot on Mondays,” workshops that welcome everyone
determination. Liccione says. And this, as it from beginners to professionals,
turned out, was all that the Dubomedy now also produces }}
B/ The Big Idea
events and festivals, offers Looking at how Dubomedy

corporate training and has grown since its humble
team-building workshops, origins, Liccione proudly
and is also behind several says the company has
community projects like achieved a lot of its goals
Clowns Who Care and around building a home-
Autism Smiles. “The grown comedy scene. “Our
Clowns Who Care program whole mission and vision
is where we do a lot of arts were completely opposite
camps, shows and [to other companies],
workshops at refugee which was to make this our
camps and centers for home,” she says. “This is our
children with determina- comedy, and we’re going to
tion,” Liccione explains. build it here. We are not
“That is definitely our going to import. We wanted
heart.” Meanwhile, Autism to export, and that has
Smiles came about after 100% happened. We were
Liccione and Al Sayed were struggling to get one venue
asked to be comedy to take a chance on us,
coaches for a film called As struggling to get permits
One: The Autism Project, because they were terrified
produced by Abu Dhabi- we were going to say
based Image Nation, which something and get everyone
released in 2014. The in trouble. But you cannot
documentary focused on fake track record. Once we
the children, parents, and had a very solid reputation
teachers involved in a and community, it kept
theatrical and musical going, and now, we have
had so many graduates gone
on to do incredible things.”
Here, Liccione ticks off

Dubomedy alumni like
THE NEXT STEP IS A COMEDY INDUSTRY, AND ANYONE WILL Fatima Al Taei, who plays
TELL YOU, THERE WOULDN’T BE A LOCAL COMEDY SCENE Amal on Iftah Ya Simsim,
WITHOUT DUBOMEDY, 100%. WE’RE THE OG PIONEERS.” the Arabic version of the
American children’s
educational show Sesame
Street, and who is also a
program in the UAE Dubomedy started Funny Ladies Club, specifically for lead on the Netflix show
designed specifically for Girls, the region’s first Breast Cancer Awareness Justice: Qalb Al Adala, as
children on the spectrum. all-female standup troupe, Month.” Continuing to talk well as Ammar Dabaa, who
After an emotional which is still going strong about the importance of has famously started an
experience being part of today. “We started this inclusivity in comedy, Arabic comedy scene in
the film, Liccione and Al specifically, because I had a Liccione adds, “I want my Amsterdam. “We have made
Sayed decided to start lot of local women saying mother-in-law to be able to an impact on people’s lives.”
Autism Smiles, where they they would like to try come to a show, I want Liccione declares. “We are
would teach children with comedy, but they were women in hijab to sit in the not just trying to make
determination performing terrified, and they couldn’t front row, and feel people laugh. A year or two
arts and comedy. go to these places [like comfortable. We really down the road, we get
bars],” she explains. “And I wanted to build this this letters [from alumni]
Liccione has also made it said, ‘Okay, let’s make this environment of inclusivity saying, ‘Thank you so much.
a personal priority to happen.’ I had a group of in the comedy world, You changed my life.’ For us,
create a safe space for women from different because many of these that is one of the most
women in the comedy parts of the world, and we women are not going to go beautiful things you can ask
arena. This is why, in 2009, started doing shows at the to bars.” for, and many of our alumni
have gone on to create their own
nights producing their own shows,
doing podcasts, and some are writing
short films.”
So, what is next for Dubomedy?
“The next step is a comedy industry,
and anyone will tell you, there
wouldn’t be a local comedy scene
→ Dubomedy, which was
without Dubomedy, 100%,” Liccione co-founded by Mina
replies. “We’re the OG pioneers. Liccione and Ali Al Sayed
That’s what they call us.” And it’s this in 2008, is set to open a
foundation that Dubomedy plans to permanent venue in 2024.
use as a springboard to further grow
the industry- and part of that is
remaining independent so that they
can chart their own journey. “Comedy
is tricky,” Liccione explains. “There’s
truth in jest, so we have a responsibil-
ity, as comedians, to speak the truth,
and expose the truth in unique ways.
Both Ali and I, since day one, want to
make people laugh, of course, but we
also want to make them think, and
maybe change a negative perspective
along the way. From day one, Ali and
I had ethics and integrity about what
we do, and if you bring in corporate
sponsors, that’s going to change,
unfortunately. So, we didn’t. We have
lots of brands and clients that hire us,
and we have sponsors for bigger
events and festivals, of course, but,
internally, it’s us. It’s a mom-and-pop
shop, if you will.”
But that’s not to say that this
mom-and-pop shop isn’t going to get
bigger- and that will start with the
launch of a permanent venue. “We
usually partner with different venues,
and right now, we’re at Paramount
Hotel Midtown; they have a beautiful
facility and gorgeous studios,”
Liccione says. “Our students love
having class there, and the weekly
show is there. But we have always
wanted a home, and I can’t reveal
more details, but a permanent venue
is coming this year.” More festivals,
TV and film projects are also on
Dubomedy’s list for 2024 as well, and
Liccione and Al Sayed are looking
forward to what the years to come
will bring for the comedy scene in the
GCC. “Comedy has been our culture
for a long time,” Liccione adds. “For
Ali and I, comedy is a way of life.”
B/ Strategies
→ Since its launch in the

UAE in 2018, GYMNATION
has grown to now have
11 locations with 65,000
members. Plus, with six
more UAE locations in
fit-out, it is expected that
the company will reach
17 gyms -and 100,000
members in the
UAE- once all locations
are at full maturity in
2025.
Positioned for Prosperity

Following a management-led buyout of all equity held by its previous investor, UAE-born fitness
brand GymNation is all set for a new phase of growth b y TA M A R A P U P I C
S
ince GymNation burst onto the UAE Today, GymNation has formation and the search
fitness scene in 2018, its founders have grown to 11 locations with for real estate in Qatar,
65,000 members. Plus, Bahrain, and Kuwait,
been committed to one mission- to with six more UAE which are all strong
democratize health and fitness by locations in fit-out, it is markets where we believe
making going to the gym more expected that the the GymNation proposi-
affordable and more accessible to the company will reach 17 tion will be very well
gyms -and 100,000 received.”
UAE public. “We identified a gap in the members in the UAE- While the business has
market where the incumbents had been once all locations are at been experiencing a
overcharging the public, so much so that Dubai was full maturity in 2025. healthy and rapid growth,
ranked as the second most expensive city “Our ambition extends Holland explains that
beyond the borders of the GymNation’s purpose
anywhere in the world to own a gym membership,” UAE, with the aim to extends beyond that- and
says Loren Holland, who co-founded GymNation become the largest gym that is to play a leading
with Frank Afeaki and Anthony Martland. “We chain across the GCC,” role as the region’s
quickly became recognized as the most affordable Holland adds. “Later this movement partner,
year, we will open our enhancing the wellbeing
gym in the country, by offering an unmatched value first six gyms in Saudi of nations here by
proposition that still stands unparalleled in any Arabia, and we have championing healthy and
sector across the UAE.” started company active lifestyles, promot-
→ GymNation co-founders
Frank Afeaki, Loren Holland,
and Anthony Martland.
ing the importance of mental health, and nurturing the power entrepreneurial management spirit as us, and didn’t appreci-
of positive thinking. And Holland and his fellow co-founders ate some of the unique nuances of the Middle East market,”
have undoubtedly placed this purpose at the heart of their Holland says, candidly. The management buy-out deal has
I M A G E S C O U R T E S Y G Y M N AT I O N
work following their recent decision to pursue a management seen GymNation bring on board new equity and private credit
buy-out of GymNation from JD Sports Gyms- an arm of the investors from within the region, which include Washington-
British sports-fashion retail company and FTSE 100 giant, JD headquartered diversified principal investment group Tricap
Sports- which had acquired the company in 2022. Investments and Abu Dhabi-based independent private credit
According to Holland, this decision was made following a firm Ruya Partners.
desire for greater alignment between the company’s investors Holland and his team believe that this will be critical for the
and its dynamic, founder-led spirit. “Our previous majority company’s ambitious expansion plans across the GCC. “The
investor, UK-based JD Sports PLC, didn’t share the same deal also transitioned us as a management team from being a }}
B/ Strategies
→ GymNation proudly declares that its gyms stand apart in every dimension. Ranging from 25,000 to of innovation and service
60,000 square feet, each of its locations welcomes people into a world where fitness never sleeps. excellence, and concerns
about overtrading are
mitigated by our strategic
investments in technology,
which ensure we can scale
efficiently and sustainably,”
he adds.
With regards to the
ongoing debate on whether
AI will replace the human
workforce, Holland is firm
that GymNation’s shift
towards technology will not
diminish its commitment to
his team. “On the contrary,
we are doubling down on our
investment in our staff,
recognizing their invaluable
contribution to our success,”
Holland adds. “We’re proud
to have been recognized as
one of the ‘Top 25 Best
OUR FOCUS IS NOT JUST ON EXPANSION, BUT ON SETTING NEW Places to Work in the UAE,’
STANDARDS IN THE INDUSTRY, ENSURING GYMNATION REMAINS AT THE an accolade that reflects our
FOREFRONT OF INNOVATION AND SERVICE EXCELLENCE.” dedication to creating a
supportive and dynamic
work environment. Our
ambition is to climb even
minority to significant that those people who are in it requires a well-orchestrat- higher in these rankings,
majority shareholders, which the heart of our of day-to-day ed strategy, underpinned by spurred by the feedback and
importantly aligns our operations can share in the a technology and data insights we’ve gained
ownership with operational ownership, and in doing so, science-led approach,” through this year’s survey.”
and strategic control,” he further enhance a common Holland says. “We’re making Now, one can tell Holland
adds. “This shift in equity is alignment with the long- significant investments in is putting his money where
not just about financial term goals of GymNation,” artificial intelligence (AI), his mouth is given that
stakes- it has also enabled us Holland explains. “We are which has already started to GymNation is offering its
to better incentivize our passionate believers in the transform how we handle employees perks like the
wider team with equity, and power of equity to drive the customer service, sales, opportunity to undertake an
create a more invested right behaviors and culture. retention, and member online MBA in 2024 for
management team. Equally This equity participation onboarding.” senior managers, as well as
important, it grants us board ensures that our manage- Holland believes that the an option of an unlimited,
control and greater autono- ment team is not only company’s AI systems will self-managed holiday policy
my to swiftly and effectively rewarded for present not only give it a unique for the whole team. “These
deliver on our ambitious and successes, but is also motivat- competitive edge, but will are just a few examples of
bold strategic plans, in our ed to sustain performance, also help GymNation double how we’re investing in our
own unique way.” innovation, and growth over down on its position as team’s development and
The three co-founders have the long term.” pioneers by doing things that well-being and providing
also allocated 12% of the According to Holland, such simply have never been done even more flexibility and
company’s equity to the a structure also gives before in the fitness industry, autonomy,” Holland says.
wider management team and GymNation a rock solid which competitors have been “These initiatives are
value-add non-executive foundation to harness the either unwilling or unable to designed not only to enhance
directors whom they have team’s collective efforts to do. “Our focus is not just on our team’s skills and job
started to recruit. “This support the company’s expansion, but on setting satisfaction, but also to
approach reflects the ambitious plans to double its new standards in the ensure GymNation remains
conviction of myself and my size of the business within a industry, ensuring GymNa- a leading employer in the
co-founders, Frank and Ant, year. “It is no small feat, and tion remains at the forefront region.”
THE ART OF ELEVATION
O M N I YAT. C O M
“I am profoundly
grateful for being born
into a simple family,
devoid of wealth,
where I learned the
value of shaping my
own destiny, and
pursuing my aspirations
independently.”
FLIP
→ MILA SEMESHKINA
is the founder and CEO
of Lectera.com, a
pioneering global
learning platform with
more than three million
users from 60
countries.
THE
Mila/
Semeshkina
WANTS TO REWRITE THE RULES
FOR WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP
AROUND THE WORLD
b y TA M A R A P U P I C
SCRIPT
I
nterviewing Mila Semeshkina, the founder of empowerment, and personal growth, Semeshkina is open
international educational platform Lectera and the about how her journey -that started with growing up in a
Women’s Empowerment Council global small village in Krasnodar, Russia, to building what is now
community, has a very particular quality to it- the a successful career out of Dubai in the UAE- shaped her
well-spoken, highly capable, and glamorous personality. “I am profoundly grateful for being born into a
entrepreneur is honest and authentic in a way simple family, devoid of wealth, where I learned the value
which, while we all praise, actually rarely of shaping my own destiny, and pursuing my aspirations
demonstrate ourselves, or even encounter independently,” Semeshkina says. Now, while this might
everyday. be a statement that most of us have already heard in
Let me give you two examples of how different shapes and forms, Semeshkina adds a comment
Semeshkina’s words make for a kind of intimacy that shows you how truly down-to-earth she is. “Recently,
that, although I was talking with someone whose I mingled with people born into affluence, those typically
accomplishments have merited her inclusion in a number known as ‘old money,’” she shares. “During these
of prestigious lists of top CEOs or top women in edtech interactions, I realized my deep gratitude for my modest
around the world, I came to realize that she is a upbringing. There were times of hardship, and it’s these
remarkably approachable person, and a woman who is experiences that cultivated my appreciation for life’s
evidently focused on adding value, instead of just being simple pleasures. In contrast, growing up in wealth often
surface-level. makes it harder to find surprise and delight in the
A globally accomplished entrepreneur, philanthropist, everyday. So, undoubtedly, my formative years have
and thought leader in the fields of edtech, women’s profoundly impacted me.” }}
M
y second example of the wall, simply because the table was → A serial entrepreneur, author, and venture
Semeshkina’s honesty for men. This incident, which occurred investor, Mila Semeshkina is deeply
takes us back to the in a European country, left me deeply committed to democratizing education,
beginning of her career offended, especially since I was only making learning efficient and accessible.
when she, having 26 at the time. It frequently happened
completed her education to me that my abilities and successes
at Kuban State University were overlooked, simply because of my
and Lomonosov Moscow State gender and age. Thankfully, society
University in Russia, worked on has evolved considerably. The way I
creating impactful marketing and am accepted and respected now is
public relations strategies for clients noticeably different from those earlier
from Switzerland, Germany, the UAE, days.”
and the Commonwealth of Indepen-
I
dent States. “When I was a top t should be obvious by now that shied away from critical introspection.
manager at various companies, I Semeshkina’s words, although deliv- “My leadership style has undergone a
encountered blatant male chauvin- ered with care and delicacy, never significant transformation,” Semesh-
ism,” she recalls. “I remember a bring half-truths. In the same manner, kina says. “In the past, I’m somewhat
particularly offensive incident at a Semeshkina talks about her own ashamed to admit, it was decidedly
bankers’ meeting, where I was the personal development; as brave as she authoritarian. I was uncompromising
main presenter. Despite my key role, I was to battle and overcome career and rigid, insisting on my way of doing
was asked to move from the table to setbacks, she also seems to have never things. However, over time, this has
evolved into a mentorship style of
leadership. I have immense affection
for my team. Now, I focus on develop-
ing and advancing people, guiding
them step by step.” In business,
Semeshkina adds, she finds mentor-
ship and having role models absolutely
vital for success. “Without mentoring
the team appropriately, they simply
won’t grow, but having role models in
business and life is equally crucial,” she
says. “Observing someone achieve
remarkable results makes you realize
that it’s possible; therefore, I believe
role models are the proof of possibility.”
A
few years ago, Semeshkina noticed
that the scarcity of female role
models in business was a notable
issue. That was the spark that resulted
in her eventually establishing the
Women’s Empowerment Council in
Dubai -which she describes as “the
world’s epicenter”- in 2021. “The idea
for the Women’s Empowerment
Council came to me after a journalist
asked me about my female role model,”
she says. “It was a moment of realiza-
tion– I didn’t have one… In the
business world, while there are
significantly more male leaders, this
doesn’t mean that successful women
leaders are absent. Rather, it indicates
that women are underrepresented and
less vocal in these roles. There are
numerous successful, talented women
IN THE BUSINESS WORLD, WHILE THERE ARE SIGNIFICANTLY MORE MALE LEADERS,
THIS DOESN’T MEAN THAT SUCCESSFUL WOMEN LEADERS ARE ABSENT. RATHER, IT
INDICATES THAT WOMEN ARE UNDERREPRESENTED AND LESS VOCAL IN THESE
ROLES.”
out there, but for various reasons, they are not as promi- she says. “A leading entrepreneur, typically reserved,
nently showcased or heard as their male counterparts.” eventually accepted our invitation after persistent encour-
agement. Her rare public address received a standing
B
ased out of Dubai, the Women’s Empowerment Council ovation, highlighting the profound potential of her insights.
today claims to have grown into a community of 30,000 Later, in a reflective conversation, she recognized the value
women from around the world. Its flagship event, the of more frequent public engagement, acknowledging how
Women’s Empowerment Convention (WE Convention), her experiences could inspire others. This episode reinforces
featured a stellar lineup of 65 speakers in 2023, which the vital role influential leaders play in reshaping societal
included notable names like model, author, and dietician perceptions of women’s achievements.” Moments like these
Maye Musk, Wildberries founder and CEO Tatyana are thus what one can expect from the 2024 edition of WE
Bakalchuk,and Build an Empire CEO Elena Cardone. And Convention, which will be held at the Atlantis Royal Dubai
Semeshkina is very clear about why she makes it a point to on April 20-21. Included in the speakers list this time
ensure there are women of this caliber on the stage of the around are names internationally renowned tennis cham-
WE Convention. “Women facing challenges often lack visible pion Maria Sharapova, H.H. Sheikha Dr. Shamma bint
examples of what they can achieve, as such success stories Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, Chairperson of the
are not widely shared or known,” Semeshkina says. “More- Board of Directors, Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalid Al
over, women often find themselves without varied scenarios Nahyan Cultural and Educational Institutions, and Nayla Al
for handling difficult life situations. Thus, when we invite Khaja, the UAE’s first female director.
women to the stage during the WE Convention, it is to
B
present role models, to demonstrate that multiple successful esides the Women’s Empowerment Council, the
approaches exist.” majority of Semeshkina’s time is dedicated to growing
Lectera, the edtech platform that she launched whose
H
ere, Semeshkina adds that her mission with the Council comprehensive curriculum -with offerings in English,
is also to educate women on the untold stories and German, Spanish, Hindi, and Russian- serves almost three
invisible layers of success. “A moment from our last WE million people from 60 countries. “The edtech industry is at
Convention exemplifies the resonance of shared narratives,” a pivotal point where significant change is long overdue,” }}
“WOMEN FACING
CHALLENGES OFTEN LACK
VISIBLE EXAMPLES OF
WHAT THEY CAN ACHIEVE,
AS SUCH SUCCESS
STORIES ARE NOT WIDELY
SHARED OR KNOWN.”
'TREP TALK
Mila Semeshkina shares her
tips for female entrepreneurs
1/Embrace being an entrepreneur
“The first and foremost rule is not to
fear being a female entrepreneur.
Embrace it wholeheartedly. Women
have every potential to achieve the
same level of success as men in
entrepreneurship. The key is not to be
intimidated by gender stereotypes or
societal expectations. Believe in your
capabilities, and proceed with
confidence.”
2/Aim to be at the top of your field

“Always strive to excel in your area of
expertise. Your goal should be to
become the most knowledgeable and
skilled professional in any room you
enter. This level of proficiency and
dedication ensures success and
transcends gender-based boundaries.
When you’re the most competent
person in the room, your gender
becomes irrelevant to your ability to
succeed and lead.”
3/Leverage the abundant

opportunities in the UAE “The UAE
offers a wealth of opportunities for
female entrepreneurs. The
environment is increasingly supportive,
with numerous clubs, platforms, and
workshops dedicated to women in
business. The Dubai government, in
particular, provides significant support
for female entrepreneurs. Take
advantage of these resources. Engage
in networking, pursue self-realization,
and utilize the programs available for
support. The country is progressively
focusing on empowering women in
business, creating a thriving
ecosystem for female
entrepreneurship, and offering more
opportunities each year for women to
excel in the business world.”
I APPROACH LIFE WITHOUT ROSE-TINTED GLASSES. IT’S CRUCIAL FOR ME TO FULLY
RECOGNIZE AND VALUE MY SUCCESSES AS WELL AS MY FAILURES.”
Semeshkina says. “The technologies currently in use, I fully recognize and value my successes as well as my
believe, are somewhat outdated, and we at Lectera have failures. This perspective extends to appreciating my
been among the pioneers in incorporating artificial relationships, opportunities, strengths, and weaknesses. I’m
intelligence into our educational platform. Now, we’re not afraid to acknowledge my shortcomings, as this honesty
delving deep into integrating augmented reality (AR), is fundamental to my growth and integrity.”
virtual reality (VR), and blockchain technologies into our
A
platform. These innovations represent a shift in how users s we finish our conversation, Semeshkina reveals the
will interact with content in the future. In education, ultimate pillar of her approach to life which, we both
blockchain technology holds tremendous potential, and we agree, is often overlooked by many. “I am always a
focus on harnessing it uniquely. We’re committed to priority in my life,” she says. “My interests and well-being
exploring and implementing these advanced technologies come first. This might sound self-centered, but it’s a
to fundamentally enhance and transform the educational principle I live by. Whether in the context of my family or
experience for our users.” romantic relationships, I maintain that if I am not happy
and fulfilled, then it’s impossible to maintain harmony in
H
owever, the company’s currently successful trajectory other areas of my life. Therefore, it all starts with me- en-
did not come easy, as it was launched during the suring my own happiness and well-being as a precursor to
COVID-19 crisis, which was inhospitable to most contributing positively to the lives of others.”
businesses. “People, who previously consumed content on
the go, were now stationary at home, necessitating a
different approach in our communication with the audi- ↓ MILA SEMESHKINA'S efforts to uplift women professionally and
ence,” Semeshkina recalls. “Being a young business, these personally led her to establish the Women’s Empowerment Council.
changes directly impacted our monetization strategies. The
way people approached content purchase transformed, and
there was a surge in the distribution of free content.
Adapting to these new consumption patterns and finding
effective ways to monetize our content posed a significant
challenge.” The first two years of Lectera, Semeshkina
continues, were a period of intense struggle for many other
reasons too. “I remember it as a time of nightly tears and
constant setbacks,” she says. “Everything that could go
wrong did go wrong- from operational hiccups, to issues
with monetization. The entire platform, along with our
business processes, needed a complete overhaul. It was a
test of resilience and adaptability, not just for the business,
but for me personally. I had to reinvent myself, break down
my previous self, to construct a new version that could rise
to these extraordinary challenges.”
A
nd so, is there a life philosophy that guides Semesh-
kina through all kinds of challenges in life and
IMAGE COURTESY MILA SEMESHKINA
business? “My mantra is, ‘I don’t know how, but it will

work’,” she declares. “This approach always lights a spark
within me. I start with one step, followed by another, and
gradually, I see progress unfolding. This mantra particu-
larly resonates with me in moments of fear or uncertainty.
Acknowledging that I don’t have all the answers, but
moving forward regardless, because the goal matters
deeply.” At the same time, Semeshkina points out that her
second core life principle is realism. “I approach life
without rose-tinted glasses,” she says. “It’s crucial for me to
→ Bacha Coffee’s first location in
the UAE, at the Dubai Mall, is an
indoor alfresco concept that
offers over 200 hand-selected
coffee beans from Africa, the
Arabian Peninsula, Central and
South America, the Caribbean,
and Asia in a refined ambience.
Customers can choose their
preferred beans, ground to order
by in-house coffee masters for a
bespoke brewing experience.
ROOTED
IN THE PAST,
READY FOR
THE FUTURE OVER HALF A DECADE SINCE TAKING ON
THE TASK OF REVIVING THE NOW 114-YEAR-
OLD BACHA COFFEE BRAND, V3 GOURMET
PRESIDENT AND CEO TAHA BOUQDIB HAS HIS
SIGHTS SET ON GLOBAL DOMINANCE
by AALIA MEHREEN AHMED
I
n January 2024, when Bacha Coffee,
a Moroccan luxury coffee brand that
originally came into being in 1910,
opened a new location at The Dubai
Mall in the UAE, it also became a
gateway for customers to viscerally
take a journey through the walls of a
grand palace in Marrakech, the Dar el
Bacha- which, as it so happens, is where
the brand’s story began.
As enchanted as I was when researching

the history of the Dar el Bacha, I think it’s
best I leave it to be described by someone
who has actually experienced it first-hand,
and that would be Taha Bouqdib, the
President and CEO of global luxury
gourmet lifestyle group V3 Gourmet,
whose enterprise has today converted
Bacha Coffee into a global brand. “In 2017,
I was invited to Morocco for a ceremony
attended by His Majesty King Mohammed
VI of Morocco to mark the launch of the
Dar el Bacha Museum of Confluences,
which was previously the palace of the
Pasha [governor] of Marrakech,” Bouqdib
recalls. “The Dar el Bacha (which
translates to “House of the Pasha”) was
originally constructed in 1910 as a
residence and a gathering place for guests,
celebrities, and noteworthy personalities
of the time, situated just adjacent to the
workplace of the regional government of
the day. After the Second World War, the
Dar el Bacha complex had been closed for
IMAGES COURTESY BACHA COFFEE
60 years, but during the tour, I was invited

to reopen the café, which had yet to be
renovated, and was still closed to the
public. From that moment, I was smitten,
and I immediately took the initiative to
revive the brand, starting with renovating
the entire building in accordance with the
very strict guidelines, as it is a protected
heritage site.” }}
Thus began Bouqdib’s growth- since then, Bacha “I know that Bacha Coffee is transforming an everyday
journey in reviving a brand Coffee has been transformed a concept that can catch on commodity to an experiential
that carried over a century’s into a global concept with very quickly; however, I am one,” Bouqdib adds. “While
worth of history, and it led to offerings including coffee also equally obsessed with coffee is, and will always be,
Bacha Coffee opening its rooms, coffee boutiques, choosing prime retail the star in every cup, the
doors to the public once coffee bars, travel retail and locations for the brand, to Bacha Coffee Room
again. “When we eventually takeaway counters, as well as ensure that from the start, experience goes beyond the
reopened the original Bacha an international wholesale Bacha Coffee is a destination, intricate décor to reimagine
Coffee in 2019 in Marrakech, distribution network. Today, not just another coffee brand the vibrancy of the original
I saw that customers flocked the brand serves over 200 on the street,” Bouqdib Dar el Bacha, allowing guests
there from all around the varieties of 100% Arabica explains. “We will open select of today to live in what was
world, not just once, but they coffees from 35 different locations in every fashion once the epitome of luxury,
came back every day, even if regions, as well as capital around the world over enjoyed only by those who
they were only staying in accessories and coffee the next three years, starting could. This can only be
Marrakech for a short time,” tableware. Additionally, in with Asia, the Middle East, conveyed in the most
Bouqdib says. “It was at this the last six months alone it and Europe. Simultaneously, authentic manner beyond
point that I thought this is has seen the opening of new we are bringing the brand to just taste, smell, and sight,
interesting, and that this locations in Hong Kong, the rest of the world through through a conjuring of
concept would attract a Taipei, Kuwait City, Doha, our e-commerce platform emotions in the theater of
variety of different Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and very select, premium opulence that is Bacha
nationalities and cultures. and of course, Dubai. And online marketplaces. Today, Coffee, and every detail that
‘Let’s open in Asia,’ I thought. this series of expansions, we fulfill orders to over 40 guests see -and don’t see-
And since I already had Bouqdib says, has been a countries, including the plays its role in achieving
investments in Singapore, I very calculated one. United States, France, Japan, that.”
decided to open the second
location at the ION Orchard,
a premier shopping mall WHEN WE EVENTUALLY REOPENED THE ORIGINAL BACHA COFFEE IN 2019
there.” But that was only the IN MARRAKECH, I SAW THAT CUSTOMERS FLOCKED THERE FROM ALL
beginning of the brand’s AROUND THE WORLD, NOT JUST ONCE, BUT THEY CAME BACK EVERY DAY,
EVEN IF THEY WERE ONLY STAYING IN MARRAKECH FOR A SHORT TIME.”
and the UAE, in their local This commitment to go the

languages and currencies. In distance to create a favorable
2024, Bacha Coffee will grow ambience has been intrinsi-
its footprint to 50 locations cally connected to Bacha
globally, with multiple new Coffee’s success so far- but it
boutiques, coffee rooms and is also a facet of the brand
flagship concepts slated to that can sometimes override
launch in key markets any and all monetary
around the world. We have ambitions it has, says
plans to open in South Korea Bouqdib. “Bacha Coffee is,
and Indonesia next, as well first and foremost, an
as expand in Europe towards experiential brand- each
the end of the year.” concept we create as part of
the Bacha Coffee experience
The first step in achieving work together to make that
the 2024 targets has thus aspirational quality that then
been the newly-opened generates revenue from a
Bacha Coffee Room and business perspective,”
Boutique located along the Bouqdib adds. “We aim to
Fashion Avenue of The Dubai create a passion for the
Mall. Designed as an alfresco brand, rather than sales
concept, this particular targets. While we are first
branch has been festooned and foremost a retail brand,
Entrepreneur Middle East
with hand-painted motifs all our concepts participate
→ Taha Bouqdib is the President and Managing Editor Tamara Pupic
CEO of V3 Gourmet, the global luxury interviewing Indra Nooyi and an ochre-hued coffee in engaging our customers,
gourmet lifestyle group with F&B and at the 14th Emirates Airlines wall that is a direct homage and without them, I don’t
retail brands including TWG Tea and Festival of Literature to the Bacha Coffee legacy. believe that Bacha Coffee
Bacha Coffee. “Bacha Coffee prides itself on would be as prosperous as it
“ Iconcept
know that Bacha Coffee is a
that can catch on
very quickly; however, I am
also equally obsessed with
choosing prime retail
locations for the brand to
ensure that from the start,
Bacha Coffee is a destination,
not just another coffee brand
on the street.”
↑ Indra Nooyi recently published her memoir, My Life in Full: Work, Family, and Our Future
currently stands. As such, we have financial objective. Customers sense

something for everyone, and we offer when a brand is authentic, when we
the same service, quality, and small are creating products that we
touches, such as complimentary gift genuinely love before sharing them
wrapping and gift cards, no matter with our customers. Once they feel this
how much you spend. In so doing, we passion, sales will come naturally!”
aim to cater to customers young and
old, and at every level of coffee According to Bouqdib, it is this Bacha Coffee was ready to take on the
connoisseurship, to create longevity for leadership mantra that has allowed world!”
the brand.” Bacha Coffee to enjoy a favorable
growth trajectory, but he also notes Indeed, as Bacha Coffee now looks to
Now, allow me to pause the story on that the brand’s success today is also grow its footprint not only in the UAE
Bacha Coffee for a moment to allow tied to the resolve shown by his team but across the globe, Bouqdib iterates
any entrepreneurs- particularly those during what was a particularly difficult that creating a seamlessly similar
in the F&B space- reading this to take time for businesses worldwide- the experience across all of its locations
away some vital advice from Bouqdib. COVID-19 pandemic. “The brand’s will serve as the driving factor for the
After all, besides his work at Bacha most significant achievement to date brand’s journey ahead. “I have always
Coffee, he’s also known for being the was our aggressive expansion during been fascinated with brands that
co-founder of TWG Tea, a luxury tea the COVID-19 lockdown,” he recalls. bridge a link between the past, present,
brand that he founded in 2007, and “We were one of the only brands and future, allowing me to draw on
then led for 15 years. Having thus investing in and renovating locations what has been, and expand on it to
worked in this space for over 30 years, during the most challenging months of bring the authenticity of the past to
Bouqdib advises entrepreneurs that the crisis. I recall signing a lease for products relevant to today’s customers,”
striking a balance between creating a The Arch, our largest and most Bouqdib says. “What is a mainstay
memorable customer experience and exceptional location to date at across all our products is the same
focusing on the core product itself is Singapore’s Changi International quality and attention to detail that put
“everything” in the luxury sector. “An Airport Terminal 3, when the airport the coffee of the Pasha on the map in
exceptional product needs equally was literally empty, and traveling to the first place. We bring back the five
exceptional packaging, service, and Hong Kong to secure locations when senses to the coffee experience, from
ambience to make a lasting impact on air travel had all but stopped. We our slow roasting methods, traditional
the customer,” he continues. “Every renovated so many locations, which we coffee preparation, and elegant service.
detail needs to be addressed. For us, we just locked up during that period, until What I see as its future is taking that
can only claim that we have quality the airports and the world slowly quality and that detail, and applying it
coffee if we prepare it well, or if our opened. But by then, we had to products and concepts that will
staff provide genuine, personalized strengthened our back-end and revolutionize coffee drinking, so that
service. This is why creating a luxury prepared ourselves, so that when Bacha Coffee can continue to
brand is a passion, rather than a customers started to go out again, mesmerize customers into the future.”
FUN COMES
GUARANTEED
YOU DECIDE WHEN THE PARTY
STOPS WITH 24HR FOOD & DRINK.
NOW OPEN AT DUBAI DIGITAL PARK.
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The television offers remarkable 8K
precision powered by Quantum Matrix
Technology Pro with Mini LEDs, with the
Neural Quantum Processor 8K able to
upscale any content to 8K. Meanwhile,
Dolby Atmos with Cinema Object
Apple’s new MacBook Air with the M3 chip connecting with friends and family, or when Tracking Sound Pro can track the action
takes power, efficiency, and performance to collaborating with coworkers. A three-mic from all corners to deliver an immersive
new heights. With M3, MacBook Air is up to array and an immersive sound system with entertainment experience. And all of this
60% faster than previous models. Whether you support for Spatial audio along with Dolby is wrapped in an impossibly slim
choose the 13-inch or 15-inch, the lightweight Atmos, rounds out its multimedia features. 360-degree metal profile with an Infinity
device features a liquid retina display, gives With its durable aluminum unibody enclosure One design.
you up to 18 hours of battery life, and support that’s built to last, the new MacBook Air is
for up to two external displays. M3 allows for available in four striking colors: midnight
enhanced artificial intelligence performance, (which features a breakthrough anodization
thereby enabling macOS to deliver a number seal to reduce fingerprints), starlight, space
of intelligent features like real-time speech-to- gray, and silver. Combined with its world-class
text, translation, text predictions, visual camera, mics, and speakers, as well as its
understanding, accessibility features, and silent, fanless design, MagSafe charging, and
much more. Plus, with a 1080p FaceTime HD macOS, MacBook Air delivers an unrivaled
camera, you can look your best when experience.
IMAGES COURTESY APPLE | SAMSUNG | XIAOMI
Take Note ←
/Xiaomi Redmi Note 13
Xiaomi’s flagship Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G, powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7200-Ultra chipset, boasts a 5,000mAh
battery as well as the 120W HyperCharge feature, ensuring a full charge in just 19 minutes. It boasts a 200MP camera
equipped with optical image stabilization and 2x/4x lossless zoom capabilities. This camera setup, complemented by a
large 1/1.4 inch sensor, improves image processing. In addition, durability is a cornerstone of this smartphone, with the
introduction of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for enhanced resistance against accidental drops and scratches. It also has
IP68 dust and water resistance certification, which will provide you with peace of mind, no matter where you work.
TAMARA CLARKE, a former software development professional, is the tech and lifestyle enthusiast behind The Global Gazette, one
of the most active blogs in the Middle East. The Global Gazette has been welcomed and lauded by some of the most influential tech
brands in the region. Clarke’s goal is to inform about technology and how it supports our lifestyles.
Talk to her on Twitter @TAMARACLARKE. theglobalgazette.com
B/ Gear
The Executive From better goods to better wardrobe bests,

every issue, we choose a few items that
make the approved executive selection list.
Selection
In this edition, our picks include Saint
Laurent, Dima Ayad, and Montegrappa.
STEALING THE
SPOTLIGHT →
Saint Laurent Winter 2024
For Saint Laurent’s Winter 2024
menswear show, Creative Director
Anthony Vaccarello chose to build
on elements introduced in prior
seasons of the brand- but with
changes in both their tone and
content. With Paris’ Bourse de
Commerce as the venue, the show
kicked off with looks reminiscent of
power dressing from the 1980s,
but the formal silhouette soon
dissolved- consider, for instance,
the couture jackets made of crepe
georgette and lined with satin,
which, if you’ve been paying
attention, was also a nod to the
house’s latest women’s collection.
While the collection had a
predominantly somber palette, it
lightened toward the finale's dusty
range of hues: pale nudes, greens,
and violets, among other tones. All
of this also was an indirect hint to
the personal sartorial evolution of
the founder of the house, Yves
Saint Laurent, which is known to
have gone from earnest, to
brazenly stylish, with a rare
sensibility for color. ysl.com
EDITOR’S PICK
Dima Ayad Ramadan 2024 ↑
UAE-based fashion label Dima Ayad has
come out with its collection for Ramadan
this year, and true to form, it is making use
of vibrant colors and fabric palettes to put
together a luxurious assortment that
intertwines contrasting tones with sheen,
sequins, and metallic accents. 19 unique
styles make up this collection, with it
including everything from sophisticated
two-piece sets, to graceful dresses, kaftans,
and kimonos. And while it has been released
for Ramadan, do not think these are to be
adorned only over the course of the Holy
Month- the entire collection has been
designed with versatility in mind, which
means that one can rest assured of timeless
wearability, regardless of the season or
occasion. dimaayad.com
A FUSION OF CULTURES → /
Montegrappa X Triplea
I M A G E S C O U R T E S Y | S A I N T L A U R E N T | D I M A AYA D | M O N T E G R A P PA .
Perfumes: From Sand To

Sky
Renowned Italian pen maker Montegrappa has
joined hands with Emirati luxury sensation
tripleA Perfumes to create a new fragrance
called From Sand to Sky. Now, while
Montegrappa has been producing fragrances in
Italy since 2011, the collaboration with tripleA
Perfumes marks a significant milestone, as it is
the first fragrance that the former has produced
outside of Italy- you see, it’s a limited edition
that has been crafted here in the UAE. Housed
in a deep blue bottle with delicate golden details
and elegant Arabic script, From Sand to Sky is
thus a harmonious blend of Italian craftsmanship
and Emirati luxury- and given that it claims to
encapsulate “the heart and soul of the Middle
East in every note,” this fragrance is certainly
worth a try. montegrappa.me
↑ Amrita Sethi is the
T H E C R E ATO R creator of a unique art
AMRITA SETHI
form called
SoundBYTES.
I
firmly believe in being the artist of one’s own life, soul. This spiritual exploration, complemented by studies
creating new narratives, characters, and outcomes, in neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and insights from
through deliberate choices and actions.” With this various gurus, laid the foundation for a transformative
statement, Amrita Sethi reveals one of the guiding process, which ultimately guided me towards embracing
principles that helped her transition from a career in my entrepreneurial spirit, and rediscovering my artistic
banking, to her current status as one of Dubai’s most voice.”
popular names in the realm of non-fungible token (NFT) Today, Sethi is known for creating a unique art form that
art. she calls SoundBYTES, where she captures the essence and
“The pivot towards art was not solely a professional structure of sound waves, and transforms them into visual
decision, but also a spiritual and emotional journey,” Sethi narratives through art. “This innovative approach stemmed
says. “Years before leaving the corporate sphere, a meeting from the idea that a single word can evoke a myriad of
with an Indian spiritual mentor named Manoj Lekhi images, challenging the traditional notion that a picture is
profoundly shifted my perspective on life, sparking an worth a thousand words,” she explains. “In essence, my art
interest in the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and encapsulates the belief that our words and thoughts have }}
SPECIA
FEATUR
“ I firmly believe in being An interesting thing about interviewing Sethi for
this feature is her insight that a reinvention in
the artist of one’s own life, life and business is not a one-time event- on the
contrary, she suggests that every stage in life
creating new narratives, requires us to go through various hurdles, and
emerge out of them as better versions of
characters, and outcomes, ourselves. In line with this sentiment, Sethi is
now focused on overcoming challenges she has
through deliberate choices faced in the art sector. “The traditional art
narrative has long celebrated male artists,
and actions.” leaving female artists underrepresented,” she

says. “This imbalance extends to museum
collections and exhibitions, where works by
women have been significantly less featured. In
the power to shape our reality, drawing parallels the commercial realm, auction records have
with artificial intelligence’s capability to generate shown a stark preference for male artists’ work,
visual interpretations from textual inputs.” underscoring the gender disparity in the
Since launching the concept, Sethi has been valuation and recognition of art.” According to
able to see SoundBYTES quickly gain traction, Sethi, the emergence of digital art and NFT
and has led to significant milestones for the spaces presents a new frontier for with fewer
artist, which include creating the first voice- gatekeepers, offering a more level playing field
generated art installation at Art Dubai -one of for women. “In these arenas, I’ve found opportu-
the Middle East’s largest international art fairs- nities to assert my presence and voice, using the
in 2019, participating in the 2020 edition of the platforms to champion diversity and inclusivity,”
World Expo in Dubai, and creating one of the she says. “The digital realm, particularly the NFT
largest augmented reality murals at the Dubai space, inherently democratizes art distribution
International Financial Centre (DIFC). As for and recognition, allowing artists like myself to
this year, Sethi is getting set to launch a digital bypass traditional barriers, and connect directly
collectible collection called Bucket Monsters, with audiences.”
which, she says, intertwines art, storytelling, and
technology. “It is designed to offer a unique inter-
pretation of the bucket list concept, transforming
it into a narrative about life’s experiences,
challenges, and the emotions we accumulate,”
Sethi explains. “Each piece in the 5,000 NFT TIME FOR A
collectible series will highlight the significance of
our choices, and the ways we navigate life’s
hurdles, encouraging a reflective and introspec-
CHANGE?
tive journey for the audience.”
THE HOW-TO
(ACCORDING TO AMRITA SETHI)
}Respect the process “Acknowledge that mistakes are

part of the growth process. Regularly reflect on, and
address your errors, learning from each to progress
with clarity and insight. This practice is vital for
personal development and successful career
transitions.”
↑ Deputy Chairman }Remember to put your mask on first (always) “Make

and CEO, MOHAMMAD your well-being a priority. Fostering mental, physical,
A. BAKER at the and spiritual health creates a solid foundation for
company’s end-of enduring success. When you are well and whole, you
year-gathering at its are better equipped to face challenges, inspire others,
Dubai offices in 2021. and achieve your professional goals.
}Become a learn-it-all “Embrace a mindset of

continuous learning and curiosity. Engaging in ongoing
education, whether through courses, workshops, or
self-directed study, can unlock new opportunities, and
empower you to adapt and thrive in new professional
landscapes.”
← Sarah Jones is
the founder and
CEO of professional
services consulting
firm Rayne.
“I LOVE
GROWING
BUSINESSES,
WORKING
WITH TALENTED
PEOPLE, AND
BUILDING
SOLUTIONS THAT
T H E B U I L D E R
ADDRESS REAL
SARAH JONES MARKET NEEDS.”
W
hile Rayne founder and CEO Jones’ biography thus reveals someone who’s
Sarah Jones has been able to a courageous builder- she moved to Dubai as
build quite an illustrious career part of the retail mergers and acquisitions
for herself (which, of course, had team at British multinational Deloitte, but
many turns and u-turns), the before long, she left her corporate career to
entrepreneur thinks that she would not start up Mini Exchange -an online shopping
ascribe the way that it played out to a need to site for parents- in 2014, which went on to
reinvent herself; instead, she believes that all be rebranded as Sprii in 2017. Over the years,
her decisions have followed her inner sense Jones was able to grow it to a business that
of true fulfillment. “I’ve tried to stay true to raised millions of dollars; however, it closed
what really drives me,” she says. “I love in 2020, and she then decided to spend a
growing businesses, working with talented few years focusing on her family- as it so
people, and building solutions that address happens, she is now a mother of five. As she
real market needs.” reflects on her experience with Sprii, }}
SPECIA
FEATUR
Jones says that she could specialist talent when they
write a book on all the need it most.” Jones says that T H E L E A R N E R
MELDA AKIN
learnings and the journey she for 2024, her plan is to focus
went on, but the key pearls of on building Rayne, delivering
wisdom would include, firstly, on its growth potential, and
the importance of getting the creating opportunities for
right people on one’s team. consultants and clients. “My
“Times will get hard, so you challenge, however, is to do
need to surround yourself this whilst also hitting my
with people who are smart, second target- maintaining a
committed, and who you sensible work-life balance,”
trust,” Jones says. “Then, Jones adds. “In truth, this will
identify your strengths, and be a challenge, as I have a
leverage them in your super busy home life, with
business, but be aware that five young kids- the oldest is
running a business can be six! I don’t know if there’s
demanding, both physically ever a way to get this balance
and mentally. When the ‘right’, but I’ll be doing my
stakes are high, you need to best.”
be at your best- I didn’t
always get this right.”
Running Sprii also taught
Jones to always seek out the
views of customers, employ-
ees, and mentors, and that’s TIME FOR A
another piece of advice she
gives her peers today. “Use CHANGE?
their feedback to improve THE HOW-TO
your business,” she says. (ACCORDING TO SARAH
“Double points if they have a JONES)
completely different view to
yours– being curious of other }Identify your passion and
perspectives always helps. strengths “Take the time to
And lastly, embrace failure as reflect on what truly motivates
a learning opportunity, and energizes you. Aligning
because not every idea or your professional path with
your passions and strengths
decision will lead to success,
leads to real professional
and that’s okay.”
fulfillment.”
In 2023, Jones made her
way back into the entrepre- } Connect with others “Build
neurial arena as the founder relationships with people who
and CEO of professional can offer support and guidance
W
services consulting firm, as you navigate your career hen she was a student of computer
Rayne. “Rayne provides a change. Seek out mentors who engineering, D14.AI founder Melda Akin
solution that’s very close to can share their insights and remembers working on solving extremely
my heart,” she says. “After experiences with you. Give difficult optimization, prediction, and
working with a number of first– you’ll get it back.” scheduling problems that could be solved
businesses over the last by heuristics and combinatorial optimization ap-
couple of years, I noticed a } Keep learning and growing proaches, all of which -she explains for us ordinary
consistent requirement for “Identify the skills you need for humans- are the types of problems that cannot be
your new career path, and find
senior consultants and solved by software development techniques. “And I
ways to develop them. Whether
employees in the finance and realized that there was a gap in existing solutions,”
through formal education or
human resources (HR) fields, hands-on experience,
Akin says. “I wanted to provide more efficient and
but on a flexible, interim, or continuous learning will help
effective ways to the market. So, as a computer
fractional basis. Rayne was you succeed in your new scientist, setting up D14.AI was my dream, where I
formed to address this need, endeavors.” could combine my passion for technology, innovation,
giving businesses of all sizes and problem-solving skills to set up a successful
business, and also help society have better adaptability. About her commitment to learning,
working conditions.” Akin says, “My career started as a software
Having started D14.AI with US$5,000 of developer where I excelled in coding, problem
personal funds in 2017, Akin solving and system design.
has grown it to a business
that she claims generates
“millions in revenue” today,
“I BELIEVE One significant transforma-
tion happened when I
transitioned from a purely
with plans underway to
expand its operations to the UNDERSTANDING technical role to a leadership
role. Being a social, extrovert-
US this year. The company
has also allocated YOUR PASSION AND ed person absolutely helped
me move to the product
US$500,000 to invest in
startups and new tech ideas,
such as BeeInvites, a startup
IKIGAI, INVESTING management and leadership
roles. I was acting as a
connector between the
that was selected for the
Techstars Riyadh Summer IN CONTINUOUS development team and our
clients. However, it was never
2023 program, as well as
Sirius Labs, a tech entrepre- LEARNING, enough. I had to keep
developing not only technical
neurship and leadership
academy aimed at upskilling
future female tech leaders
AND BUILDING expertise, but also strong
communication, conflict
resolution, financial manage-
and entrepreneurs. However,
back in 2017, when Akin had A SUPPORTIVE ment, negotiation skills to
progress further.” Having said
just moved to Dubai “with
two pieces of luggage, and NETWORK ARE that adaptability is another
feature that is crucial for
EXTREMELY
rented a super small place,” success, Akin believes that it
achieving the level of success can be best learned while
that her startup enjoys today working with people from
would have seemed like a
long shot- but not for Akin. IMPORTANT FOR THE different cultures. “I believe
diversity is a wonderful source
“When I came to Dubai, I did
not know anybody. I was
unfamiliar with the market
PATH TO SUCCESS.” for social development,” she
says. “Understanding
discussion styles, power
and the business culture,” she distances across different
recalls. “I attended many different conferences cultures, and how to navigate to create a win-win
and events during the day, worked at nights and situation for every party are extremely impor-
on weekends. Many of my friends strongly tant.”
suggested that I stop doing what I was doing. I
tried to explain my mission to them, but they
← Melda Akin is the
found it too risky. It was one of the most
founder of D14.AI, a
Dubai-based challenging times in my life. However, I was
aware of my skills, strengths, and weaknesses, TIME FOR A
CHANGE?
startup offering
solutions that utilize which helped me shape my strategy for growth. I
artificial convinced highly successful and experienced
intelligence. individuals to be my mentors, ranging from THE HOW-TO
CEOs of massive international corporations, to (ACCORDING TO MELDA AKIN)
regional, extremely successful entrepreneurs
who became role models for many, and trans- }Plan, learn, and remain positive "I believe that
formed the MENA ecosystem forever. So, I changing one's professional path is an exciting journey
worked hard, really hard.” that requires careful planning, continuous positivity,
As someone who has thus reinvented herself and perseverance. I believe understanding your
passion and ikigai, investing in continuous learning,
several times through the course of her life, Akin
and building a supportive network are extremely
believes the process to be dependent upon two
important for the path to success.”
key personal traits: continuous learning, and
SPECIA
FEATUR
T H E D O E R
MARIA PAVANI
M
aria Pavani
founded her
specialty coffee
startup Tres
Marias Coffee
Company in Dubai in 2019
after noticing many cultural
similarities between the
UAE and her native Brazil,
especially with respect to
the two nations’ love of
hosting family and friends
over a cup of good quality
coffee. “No matter where
you are, both Brazil and the
UAE share this awesome
appreciation for hospitality
and building strong
relationships,” she
says.”Whether you’re in Rio
or Dubai, you’ll find people
love to host guests with
warmth, and make them
feel at home.”
Besides crafting coffee
solutions for both busi-
nesses (B2B) and consum-
ers (B2C), Tres Marias
Coffee Company is also the
exclusive supplier of
plant-based milk to all 150
branches of Costa Coffee in
the UAE, while from June
onwards, it will extend its
reach by supplying
plant-based milk to all
Costa Coffee locations in
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait as
well. It is also the exclusive
plant-based milk supplier
for the private aviation
brand JetEx; plus, its
“ One of the most significant life
lessons I’ve learned along the way
is the importance of recognizing and
seizing opportunities for growth, both
← Maria Pavani is the
founder of the
Dubai-based Tres
Marias Coffee
Company. in business and in life.”
ensuring it stays on the right trajectory, a ritual my grandmother faithfully
all while working within our financial performed using a cloth filter,” she
constraints.” explains. “It’s ingrained in Brazilian
Pavani finds the UAE to be a fertile households to always have a pot of
ground for her entrepreneurial dreams coffee ready. In the UAE, a similar
in the specialty coffee sector. “Growing cultural reverence for coffee exists,
up in Brazil, my mornings were filled particularly with the ‘dallah’ tradition.
with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, While Brazil has seen significant
growth in specialty coffee houses over
the past decade, the culture of consum-
ing coffee outside the home is deeply
entrenched in the UAE. Coffee shops
TIME FOR A serve as popular meeting spots where

people gather to socialize, work, and
products are available to the general

CHANGE? enjoy a cup of coffee together.”
This is why Pavani hopes that Tres
Marias Coffee Company will enjoy more
public at Al Maya supermarkets across
THE HOW-TO aggressive growth across the UAE and
(ACCORDING TO MARIA PAVANI)
the UAE. “We achieved a million-dol- the GCC in 2024. “Firstly, we will be
lar-revenue milestone in 2022,” Pavani }Invest in self-development “Work on prioritizing the stabilization of our
reveals. “Since then, our goal has been yourself. Focus on intangible aspects. plant-based milk offerings in the
to maintain a steady growth rate of Sometimes in business, you become Middle East market,” she says. “Sec-
50% per year. While I consider this preoccupied with numbers and growth, ondly, we will focus on consolidating
goal to be somewhat conservative, it’s forgetting that you must always work on the new structure of our business,
important to note that we are self- personal development. Understanding which underwent significant restruc-
funded, which imposes certain who you are, who you are not, and how turing in the previous year, and lastly,
limitations on our expansion efforts.” you choose to live your life is essential in we aim to identify innovative offerings
Since moving to Dubai in 2013, the long run. This self-awareness will help that resonate with our target audience,
you avoid tricky situations as you grow.”
Pavani has had quite a varied career while expanding our presence in
path, which runs the gamut from existing markets, and exploring
}Seek mentorship “Find people who have
serving tables at the Conrad Dubai potential entry into new territories.”
experience, and learn from them. In
hotel, to becoming a barista, to then business, many will offer advice without
Here, Pavani says that she considers the
managing coffee shops, and finally to having firsthand experience. Sticking to growth of her business to be deeply
launching a business. And while one your vision, and seeking guidance from intertwined with her own personal
might assume the last segment of her those who have walked in your shoes, is development. “One of the most
journey might have been the most crucial. Make them your mentors, and significant life lessons I’ve learned
difficult, Pavani says that starting Tres learn as much as possible from their along the way is the importance of
Marias Coffee in the UAE wasn’t as experiences.” recognizing and seizing opportunities
challenging as one might expect. for growth, both in business and in life,”
“While there were hurdles along the }Cultivate self-belief and resilience Pavani says. “Undoubtedly, embracing
way, particularly for a first-time “Believe in yourself. Our limitations exist this journey of personal reinvention has
entrepreneur like myself, they were in our minds. So, believe in yourself, and required sacrifices and compromises.
find ways to achieve your goals. Nothing
valuable learning experiences,” she However, each instance of transforma-
is impossible as long as you're willing to
says. “In my view, the true test wasn’t tion has brought me closer to realizing
make it happen.”
the launch itself, but the ongoing my full potential, both as an entrepre-
juggling of growing the business, while neur, and as an individual.”
Real Talk
The reality of building a business while being a new mom by HANNAH CURRAN
Conversations around motherhood and what it means Thankfully, many companies are striving to create a more
for women’s careers have become increasingly inclusive working environment that provides flexibility and
support for new mums. But we don’t pay enough attention to
common in the seven years since I started my business. the “motherhood penalty” among female entrepreneurs. We
These open discussions are essential if we want to know that entrepreneurship can be a lonely place sometimes.
continue making progress, where there’s still plenty to So can motherhood. Combine the two, and the pressure
be made. mounts fast. }}
‘T/ Skillset
DON’T BUY INTO THE MYTH THAT IT’S POSSIBLE TO DO EVERYTHING; IT ONLY ADDS UNNECESSARY
PRESSURE AND WON’T DO YOU, YOUR FAMILY, OR YOUR BUSINESS ANY FAVORS. OPRAH WINFREY
PERFECTLY ENCAPSULATED THE REALITY OF BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR AND A MOTHER WHEN SHE SAID,
‘YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL. JUST NOT ALL AT ONCE.’”
According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, family shouldn’t be forced on them, because they lack practical support, or
commitments hold female entrepreneurs back more than male feel a societal obligation to put family ahead of everything else.
founders. The 2022 survey conducted in 49 countries and I have often felt more creative, productive, and motivated to
territories found that 18% of female entrepreneurs who quit or succeed since becoming a mother. Personally, managing a business
exited a business did so for personal and family reasons, compared came easier than caring for a newborn. You could say I chose
to 12.6% of men. Some other reasons people walked away were business over baby! I’ve always made sure that both were nurtured,
failing to be profitable as well as problems getting finance. But but I have definitely sacrificed many small moments to make sure
family saw the biggest gap between men and women by far, with the my first baby -my business- continued to thrive. But instead of
other two causes pretty evenly split. giving myself a hard time about it, I leaned into it, and forced myself
Firstly, this disparity doesn’t surprise me. I’ve seen it play out; plus, to confront several realities. These include:
I know women who avoided starting a business altogether when
their children were young. I decided to set up PureBorn when I was 1/YOUR SKILLS WILL SHIFT Leadership is never static, and the
working in the nursery sector, and recognized a gap for eco-friendly leader you were before having a child might not be the leader you
baby products. Because of the industry I’m in, many people assume are after. In hindsight, some decisions I made after giving birth
that PureBorn began after I had my son, but the business came first. weren’t the most beneficial. I wanted to prove that I could lead with
I became pregnant within a year of starting out, just when we the same clarity and speed. Instead, I should have taken a step back
were exploring expansion. I was protective of my vision, and I was to establish whether these actions were aligned with our long-term
also proud of how much we had achieved in such a short time. strategy. Experts agree that baby brain is real, caused by how
Therefore, I knew that I wanted to stay heavily involved, and so, I hormonal fluctuations impact our neurons. Serious decisions must
made a conscious commitment to making that happen. be thoroughly considered. Rather than burying your head in the
Going through pregnancy, giving birth, and raising a child, while sand, recognize what you’re capable of, and fill the gaps by
staying focused on another massive priority in your life, isn’t easy, to recruiting people to concentrate on any crucial aspects you can’t.
say the least. Female founders certainly face more barriers than our
male counterparts, making it feel like an uphill battle at times. I 2/NO ONE IS DOING IT ALL Don’t buy into the myth that it’s
understand why some prefer to step back. However, the decision possible to do everything; it only adds unnecessary pressure and
won’t do you, your family, or your business any
favors. Oprah Winfrey perfectly encapsulated the
DOING LEADERSHIP
reality of being an entrepreneur and a mother
when she said, “You can have it all. Just not all at
once.” It’s far more helpful to admit there will be
things you need to sacrifice, and make your peace
RIGHT
with it. You may be unable to do the school run,
be at every play date, or keep on top of the
WhatsApp group. But it’s ok to prioritize certain How to avoid the traps that lead to being a
things over others! Don’t let guilt get the better of bad boss b y B Y D E B R A A N D K E N C O R E Y
you. Set a few family non-negotiables (mine is
dinner together every night, for example), and
give yourself credit for making them happen.
O
3/BOUNDARIES PROMOTE BALANCE If ne of the first questions we ask leaders in the workshops that we
you’re holding a baby on one knee and a laptop run is: “Are you perfect?”
on the other, it won’t be long before you buckle And except for the jokester standing in the back of the room,
under the load. I set clear boundaries between everyone shakes their heads and replies, “No.”
work life and home life, giving me the mental Here, we start to make the point that as humans (and as leaders),
separation to stay fully present in both roles. It’s we don’t always get it right, especially when it comes to being a boss. Partly
the best way to manage my time effectively and because of “us,” but also because each situation and employee is different,
work towards having some kind of balance. meaning that the behavior or approach that worked for the last situation
might not be right for this one.
4/TOUGH CHOICES ARE INEVITABLE Sometimes we do get it right, with our people helping us thrive and succeed,
Motherhood doesn’t have to stop you from taking and sometimes we don’t, with our people preventing or slowing us down from
the next step in your business- but there is a cost. achieving what we set out to do.
It will mean compromise and flexibility from To illustrate this point, just look at the results of a global survey we conducted,
your partner and family as well, so make sure where 99.6% of people said that they’ve had a bad boss. You don’t have to be a
they are on the same page. As a business owner, mathematician to see that it’s almost everyone, validating that at some point }}
long-term vision often means dealing with an
element of short-term loss, whether that’s
emotional, financial, or physical. It’s not forever,
but you will have to make choices. ONE OF THE FIRST QUESTIONS WE ASK LEADERS IN
THE WORKSHOPS THAT WE RUN IS: “ARE YOU
5/COMMUNICATION IS KEY This links to the PERFECT?”
point above, but it’s worth emphasizing. You
won’t get a badge for staying silent if you’re
struggling. There’s no doubt that having young
children increases the obstacles of building a
business, and the more aware we become, the
quicker we can figure things out. Establish
consistent lines of communication with your
team, and be clear about what you need from
them. The same goes at home, with your partner,
family, and childcare providers.
We all deserve to find our purpose, and there’s
no shame in pursuing success. Achieving my
goals is fundamental to feeling fulfilled in every
aspect of my life. And by exposing impossible
ideals, we make it easier for other female
founders to do the same.
Hannah Curran is the founder and

CEO of PureBorn. PureBorn is on a
mission to redefine baby care by
offering eco-friendly, premium
products that prioritize the well-being of both
little ones and the planet. pureborn.com
‘T/ Pro
in time, we’re all a bad boss. But don’t

worry, for the more you understand the
traps you may fall into that lead to being
AND EXCEPT FOR THE involvement often squashes the joy and
meaning out of their people’s work,
a bad boss, the more you can avoid
them. Here are just three of them from
JOKESTER STANDING leaving them resentful, resistant, and
frustrated.
our book, Bad Bosses Ruin Lives:
1/TIME As we all know, time is
IN THE BACK OF THE 3/SKILLS The final trap has to do with
a lack of the skills to meet the changing
precious. We only have so much of it,
which puts pressure on how we decide
ROOM, EVERYONE needs of your people. We see this
happen time and time again when a
to use it. For this reason, one of the
most common traps bosses fall into that
SHAKES THEIR HEADS boss either uses skills that may have
worked in the past, or not doing
causes them to adopt bad boss traits is
time- more specifically, the feeling that
AND REPLIES, “NO.” something because they don’t feel they
have the right skills to handle the
there isn’t enough time to act in any situation.
other way. An example of this is with the
We see this happen time and time “Unappreciater” boss, someone who
again when it comes to a variety of the doesn’t show their people recognition or
10 bad boss types that we explore in the gratitude, making them feel unvalued,
book. An example is the “Avoider” boss, invisible, and unappreciated for their
someone who doesn’t show up for their actions and contributions. It was
people, ghosting them, and not giving actually the highest ranked bad boss in
them the time, attention, and feedback our survey, with 81% of people saying
they need to do their job, and feel that they’ve had this kind of bad boss.
valued. They often fall into this trap, This means that the majority of bosses
because they believe they don’t have the have not yet learned the skills to give
time to devote to their people, and that meaningful, genuine, and timely
time spent with them will distract or appreciation to their people. Or, as we
take them away from the work they say in another one of my books, they
really need to do. don’t know how to “see it, say it,
If you start falling into this trap, we appreciate it!”
suggest that you think for a moment
about what happens when you meet Debra and Ken Corey are experts in
and talk with your people. Do you human resources (HR) and people
suggest things that they may not have development, and the authors of Bad
considered? Do you point out problems Bosses Ruin Lives: The Building Blocks
they may encounter, and then suggest for Being a Great Boss, which is out now.
ways to get around them? Do you give
them words of encouragement to help what you do would be great- how With over 20 years of
them get through a rough patch? Now, wonderful it is to have someone who experience as an award-
think what would happen if these takes the time to give you direction and winning HR expert, Debra
conversations didn’t take place. instructions, review and give critique to Corey is a consultant,
Wouldn’t your people be more likely to all of your work. That’s exactly what keynote speaker, and six-time bestselling
make mistakes, take more time to get many bosses, especially new ones, think, author, who has been named one of the
things done, or get frustrated with the believing that they’re doing it for their top 101 global employee engagement
task at hand, and completely abandon people. influencers multiple times.
it? However, this is far from the truth, as
nothing can be more demotivating and Ken Corey is a specialist in
2/MISUNDERSTANDINGS The next exhausting than having a boss who is a innovative solutions to
trap has to do with misunderstanding micromanager. In fact, micromanage- engineering management,
the needs and wishes of your people, ment is one of the most often cited most recently at financial
and by doing this, adopting bad boss characteristics of a bad boss, with 80% services company Curve. With a rich
traits. An example is the “Microman- of our survey respondents saying they’ve career spanning over three decades, Ken
ager,” someone who is overly involved in had a micromanager boss. And yes, a has been at the forefront of cultivating
their people’s work, constantly control- micromanager is there for their people, high-performance teams within
ling, and prescribing what and how but at what cost? For instead of giving cutting-edge technical environments,
work is done. You’d think that having a them the time, space, and autonomy to ranging from startups to large
boss who wants to be deeply involved in perform, their excessive control and enterprises.
From Setbacks to Triumphs
How failing well can lead you to success b y M E H R E E N O M A R A N D M U N A M U S TA FA
W
ith one unsuccessful startup behind us, it might have and change our business model
been easier for us to walk away from entrepreneurship, and concept to something that
and return to the corporate world- but we never was easier to execute and more
scalable.
entertained that as an option. We still had the belief in
our ideas, as well as the passion to see them through, 5/HAVING A GOOD HOLD ON
but most importantly, we saw that we had failed well, PERFORMANCE METRICS We
and learned from our mistakes. For us, failing well put had a good hold of our metrics
us on the pathway to success with our current venture, and quantifiable data from the
SupperClub, thanks to invaluable lessons that we were able to put into practice the beginning, and that is something
second time around. Here’s what they were: that has helped us to scale and
grow. Startup success is no longer
measured solely by the unique-
done. Even moving forward, ness of an idea. Startup entrepre-
outsourcing only those tasks neurs need to understand their
that we genuinely cannot customer acquisition costs,
handle in-house keeps down lifetime value, churn rates, and
costs, while developing our other key performance indicators,
own skills. which reflect the viability and
scalability of the business, and
3/BUILDING THE FIRST will help in decision making.
PROOF OF CONCEPT IS KEY
We built a hollow minimum Failing well
viable product to sell our We have lost money on failed
concept, and to get our business ideas or wrong business
business off the ground. We decisions, but we have failed well,
focused on progress, not and learned from the experience.
perfection, and we went Failures didn’t sink our entrepre-
ahead with this mindset to neurial spirit; they brought us to
land our first big client, where we are today, and shaped
despite not having a function- us as entrepreneurs. We have
ing website at the time. still managed to build a profitable
1/LEVERAGING INDUSTRY 2/TAKING A HANDS-ON Simultaneously chasing leads business in an extremely
INSIGHTS AND MARKET APPROACH FROM DAY -while creating a basic web competitive market dominated
EXPERTISE It is important ONE We recognized the presence- helped us to land by industry giants. As such, don’t
for entrepreneurs to need to do everything that first high-profile client, be afraid of failing- it can actually
understand their forte and ourselves during the initial which laid a strong founda- put you on the pathway to
the industry they are days; it was all about the tion for our business early on. success.
operating in before hustle. We were not afraid
venturing into a business. to get our hands dirty, and 4/PIVOTING IN RESPONSE Mehreen Omar and
We were aware of our tackle things we had no TO MARKET DYNAMICS Our Muna Mustafa are
strengths, and we leveraged expertise in. We overcame initial idea for SupperClub co-founders of
those to develop Supper- the bureaucratic hurdles was different from what it is SupperClub, a
Club. Our understanding of and trade licence complexi- today. Although it was an premium
the hospitality industry, ties, created our content, innovative idea, and our membership discount platform
consumers, sector insights, and built a website without clients loved it, it was providing clients with access to
and customer pain points any real tech skills. There becoming a challenge, and too five-star venues and experiences
was a huge advantage in a was no backup- it was complicated to execute. We through a single subscription.
crowded marketplace. simply about getting things had to be agile, quickly pivot, supperclubme.com
‘T/ Skillset
As a three-time Olympic short

track speed skater for Great
Britain, and British Ladies
Champion for nine consecutive
years, I had been competing at the
highest level ever since I was a
child. When my career on the ice
came to an end, it was my turn to
find something new. Whilst it’s not
unusual for sportsmen and
sportswomen to move into fitness
and personal training, it’s often as
a freelancer. But I went a step
further, and I now own and run
my business, Roar Fitness,
successfully in both London and
Dubai- taking me into the realm of
life as a business owner and
entrepreneur. There is no
handbook or schooling to guide
you through the ups and downs of
starting, running, and growing a
business, but with that said, there
are some things I’ve learned as an
Olympian that have held me in
amazing stead for this new chapter
in my life. Here’s a primer:
1/ WORK ETHIC We know there is a

backlash today against “hustle
culture,” and everyone is looking
for more of a work-life balance.
The truth is very different,
however, when you are just starting
up and starting out, with the full
commitment to build and grow a
Fight the Fear business. In speed skating, I

trained for six to nine hours a day,
every day. If I wasn’t training, I was
(and do it anyway) in physio, looking at technical
analysis, the upkeep of equipment,
Five things this entrepreneur learned as an Olympian (which have and more. It was a full-time job,
gone on to help her run a successful business as well) never off, and always on. In
b y S A R A H L I N D S AY business, you cannot expect a
I
work-life balance in the startup or
growth phase. If you are not
t’s notably difficult for ex-professional sportspeople to transition working on it, you are thinking
into new lives or new careers post athletic success. Also, it’s about it. Speed skating taught me
that you are either in or out- you
important to remember that not every pro has earned Premier must give it your everything.
League salaries, or enjoyed the fruits of lucrative brand endorse- People used to talk about “sacrifice”
ments, or merchandise dividends. For that individual, there is a real whilst I was skating, and that I
sense of personal loss when a sporting career comes to an end, as sacrificed “life” to train versus
socializing with friends and family.
usually, it is all they have known from a very young age, if not their But I never saw it as a sacrifice, I
whole lives to that point. This sits alongside the very real need to find saw it as a privilege. I chose this,
purpose and earn a living. both sport and now business, I’m
doing what I love to do, and want to staff. Even in individual sports, you want to put myself on the line for
do. I was -and I still am- grateful for have teammates around you to train making a mistake. Here was where
the chance to work hard on some- with, against, and for moral support. an old advertisement for the Dr
thing I believe in. Exactly the same applies in business, Pepper soft drink came into play,
and I recommend making sure that with its tagline being: “What’s the
2/ RESILIENCE In sport, I would the team around you is chosen worst that can happen?” This served
compete in up to five races a day. carefully. Do they have the same as the motivation I needed to fight
Maybe the first one would go great, vision? Are you confident to delegate the fear, and take a risk on the ice.
and the second one not as well. I’d to them? Are they good to be around? When you put yourself out there, you
have 20 minutes maybe to recompose I’m not a fan of hierarchy, but I risk failure, that’s a fact, but if you
and patch myself up before the next always enjoyed seeing the team pull don’t put yourself out there at all, you
one. The pressure is on, because if together to help even one person win. are guaranteed to achieve nothing.
you don’t get through, you may miss From senior to junior, there was no It’s okay if something makes you
out on qualifying for goal events such ego. We would all do what we could uncomfortable or nervous. That’s
as the World Championship, for to help yur teammate perform to a normal- feel those things, and do it
example. You do have to perform, result. If the team performs, the sport anyway. Take the risk where fear is
and the fact is, it doesn’t always go keeps getting funded. Bosses should holding you back- just remember Dr
your way. I probably “lost” 90 out of be there to help each other improve Pepper.
100 races- but you do it for the other and support, not just to “rule.”
10. A life lesson in “getting back up” Sarah Lindsay, a
almost every day! 5/ TAKE RISKS My team psychologist three-time Olympic speed
It’s not just about resilience race to used to say to me “Dr Pepper” before skater, is the owner of
race either, it’s year to year, season to a race. You see, I was always scared of Roar Fitness.
season. Building yourself back up overtaking and messing up. I didn’t roar-fitness.com
from injuries or poor form takes
time, and it can feel slow, which
dents both your confidence and WHEN YOU PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE, YOU RISK
enthusiasm. You don’t win them all, FAILURE, THAT’S A FACT, BUT IF YOU DON’T PUT
in life, business, or sport. You will
make mistakes and the wrong
YOURSELF OUT THERE AT ALL, YOU ARE
decisions. A huge reason that a GUARANTEED TO ACHIEVE NOTHING.
business will fail is because people
quit too soon. But the “dream”
doesn’t come easy, nor do the medals
or championships. You must get up,
and go again, and again- and again.
Never give up.
3/ GOAL SETTING Aim high and

think big when it comes to goal
setting. Think about what “can” be
done, not just the easiest thing. If you
aim for a gold medal, you have a
chance; if you aim to make “the top
ten,” you’ll never win gold. This
attitude also transfers across to our
clients at Roar Fitness too, not just
our business. If your goal is just to
open a gym, and own your own
space, I’m sure you can do that, but is
that it? Growth and bigger picture
goals don’t happen by mistake.
4/ TEAM WORK You can only go so

far on your own. Everyone needs a
team around them. Sportspeople
have physios, coaches, and support
Invests
In
Entrepreneurs
What Are
You Building?
Learn more at entrepreneur.vc
← SULTAN AND
KINDA CHATILA
are the
co-founders of
Dubai-based
burger joint
Eleven Green.
From Grill to Greatness

Sultan and Kinda Chatila, the entrepreneurs behind Dubai-based burger joint Eleven
Green, share the story of how they are driving a winning venture in the food and
beverage industry b y D E V I N A D I V E C H A
V
isitors to the Meyan Mall in Dubai specials (including the award-winning Bull
were probably confused in June Burger), two “smalls” (i.e. the single patty
2023 when the parking lot suddenly burgers), and two sides. You can see why the
didn’t have spaces anymore, and a Bull Burger has won an award when you bite
line snaked out of a shopfront into it. For starters, consider the hand-pressed
across the mall lobby. Closer Wagyu beef patty paired with cheddar
inspection would have revealed cheese, as well as its signature Bull sauce.
that the long queue of people was spilling out There’s also the crunch of onions, and the
of Eleven Green, a burger joint that has been smoothness of the house bacon jam. But what
able to quickly capture the hearts (and is truly exceptional is the Hokkaido milk bun- a
stomachs) of foodies in the UAE. The menu is soft and fluffy encasing for the moreish
simple- but that’s the beauty of it. Just three flavors packed within. }}
S/ Q&A
B
ut how did we get to
this burger in the first
place? According to
Eleven Green co-founder
Sultan Chatila, the beginning
of the brand could perhaps be
called unconventional. “My
wife Kinda and I have always
been passionate about all
things food and cooking, but
Eleven Green isn’t something
that we ever imagined as a
concept, initially,” he says.
“Kinda and I started a supper
club called Tano’s at 8 over
four years ago, mainly focused
on Mediterranean cuisine.
Kinda was the genius behind
the desserts, and I’ve always
been focused on all our savory
specials. Over a year ago, I
randomly decided to enter a
↑ The first location of the burger joint was local Battle of the Burgers
inside Meyan Mall in Dubai, with a second competition that was meant to
having opened in Al Khawaneej. find the best burger in UAE,
and that’s where the Eleven
Green journey really began.”
Indeed, Chatila -who previ-
ously was the Chief Commer-
cial Officer for the Middle
East, Turkey, and Africa for
Honeywell Building Technolo-
gies- went on to win this
particular contest. He then
went on to represent Dubai in
the World Food Champion-
ships in Dallas, where he
nabbed the third place with
the Bull Burger that’s now on
his restaurant’s menu.
According to Chatila, the
competition was a fun
opportunity to explore his
passion for food- but it was
also a stepping stone to him
co-founding Eleven Green
with his wife. “Taking that
chance has brought us to
IMAGES COURTESY ELEVEN GREEN
where we are now,” Chatila

says. “The evolution of our
burgers and the skills needed
to make them came with time.
What truly motivated me was
stepping away from corporate
life and pursuing my love for
cooking… The burger was the
perfect starting point.”
A
s Chatila thus made fact that hosting a supper a big mall or off a main simply joining the crowd in
his foray into club doesn’t automatically highway; it was always the burger category, I
entrepreneurship, translate into being a something quaint and focused on delivering what
he was cognizant of the successful restaurateur. approachable. We wanted I believed was the ultimate
challenges and risks “Honestly, I don’t believe to be able to control burger– simple, classic,
involved in launching they can be compared,” operations and customer made with quality ingredi-
Eleven Green, which ran Chatila continues. “In my service, and offer a cozy ents. That’s how you stand
the gamut from finding the experience, a supper club is vibe, which suits our menu. out in any market, in my
right team, to funding the intimate. It’s really about I think we’ve been able to opinion.”
endeavor. “Eleven Green you focusing solely on your do that quite well. Everyone
T
was purely driven as a passion for cooking for I spoke with and discussed he name Chatila and
passion project, with me small groups of people, Eleven Green with was his wife have chosen
deciding to leave the where customer service surprised by our decision to for their venture also
corporate world after 19 isn’t a major concern. enter such a highly helps it stand out- however,
years of various roles, and People come with zero competitive F&B segment,” it might not be immediately
to finally pursue my expectations, whereas a he continues. “Yet, I firmly apparent as to why it’s
passion,” he notes. “Luckily, restaurant comes with believe that following your called Eleven Green.
my wife still had a stable much higher expectations, passion, and staying true to Chatila reveals here that 11
job, which allowed me to ranging from customer your beliefs -regardless of is his lucky number; plus,
take this risk. We funded service to supply chain others’ expectations- is the the shop he and his wife
Eleven Green ourselves, management, having the initial step in setting rented happened to number
and it wasn’t a small right team and culture fit, yourself apart. Rather than 11 in the mall’s layout, and
they also signed the
contract for it on January
11, 2023. “So you could say
the number 11 had to be
THE LANDSCAPE IS QUITE COMPETITIVE, BUT WITH THAT, THERE
part of it,” says Chatila, and
ARE STILL A LOT OF OPPORTUNITIES, AND THERE IS ROOM FOR continues, “As for ‘Green,’ I
EVERYONE, AS LONG AS YOU HAVE THE RIGHT PRODUCT, AND YOU just love the color, but it
CAN DIFFERENTIATE YOURSELF.” also symbolizes fresh starts
and a new chapter in life.” }}
investment by any means.” and representing your

However, what worked in brand. So, ultimately, it’s
the brand’s favor was its very different. I wouldn’t
strategic partnership with say running a supper club
Big Mouth Concepts, the translates in any way to
brainchild of F&B entrepre- owning your very own
neur Samar Hamadeh, restaurant.”
known for his work on the
T
likes of Stereo Arcade and hrough this transi-
Akiba Dori, with Chatila tion from supper
describing him as being club to restaurant,
their “eyes and ears in F&B, while the support of
right from the start.” Hamadeh has proven
invaluable, what lies at the
E
leven Green, core of Eleven Green’s
however, wasn’t the success is its dedication to
Chatilas’ first venture crafting the ultimate burger
into the world of food- the experience- from location,
duo did have the success of to ingredients, and onward
the aforementioned to service as well. “Our ↑ The Bull Burger is the
Spanish-themed supper vision for Eleven Green was award-winning dish from
the restaurant’s menu, and
club, Tano’s at 8, under always to be the neighbor-
is encased in a fluffy
their belt. Chatila is hood burger joint,” Chatila Hokkaido bun.
searingly honest about the says. “I never pictured it in
S/ Q&A
→ The restaurant’s team with its own set of

aims for zero waste; it challenges, so you must be
doesn’t even have a able to adapt as well. I
freezer in the kitchen think what’s important is
ensuring everything is to focus on three aspects of
made fresh. leadership. First, clarity-
taking a step back,
analyzing the issue, and
more to come, so watch gaining clarity of a
this space.” Chatila is thus situation. Second is having
clearly confident about the the confidence to make
future, and he is also decisions around those
optimistic about the challenges. You don’t know
further development of the until you try, so there’s no
F&B industry in the UAE. harm in looking at the
“F&B is definitely going facts thoroughly, and
through a growth spurt at making an informed
the moment,” he says. decision. The third aspect
“There are ups and downs is being prepared for the
and cycles as always, but I worst. Because what this
think the appetite for journey has taught me over
people to go out and dine the last year or so is that
across F&B segments is you don’t know what
there, which is encourag- tomorrow brings, and you
ing. The landscape is quite just have to be ready for
competitive, but with that, anything.”
there are still a lot of
E
One of the other reasons leven Green’s story is opportunities, and there is
the venue has the word only just beginning, room for everyone, as long
‘green’ in its name is and Chatila confirms as you have the right
related to its attitude that he and his team have product, and you can 'TREP
toward waste. “At Eleven
Green, we’re all about zero
no intention to rest on
their laurels. That said,
differentiate yourself.”
TALK
R
waste,” Chatila explains. while Chatila admits that eflecting on his Eleven Green
“We grind our meat fresh he has had numerous entrepreneurial co-founder Sultan
every day, no leftovers or opportunities and requests journey, Chatila Chatila shares his
waste, and that’s a big part for international expan- shares insights garnered tips for
of our story too. This goes sions and franchising, he’s from overcoming chal- entrepreneurs
back to why we put green choosing to stay away from lenges and seizing
in our name too; every- them, at least for the time opportunities. “I think 1/Success doesn’t happen
thing is bought fresh, we being. “I believe the key for there are many unknowns overnight “You need to build
don’t have a freezer in the us is to expand cautiously, when it comes to entrepre- your story, your brand, your
back, all our food is made and never lose sight of our neurship– passion is where concept over time– brick-by-
for the day, and that’s the continuous objective: this project started,” he brick.”
reason we would often sell maintaining quality and says. “But we know, like in
out. Fortunately, we have sticking to our vision of everything, passion can 2/Start with passion- and
gotten better at forecasting zero waste, freshly made only go so far. You will be enjoy what you’re doing “The
the demand, and we are burgers with our limited struck with problems from business and the rewards come
later; the key is to pursue your
now able to keep on top of menu,” he says. “That being every direction, whether
passion, and believe in
it. We team up with local said, we recently opened it’s operational issues,
yourself.”
producers and farms to get our very first drive-thru supplier issues, customer-
our fresh produce, and location at the Al Khawa- related issues, or project 3/The people you have
with bakeries for all our neej neighborhood in execution issues. We just around you matter “Find the
bread needs. It’s our way Dubai. Additionally, we are opened our second branch right partners, and build the
of keeping things green looking at a couple more in Al Khawaneej, which is best team; you can’t do it on
and supporting local projects for 2024 and a drive-thru, a different your own.”
businesses.” beyond. There’s definitely business model that comes
S/ Ecosystem
Joining Forces
US-headquartered Ruder Finn acquires UAE-based Atteline, marking its first such
deal in the Middle East b y A A L I A M E H R E E N A H M E D
R
uder Finn, a US-headquartered
→ Founded in 2016 by
independent global communications Sophie Simpson, Atteline
and creative agency, has acquired has operated across
Atteline, a UAE-based integrated three divisions of
communication agency. communication
-consumer, corporate,
In a move that marks the former’s and digital- providing
debut acquisition in the Middle East, services to contemporary
Atteline will now serve as Ruder Finn’s new hub and established brands
in the region. across the UAE.
Founded in 2016 by Sophie Simpson, Atteline

has operated across three divisions of
communication -consumer, corporate, and
digital- providing services to contemporary and
established brands across the UAE.
} Ruder Finn, on the other hand, is a 75-year-old company

that has offered its communication strategies across key
sectors such as healthcare, enterprise technology,
reputation management, and crisis communications,
among others. Ruder Finn has also launched RF Studio
53, an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered creative hub,
and RF TechLab, a tech incubator, both of which provide
predictive analytics, and creative as well as customer-
focused digital engagement.
In 2023, when Ruder Finn recorded a double-digit
growth in its revenue, its CEO Kathy Bloomgarden
recognized this as a time to kickstart the company’s
expansion plans in the Middle East. And while the global
agency had a roster of public relations (PR) and communi-
cations firms to choose from, Atteline proved to be the
ideal acquisition candidate owing to its alignment with
Ruder Finn’s vision.
“When we met Atteline’s leadership team, we knew that
they shared our high standards of expertise, curiosity for
emerging technologies and new tools, and core value of
building strong partnerships with clients,” Bloomgarden
explains. “Our teams are aligned on our aspirations for the
Middle Eastern market. Atteline, a company built on
strong foundations and significant growth, is authentically
embedded in the culture and community that it repre-
sents. We sensed a great cultural synergy between our two
firms, and a shared goal of being the best in public
relations, communications, and → Left to right: Peggy Walsh,
storytelling.” Global Chief Operating Officer,
It was a similar propensity to Ruder Finn, Sophie Simpson,
achieve synergetic results that founder and Managing Director,
Atteline, Kathy Bloomgarden, CEO,
led Atteline’s Simpson to
Ruder Finn, and Atul Sharma, CEO,
believe that the cultural Ruder Finn India and Head - Middle
insights and expertise her firm East
can offer would make the
acquisition a successful one.
“Ruder Finn brings to the table result of bringing some of the
over 75 years of experience, best and most ambitious
which is hugely beneficial not communicators together, and
just to Atteline but also to the we hope to continue that
GCC market, which is rapidly moving forward.”
evolving,” she says. “Together,
we will unite global thinking } From Ruder Finn’s perspec-
with localized insight in all of tive, the opening of a brand
our communication work, new office in the Middle East,
which is a powerful combina- by means of this acquisition,
tion. Furthermore, our values will serve to meet the region’s
are aligned; specifically, Ruder growing demand for PR,
Finn and Atteline are passion- marketing communications,
ate about creating a rewarding digital, and corporate reputa- performance, accountability, continuation of the values
and positive work culture, we tion. “The Middle East is a and transparency on factors with which the company was
are client-centric but team- rapidly developing hub for such as employee benefits and first established in 1948. “At
first, and this is essential to innovation and economic supply chain practices, among Ruder Finn, we foster a
both organizations as people growth,” Bloomgarden says. others] will also see us meet culture based on our values of
are at the heart of what we do. individuality, non-hierarchy,
With this acquisition, we are hunger, listening, experimen-
going to bring an even more tation, and independence that
robust offering to the region empowers our people to
through pioneering expertise, embody the ethos of our
new technologies and tools, founder, David Finn: “Just
and the unity of global thinking because you don’t know how
with local insight. Everything to do something doesn’t mean
we do within the GCC or you can’t,’” she shares. “In the
outside of the region will be 75 years we have been in
deeply embedded with cultural business, and looking forward
understanding.” to the future of our work, our
‘secret sauce’ comes from
} Simpson, in addition to partnering with clients on
working closely with projects we believe in, where
Bloomgarden, will also be ↑ Ruder Finn CEO Kathy Bloomgarden we can have real-world
deeply involved in working impact on the people,
with Atul Sharma, who leads communities, and markets we
Ruder Finn’s Middle East “We are therefore looking the highest standards of touch. This particular
operations, which will see her forward to expanding our verified performance, acquisition marks an exciting
continue to bring her own footprint in the UAE and GCC accountability, and transpar- moment for not only Atteline
specific ideals to the leadership countries and are excited to ency on factors from employee and Ruder Finn, but also the
I M A G E S C O U R T E S Y AT T E L I N E
of the organization. “I want to contribute our skills and benefits and charitable giving MENA region, as we come
ensure that I continue to insights to firms in the region to supply chain practices.” together with shared values
champion the diversity and to help grow their potential. As Bloomgarden now and a caring culture. As one
unique skills of those who Atteline’s B-Corp certification anticipates a successful run for united voice, we will
contribute to the ever-changing [a designation deemed by B her firm’s Middle Eastern champion impactful
communication landscape,” Lab, a US-based non-profit endeavors, she reiterates that communications with a
Simpson declares. “Atteline’s organization, that a business is the decision to acquire localized approach and global
success to date has been a meeting high standards of Atteline has simply been a capabilities.”
S/ Ecosystem
The Shifting Landscape of

Employee Loyalty
As we figure out “the future of jobs,” here’s what employers need to know about keeping their employees
b y N ATA L I A S Y C H E VA
E
very employer desires the loyalty of their employees, discontented employee to a triumphant
business owner. For many, this perpetual
unequivocally. Employee loyalty for a company is a prudent
vigilance and continuous exploration of
business strategy. However, what if loyalty, as pre-millennial alternative opportunities are responses to
generations once knew it, is no more? economic shocks post-2008, compound-
ed by more recent challenges of the
COVID-19 pandemic.
The question that looms large is whether shift to different roles. A comparable Freelancing has become the new norm,
the “future of jobs” revolves around 75% of content software engineers, and it is experiencing a significant
technology or people. To address this contentedly employed by tech startups, upswing. In the United States alone, we
effectively, let’s first examine some figures are actively exploring fresh prospects. have witnessed a growth in the number
that provide insights into the emerging The advent of the internet and technol- of freelancers from 57 million people to
trends. ogy has facilitated a rapid and expansive 64 million people in just the past four
Over two-thirds of individuals are job search process. years. A recent study conducted by my
consistently on the lookout for new company, Integra Seven, focusing on the
opportunities. Surprisingly, according to Furthermore, the proliferation of Dubai tech sector sheds light on the “side
a 2023 Michael Page study, up to 98% of success stories on social media adds to hustle” mentality among employees,
corporate employees are contemplating a the allure of transitioning from a ranking among the top three challenges
faced by tech founders in the the paradigm, and today, is also placed on employers. intelligence erodes employee
Emirate as they endeavor to loyalty is measured by a Corporate mission state- confidence and loyalty. The
build their visionary different yardstick- impact. ments and value lists are pervasive narrative about
ventures. To navigate this transition, criticized as outputs of clever jobs disappearing and the
companies must adapt and public relations (PR) firms, imminent threat of robots
The same report highlights redefine their understanding many of which seem to have taking over further com-
“the rise of freelancing and of loyalty, as well as explore been sentences crafted by pounds the challenge.
the emergence of the ‘2nd novel ways to measure it. ChatGPT. Although these The intertwining of these
gig’ work trend post-COV- But before we delve into the statements sound noble, factors creates a complex
ID-19, which present a strategies for this shift, it’s they often lack real-life operating environment,
dichotomy for tech entrepre- essential to identify the application in the daily making it challenging for
neurs.” On one hand, the contributors to the demise interactions between employees to feel confident
increasing interest in of traditional loyalty. employees and managers, about their future job
freelancing enriches the Assigning blame to employees and clients, and security, for founders to
talent pool by providing employees is a common among employees them- invest in employees
access to a diverse array of narrative, often depicting selves. engaging in side hustles, and
specialized skills. However, a the new generation as Market forces also play a for governments to adapt to
significant challenge arises unwilling to invest the same pivotal role. The concept of the dynamic and structural
when developers concur- level of hard work and “optimization” is often cited shifts in the labor market,
rently juggle multiple jobs, commitment as their as a justification for while ensuring societal
potentially compromising predecessors. The focus on companies relentlessly cohesiveness and the overall
their performance due to building startups, or pursuing cost reduction. health of a nation. Address-
divided commitments. aspiring to become While it’s acknowledged that ing these multifaceted
As all of this is happening, influencers on platforms like the objective of any challenges requires a
we are also witnessing the TikTok, is seen as a enterprise is to maximize collective effort from
rise of “the lonely genera- departure from the output and minimize costs, employees, employers, and
tion.” In recent years, a traditional notion of the constant bombardment policymakers alike, fostering
staggering one out of every “productively contributing of messages predicting job an environment that values
Founders’ Biggest
three adults have said that to society.” displacement due to both individual impact and
they experienced loneliness, On the other hand, blame automation or artificial collective well-being. }}
marking a significant
Challenges
societal trend. And as more
individuals actively seek new
opportunities for personal OVER TWO-THIRDS OF INDIVIDUALS ARE CONSISTENTLY ON THE
betterment, the path of LOOKOUT FOR NEW OPPORTUNITIES. SURPRISINGLY, ACCORDING TO A
choice increasingly tilts 2023 MICHAEL PAGE STUDY, UP TO 98% OF CORPORATE EMPLOYEES
toward freelancing as a ARE
Within the list CONTEMPLATING
of top challenges faced byADubai
SHIFT TO DIFFERENT
entrepreneurs in theirROLES.”
pursuit of finding
means to achieve transfor- the best tech talent, the following were identified:
mative change. Paradoxi-
cally, in our pursuit of
improvement and conve- Top challenges faced by Dubai’s tech founders (%)
nience, we find ourselves
navigating the terrain of “the Lack of Specialized Tech Talent
lonely generation.”
Cost of Living
SO… HOW DID WE GET Startup Salary Rates

HERE?
IMAGES COURTESY INTEGRA SEVEN
Side Hustle / Freelance Culture

In times past, workplace
loyalty was predominantly Talent Expectations
defined by longevity, Dubai City Brand
reflecting the number of
years -or even decades- an UAE Labor Laws
individual would dedicate to Others
a single employer. However,
0 5 10 15 20 25
the evolving landscape of the
modern world has reshaped
INDUSTRY
appreciate the most about working for their
bored.
current companies in Dubai. They said:
Access to Medical Insurance
S/
The top-ranked benefit of working in Dubai was
medical insurance coverage for respondents and I don't feel like I am doing
their families based in Dubai. This underscores
Ecosystem the importance of comprehensive healthcare the same thing all over
offerings in attracting and retaining tech talent. again.
2/3 Look for New Opportunities Variety of Projects and Problem-

Solving
THE WAY FORWARD: REDEFINING Interestingly, 2/3 of engaged tech professionals
are looking and open for new job opportunities The opportunity to work on different projects
WORKPLACE LOYALTY IN THE UNITED STATES ALONE,
emergedWE
while working for Dubai-based technology HAVE motivation
as a common WITNESSED for stayingAwith
Unlike the implementation of an GROWTH IN THE NUMBER OF FREELANCERS
companies. This suggests a dynamic job market in
a company. FROMfor57
This reflects a preference
enterprise resource planning (ERP)
MILLION PEOPLE TO 64 MILLION
dynamicPEOPLE
Dubai's tech sector, where tech talent actively IN JUST
work environments THE PAST
that continuously
system, where complexities can be explores their options. It also might be an
challenge software engineers' skills. Several
FOUR YEARS.”
indicator of the founders' case against remote by
respondents expressed a genuine passion for
systematically addressed, installing a
default work arrangement, which in the long run problem-solving, which keeps them engaged with
“solution” for human relationships in deters culture, sense of community, and shared their work.
the workplace is not a straightforward mission.
process. However, there are strategies
and approaches that companies can
adopt to make the leap from measuring
loyalty based on longevity, to loyalty
defined by impact. This is what I am
2/3
calling the x2R formula- and it can be
explained as follows:
1/THE FIRST “R”: RELATIONSHIPS The

first “R” in the transformation from Employed tech developers are
measuring loyalty through longevity to open to new job opportunities
loyalty defined by impact stands for
“relationships.” It involves fostering
connections that extend beyond the
conventional employer-employee INTEGRA SEVEN | STATE OF TECH TALENT 2023 29
dynamic. To achieve this, companies

need to focus on building life-long beyond the confines of the traditional Alumni newsletter, fostering a sense of
relationships with their employees. employer-employee relationship. community among those who have been
Business managers play a crucial role in Examples from companies putting part of the organization.
this endeavor. They should be prepared this into practice abound. For instance, By embracing the importance of
to engage in open and honest conversa- Ahoy, a prominent tech startup from building life-long relationships,
tions with their employees. This Dubai, besides offering a system of companies can lay the foundation for
involves expressing expectations for perks and benefits for their dynamic enduring connections, understanding
outstanding contributions to the teams, organizes networking and that the ties they build with their
business, while assuring individuals mentorship sessions specifically tailored employees are not limited to the
that they will be challenged, supported, for its alumni who have moved on to duration of their tenure, but are, in fact,
treated fairly, and even celebrated if launch their own tech ventures. for life. This commitment contributes to
they choose to pursue alternative paths Similarly, Deloitte Middle East a workplace culture where individuals
in the future. The emphasis is on maintains a strong connection with its feel valued, supported, and empowered
creating relationships that extend former employees through its regular to thrive both within and beyond the
organization.
2/THE SECOND “R”: RAPID EXPERIMEN-

TATION The second “R” in the evolution
Attrition Rate (%) of loyalty from longevity to impact
represents “rapid experimentation,” a
pivotal strategy for both enhancing the
Tech Companies in Dubai 8.75% impact of employees on a business, and
for reducing the cost of investment in
new initiatives, programs, products,
and services. This involves adopting an
National Average 6.5% open strategy and integrating rapid
experimentation into the organizational
DNA.
The open strategy approach, initially
Tech Companies in USA 13.2% articulated by professors from Warwick
Business School in 2021, emphasizes
the power of crowd-sourced idea
The reported attrition rate of 8.75% among tech companies in Dubai is higher than the national
average (6.5%). This notable difference suggests that the technology industry in Dubai experiences a
higher degree of talent turnover compared to other sectors within the UAE. This phenomenon might be
attributed to the rapidly evolving nature of the tech sector, where employees are often drawn by
opportunities for innovation, skill enhancement, and career growth.
experimentation is not just tolerated,
BY EMBRACING THE but celebrated as a key driver of
progress.
IMPORTANCE OF
A quarter of Founder's Time
A quarter of Founder's Time
Invested in Talent
Now, neither of the solutions
BUILDING LIFE-LONG
Invested in Talent
The fact that, on average, Dubai tech founders
The fact
allocate that, on average,
approximately 24% Dubai techmonthly
of their founders
outlined -building life-long relation-
ships and adopting rapid experimen-
RELATIONSHIPS,
timeallocate approximately
to talent-related 24% elucidates
matters of their monthly
the
24%
tation- is inherently easy. Both
24%
time to talent-related matters elucidates the
critical role human resources (HR) and talent require a transformative shift in
COMPANIES CAN LAY
critical role human resources (HR) and talent
management play in the success of tech
management play in the success of tech
companies within the city's entrepreneurial
companies within the city's entrepreneurial Founder's allocated time in a month
Founder's allocated time in a month
leadership mindset and organiza-
tional culture, whether for small
THE FOUNDATION
ecosystem.
ecosystem.
TheThe
statement "There is an HR problem almost
enterprises or large corporations. The
challenges lie in navigating unchart-
FOR ENDURING
every
every
managing
statement "There is an HR problem almost
single
managing
day"
single day" resonates
a workforce,
resonateswith
a workforce,
withthe
particularly
thereality
realitythat
particularlyininthe
that
thedynamic
dynamic
ed territory, breaking away from
traditional norms, and embracing a
CONNECTIONS,
tech
need
industry,
tech
needforfor
is ais multifaceted
industry,
constant
constant
a multifacetedchallenge.
attention
attentiontotoHR
challenge.The
HRmatters
matters
The
Thereisisan
There anHR
HRproblem
problem
mindset that values adaptability and
continuous improvement.
UNDERSTANDING THAT
emphasizes
emphasizes
management,
management,
team
teamdynamics
thethe
dynamics
complexity
which
complexityofoftalent
which
toto
ranges
rangesfrom
performance
talent
fromrecruitment
recruitmentand
performanceevaluations
evaluationsand
and
and
almostevery
almost everysingle
singleday.
day. But in the context of employers and
employees in Dubai, the city itself
THE TIES THEY BUILD
employee
employee development.
development.
serves as an inspiring role model.
WITH THEIR EMPLOYEES

TheThe
200
assertion
assertion
200 people
people
highlights
wewe
thethe
that
that "My
"My
hire,
hire,
beliefisisthat
belief
I shouldbe
I should
critical
thatfor
forthe
beinvolved"
involved"
phaseofofinitial
thefirst
initialhiring
first
hiringand
andthethe
Dubai has consistently demonstrated
a remarkable ability to experiment,
ARE NOT LIMITED TO
highlights
founder's
founder's
critical
hands-on
hands-on
phase
approachduring
approach duringthis
period. The active involvement of the founders
period. The active involvement of the founders
thispivotal
pivotal
My
My belief
beliefisisthat
thatfor
forthe
the
pivot to what works best, and
continually innovate. By drawing
THE DURATION OF THEIR
underscores their commitment to ensuring the
underscores their commitment to ensuring the
right cultural fit and skill alignment when hiring for
right cultural fit and skill alignment when hiring for
first
first 200 people wehire
200 people we
should be involved.
hireI I
inspiration from the city’s success,
enterprises in Dubai -and elsewhere-
TENURE, BUT ARE, IN
positions within their companies.
positions within their companies. should be involved. can learn to embrace change, and
The awareness that "Even one destructive hire pave the way for a future where
FACT, FOR LIFE.”
Thecould
could
awareness
showcases
showcases
Dubai techthe
that "Even
be detrimental
be detrimental
the highto
one we
to what
whatof
stakes
high stakes
founders
we
destructive
are tryinghire
are trying
talent
of talent
are keenly
to do"
to do"
management.
management.
aware that a
loyalty is defined not just by
longevity, but by the lasting impact
Dubai tech founders are keenly
not aware that ateam
single hiring mistake could only disrupt and meaningful relationships forged
single hiring but
dynamics mistake could not
also impede only disrupt
progress team
and damage
dynamics but alsoreputation
the company's impede progress
and growthandtrajectory.
damage Even one destructive hire between employers, employees, and
the company's reputation and growth trajectory. Even one
could be destructive
detrimentalhire
to the broader community.
generation within competitive could be
what we aredetrimental
trying to do.to
organizations led by confident what we are trying to do. Natalia Sycheva is the
leaders. While harnessing the founder and Managing
intelligence and experience of Director of Integra Seven,
employees for idea generation is an enterprise that helps
essential, the challenge lies in the subjective judging at annual large and legacy organizations with
implementation of these ideas, ceremonies, the rapid experimenta- the evolution and revolution of their
without causing
INTEGRA disillusionment
SEVEN | STATE OF TECH TALENT 2023 tion methodology advocates for 8 business models, by creating new
among the workforce.
INTEGRA SEVEN | STATE OF TECH TALENT 2023
continuous validated learning 8
services, establishing new units, and
Enter rapid experimentation, a through data. This approach building human capacity to run
methodological approach embedded minimizes emotional biases, business efficiently. The company
in the organizational DNA, and encourages a readiness to pivot, and believes in public-private
documented as a structured process. fosters a culture of adaptability. partnerships, and considers it a
Rapid experimentation allows By embracing a lean approach to privilege to work with governmental
companies to test hypotheses business innovation, companies can organizations on public policy
regarding new services for clients or create a dynamic environment that advancement through research and
programs for employees through encourages innovative thinking, program management. Integra Seven
short-term, cost-constrained accelerates the development of is also passionate about nurturing
business experiments. By establish- impactful initiatives, and ensures a entrepreneurship ecosystems around
ing clear metrics of success, organiza- more efficient allocation of resources. the world through our work with
tions can discern and filter ideas for This agile approach enables private and public sector initiatives,
further development and piloting. organizations to navigate the universities, venture capitalists, and,
Contrary to traditional corporate evolving landscape of business of cause, entrepreneurs.
innovation competitions with challenges, fostering a culture where integraseven.com
S/ Q&A
IN FOCUS
A roundup of the up-and-coming startups in the Dubai-based Mohammed Bin Rashid
Innovation Fund (MBRIF) accelerator program that you should be keeping an eye on
by AALIA MEHREEN AHMED
co-founders and I saw the
Appro appro.ae/
opportunity to create a
solution that would solve
it for the whole industry.
The Appro platform
offers the ability to
provide instant approval
for banking clients with
zero documentation and/
or manual activities.”
Officially launched in
March 2022, Appro went
live with the first iteration
of its application in
December of the same
year. In its current
iteration, the platform is
able to help its users find
for themselves the right
credit cards, home loans,
personal loans, as well as
car loans. “For a user to
find the best financial
product in town, they
↑ TAREK OSMAN, IFTEKHAR SALIM, and ANTOFELIX RAJAN are the co-founders of APPRO, a UAE-based must come to appro.ae,
startup that helps alleviate issues related to customer onboarding for banks.
and submit an applica-
tion, following which,
C
instantly, Appro will
ustomer onboarding at corporate banks } “Typically, customer identify what are the
can be tedious- and one doesn’t onboarding at banks is a products that best fit
very long complicated their profile, and
necessarily need to read up on the latest process with a lot of maximize the benefits,”
studies to understand this somewhat documentation, manual Salim says. “The Appro
globally shared experience! But this is analytics, and approvals, software then helps
indeed what research shows as well- as which makes it a very banks by automating the
expensive process from approval process, hence
per a 2022 report by McKinsey & Co., more not just the bank’s point improving conversion
than 40% of the time a customer spends
IMAGES COURTESY APPRO
of view, but also an and operational efficiency.”

onboarding at a bank is consumed by know your extremely unpleasant
customer (KYC) due diligence and account opening customer experience,” } When it comes to
says Iftekhar Salim, matching users with the
alone. It was thus to address this issue of customer co-founder and CEO of right banks, the Appro
onboarding at banks in the UAE that fintech startup Appro. “Having worked model also allows users to
Appro was created. for a bank in the past, my choose and compare the
→ Arman Vali is the
→ Appro offers a totally
co-founder of
paperless, easy, and quick
Detectiome, a
credit application process
UAE-based
that makes the customer
precision cancer
on-boarding journey easy and
screening platform
efficient. The platform helps
its users find for themselves
the right credit cards, home
loans, personal loans as well
as car loans.
ever-evolving product,” he
says. “There is an ongoing
loop of iterations on new
features and functionalities
to ensure that the user is
getting the maximum out
of the experience. And so,
for us, the mentoring and
support to reach out to
subject matter experts in
different fields to close any
knowledge gap we have is
one of the main reasons we
additional rewards that choose to join the MBRIF
come with each of the
above services. For
example, when it comes to
credit cards, features such
program.”
} Already, Appro’s services

have found favor among
Detectiome
/detectiome.com/
as cash back deals, air miles nine entities -including
F
and discounts can be banks, financial institu-
compared against each tions, and startups- in or many in the world today, there is a
other to choose the best Dubai. And the startup’s
credit card for one’s needs growth in the Emirate so considerable level of fear or anxiety
and requirements. On the far has set the template for associated with even the utterance of the
other hand, the personal its future endeavors as well, word ‘cancer.’ But that needn’t necessarily
loan services from Appro says Salim. “At Appro, all of
-which, as per Salim, this started with a team of
be the case, according to Arman Vali,
require only five minutes to three co-founders, and now, co-founder of UAE-headquartered
complete the initial we are a team of over 15,” precision cancer screening platform
application- offer competi- Salim says. “A unique Detectiome, who says that there is a way
tive pre-approved loan benefit about operating in
offers from multiple lenders Dubai, and the UAE in
to ensure that the ruthless disease is nipped in
within 24 hours, so that general, is having a the bud- or, at least, managed better. “The advent
users can select the right supportive ecosystem that of multi cancer early detection (MCED), powered
loan package. is built to drive innovation, by cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and
and supporting ventures to
} But Appro’s final model is disrupt the status quo. It is liquid biopsy technologies, offers a promising
far from done, and clearly visible when dealing solution,” Vali explains. “A cancer super test that
according to Salim, the with the government or can detect most cancers at the earliest stage
startup’s participation in private sector, the openness
the MBRIF Accelerator and the willingness to
with just a blood test- this is the magic of
Program has ensured that experiment and change is precision diagnostic testing, which is a branch of
he and his team stay special to the UAE. And precision medicine that designs tests based on
committed to their that is certainly what will the genetic and epigenetic [changes in gene
offering’s continued play a key role in our
improvement. “This is an journey ahead!” function or activity that don’t involve changes in
one’s DNA sequence] codes of each individual.” }}
S/ Q&A
American Association for

OUR TEST PRESENTS REMARKABLE VALUE, ESPECIALLY WHEN Cancer Research shows that
COMPARED TO PERFORMING MULTIPLE SINGLE CANCER TESTS, WHICH more than 75% of cancer-
ARE INVASIVE AND EXPENSIVE, AND ONLY COVER FOUR TYPES OF CANCER, related deaths occur from
AS OPPOSED TO OUR TEST, REVONCO, THAT CAN DETECT THE TOP 15 MOST cancers that are not screened
PREVALENT CANCERS.” for. But while MCED
products have been a
welcome innovation in the
field of healthcare, there also
efficacious, and less invasive,” exists an innate challenge in
Vali says. “The primary how it can be used- or rather
challenge in cancer care is who it can be used for.
late detection, which “Precision medicine provides
→ Dr. Soheil significantly contributes to a far superior performance
Damangir is the the disease’s mortality rate. compared to traditional
co-founder of Treating cancer at advanced approaches; however, the
Detectiome, a stages -stage 3 or 4- is not curse and the blessing of
UAE-based only costly and painful, but precision medicine -both
precision cancer also often not as effective, therapeutics and diagnostics-
screening platform
with around an 80% is that it is precise!” Vali
mortality rate. Compare that elaborates. “If you develop it
with the mortality rate of just for a population, it works
around 11% when cancer is great for that particular
detected at early stages. population, but not so much
Despite these statistics, for others. The reality is that
cancer is usually detected at a today, all precision diagnos-
Detectiome has thus come top 15 most prevalent late stage, since not all tics are being developed in
up with its own flagship cancers.” cancers have screening tools the US and Europe and work
MCED tool, Revonco, available, and traditional for those genetic populations
specifically for the UAE } Now, with Revonco, single cancer tests, like for practical and financial
population. “Our product, a Detectiome aims to address a colonoscopies, are limited in reasons. We changed that
highly accurate blood test, number of issues. The first of scope, invasive, expensive, paradigm at Detectiome, and
can detect multiple cancers these is the late detection of and difficult to scale, making have developed our propri-
simultaneously and is aimed cancers, which is often when a comprehensive approach to etary AI systems, which are
to be available through the disease has reached a cancer detection nearly an order of magnitude more
clinics, hospitals, and terminal stage. “We aim to unattainable.” efficient than traditional
concierge medicine services,” change the course of cancer precision diagnostics and
Vali explains. “It is designed care by detecting cancer at its } Vali’s claims, of course, are liquid biopsy leaders. With
to be easily performed -as earliest stage, when the backed by hard data. A June this breakthrough AI
just a blood test- and treatments are more 2022 paper released by the innovation, we developed
scalable to the whole popula- and tailored our liquid biopsy
tion to improve patient product for smaller popula-
outcomes and change the tions, such as the UAE, much
cancer journey. It empowers faster, and with much less
healthcare providers to cost. In fact, Detectiome is
expand their offerings with the only company in the
advanced, yet affordable, world that makes precision
cost-effective services. Our diagnostics and liquid biopsy
test presents remarkable solutions specifically for the
value, especially when genetic population of the
compared to performing Middle East.”
multiple single cancer tests,
which are invasive and } Detectiome’s entry in the
expensive and only cover UAE market in 2022 thus
four types of cancer, as → Detectiome offers the first multiomics precision diagnostic test that marked an important step
opposed to our test, is specifically designed and optimized for the unique genetic population towards creating an MCED
Revonco, that can detect the of the Middle East. roster specifically for the
people in this country. recognize the importance of
Which is why Vali notes
that the official launch of
his startup’s flagship
MCED, Revonco, during
accelerators that not only
support innovation, but
also contribute to future
advancements within the
Egrobots
/egrobots.com/
the 2023 edition of GITEX UAE,” Vali says. “The
A
Global -a global tech and MBRIF Innovation
startup event held annually Accelerator Program stood
in Dubai- was a significant out to us because of its s the UAE and wider parts of the MENA
milestone. “The efficacy of commitment to fostering region find ways to strengthen their
liquid biopsy precision innovative startups, and its agricultural ecosystems, there has been
diagnostic products, which focus on introducing
are primarily developed solutions and products that
one area that has required added
based on the US and align with the nation’s attention: detection of crop diseases.
European populations, is forward-looking vision. The Enter Egrobots, a UAE-based agritech
considerably reduced in the alignment of their experi- startup that leverages robotics and
Middle East, due to ence in relevant fields,
differences in genetic along with their values and artificial intelligence (AI) to offer farmers
background, with their objectives, with our mission data-driven solutions that can enhance
performance dropping by was almost a perfect match. agricultural productivity and sustainability.
up to 50%,” Vali continues. Our experience with the
“This gap in the healthcare MBRIF has only reinforced
landscape motivated us to our initial impression, and } “Egrobots is based on the key belief that efficient data
start Detectiome. We’ve even though we are still in collection and analysis are crucial for advancing the farming
developed the first the middle of their sector,” explains Akhlad Alabhar, co-founder and CEO of
UAE-born liquid biopsy program, the support we’ve Egrobots. “We are thus tackling the significant problem of
product, and the first ever received so far has been undetected diseases in agriculture, which, as reported by the
precision diagnostic tool immensely beneficial.” United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, cost the
tailored for the genetic global economy approximately US$220 billion annually. Our
population of the Middle } Having thus quietly innovative use of robots and AI provides a solution that detects
East. Our goal now is to nestled itself amid the diseases early, improves crop yields, and reduces losses,
enable all regions, includ- UAE’s innovative health- contributing to a more sustainable and economically viable
ing the Middle East, Africa, care landscape, Vali now agriculture sector.”
South Asia, and India, to hopes that his startup’s
gain access to the life-sav- values will continue to } Launched in 2022 by Alabhar along with co-founders Hanan
ing technology of precision guide its path forward. Sabry and Ahmed Thabet, Egrobots has come up with three }}
diagnostics regardless of “Innovation is at the core of
their genetic background, our startup,” he declares.
addressing a critical need in “We have made a number ↓ AKHLAD ALABHAR
global health equity.” of innovations from day is the co-founder and
one, and we see innovation CEO of Egrobots, a
} To reach such lofty goals, as the heartbeat of our UAE-based agritech
Vali and his team are company. Our commitment startup that leverages
currently engaged in to innovation is embedded robotics and artificial
intelligence to offer
discussions with different in every facet of our
farmers data-driven
government and private product. This dedication to solutions.
stakeholders in the UAE to progress and innovation is
initiate a number of pilot directly manifested in the
studies, as well as to launch superior test performance,
IMAGES COURTESY DETECTIOME
pivotal clinical trials. And while simultaneously

along the way, the startup reducing the cost of
has been able to find its population screening,
footing in the market owing positioning our technology
to the help it’s received at the cutting edge of early
from accelerator programs cancer detection, and, of
such as that of the MBRIF. course, saving as many lives
“As a deep tech startup, we as possible!”
S/ Q&A
distinct services to realize

its underlying vision. These OUR ROBOTS ADEPTLY NAVIGATE COMPLEX TERRAIN AND CONFINED
include: Egro Scout, a SPACES, ENSURING ACCESS TO HARD-TO-REACH AREAS, AND ARE
robotics scouting service EQUIPPED WITH SENSORS FOR COMPREHENSIVE DATA COLLECTION
that employs autonomous INCLUDING HIGH-RESOLUTION IMAGES AND REAL-TIME ANALYSIS.”
robots to collect data from
various farms; Egro Scan, a
mobile application designed
to offer small farmers
instant crop disease
detection and personalized
recommendations; and Egro
Care, an all-in-one farm
management application.
} “With Egro Scout, the data

is analyzed using advanced
AI models, generating
detailed per-tree reports,
← Whether creating
detecting diseases, and
zones, prescriptions or
providing recommenda- recommendations,
tions,” Alabhar elaborates. Egrobots makes it
“Unique identifications are seamless for advisors
then assigned to each tree, and growers to
allowing for the storage of engage, immerse and
collaborate on
historical data and facilitat- insight-inspired
ing informed decision-mak- actions to improve
ing. This service, having crop performance.
successfully scanned 300
acres of farmland, offers
comprehensive farm fees, as well as licensing and satellites, they can enhanced with the support
analysis, disease detection, arrangements tailored to the manipulate objects and of the MBRIF program,”
and precise recommenda- specific needs of clients, perform physical tasks, Alabhar shares. “This
tions, enhancing agricul- Egrobots has ensured that its significantly enhancing their backing was instrumental in
tural efficiency. Egro Scan, advanced farming technolo- utility in agriculture. forming a partnership with
on the other hand, plays a gies have been made more Furthermore, Egrobots is one of the leaders in the
crucial role in helping accessible to farmers. And it notable for being the first agriculture market in the
farmers promptly identify is precisely in the tech that it native Arabic system using GCC, Greener Crop [a farm
and address plant diseases, adopts that Egrobots’ key local products for recom- management firm located in
leading to healthier crops differentiating factor lies, mendations in each country, Dubai Science Park]. This
and reduced losses. The app Alabhar says. “Our robots catering specifically to collaboration has enabled us
has gained significant adeptly navigate complex regional agricultural needs.” to distribute Egrobots’
traction, boasting over terrain and confined spaces, products in the UAE and
13,000 users across seven ensuring access to hard-to- } Equipped with a sense of the KSA, significantly
different countries. And reach areas, and are purpose, Alabhar and his expanding our reach and
finally, having garnered over equipped with sensors for team believe their startup impact in these key markets.
500 users, Egro Care’s comprehensive data has what it takes to create a The partnership with
robust platform streamlines collection including significant shift within the Greener Crop underlines
IMAGES COURTESY EGROBOTS
farm operations and data high-resolution images and regional agricultural sector. our commitment to
analysis, contributing to real-time analysis,” he And that belief only seems revolutionizing agriculture
improved agricultural explains. “Capable of to have strengthened through technology and
efficiency.” operating at night or in through Egrobots’ participa- innovation, facilitated by
low-light conditions, our tion in the MBRIF Innova- strategic alliances and
} With a revenue model that robots function for extended tion Accelerator Program. support from forward-
includes subscription-based periods and in challenging “Our journey as a startup in thinking programs like the
services, one-time service environments. Unlike drones Dubai has been significantly MBRIF’s.”
↓ Muhammad
Shafeekh is
the founder
and CEO of
UAE-based
fintech startup,
Finanshels.
Finanshels
/finanshels.com/
A
s pivotal as it is to any given business,
the task of accounting can often be
quite mundane and time-consuming.
Add to this the fact that, despite being succeed in the digital age.” ly,” Shafeekh reveals. “It has
one of the oldest facets of business Aiming to position itself as not only provided us access
operations, the accounting space the go-to all-in-one financial to funding, but also facili-
management platform for tated engagement with
hasn’t made major strides in
SMEs in the region, industry experts, allowing
automation. It is therefore to solve problems Finanshels is hoping to make continuous learning and
central to this issue -and specifically for small the most of the digital shifts utilization of their insights.
and medium enterprises (SMEs)- that UAE-based taking place within the Also, we got access to flexible
fintech startup Finanshels came into being. ecosystem. “Our competitive funding options including
advantage lies in offering equity investments, loans,
automation, seamless and grants catering to
}“At Finanshels, there are multiple data points and integrations, and real-time diverse needs. The MBRIF
three problems we are trying and daily bookkeeping, data, which streamline acted like a platform for us
to solve, the first being the which provides real time financial management for that facilitates collaboration
high cost of hiring and train- insights to founders to make SMEs,” Shafeekh says. and partnerships with
ing in-house finance experts informed decisions.” “Coupled with a strong focus government entities and
that SMEs are often on innovation and excep- corporate organizations,
burdened with,” explains } Launched in September tional customer service, we creating opportunities for
Muhammad Shafeekh, 2022, Finanshels currently differentiate ourselves from startups like ours to scale
founder and CEO of has over 200 customers, traditional accounting and thrive.”
Finanshels. “We thus plan to with this figure growing at a solutions. The fundamentals
offer a dedicated finance rate of 30% per month. “We of Finanshels is the rapid } Equipped with the support
team at affordable cost, and have secured over 200 early digital transformation, and of the MBRIF, as well as with
access to skilled finance adopters, and our minimum the adoption of technology its own set of goals to work
professionals on demand. viable product (MVP) has and innovation in the towards, Shafeekh says that
The second problem is that been released, and it is being financial services sector, his startup is gearing up for a
accounting requires sheer tested by enthusiastic particularly in the GCC promising journey ahead.
volume of data and paper- customers,” Shafeekh says. region. Based on the insights “Despite the challenges we’ve
work, and it is human-inten- “We also realize the digital and feedback we gather from faced, we remain fully
sive and error-prone with revolution is in full swing, our initial UAE customer committed to delivering a
spreadsheets flying back and and SMEs in the MENA base, we will continue to superior product and
forth. This, we plan to solve region are leading the refine and expand our providing value to our
by automating repetitive charge. In fact, a staggering product offerings.” customers,” he declares.
tasks, using application 87% of SMEs in MENA are “With the right team in
program interface (APIs) already embracing digital } And in its journey towards place, we can optimize our
and machine learning (ML) technologies to accelerate achieving growth, Finan- product, develop new
that we built from the their growth. This presents a shels has found the right features, and stay ahead of
IMAGES COURTESY FINANSHELS
ground up. And finally, the significant opportunity for kind of support through its the competition. Most
third problem is that our startup, as there are 1.39 participation in the MBRIF importantly, we believe that
bookkeeping doesn’t start million SMEs in the GCC Innovation Accelerator by prioritizing product
until the end of a month, alone, representing a market program. “The biggest development, and pursuing
with no real-time insights worth over US$9.4 billion. advantage was the MBRIF’s strategic growth opportuni-
for founders to make Our startup is thus well- capacity to develop and ties, we can overcome any
decisions. Therefore, we positioned to take advantage enhance the startup obstacle, and achieve our
offer integration with of this trend, and help SMEs community comprehensive- vision for success.”
S/ Startup finance
“WE GOT FUNDED!”

The story behind the recent fundraising success seen by MENA-born startup, GameCentric
GAMECENTRIC
transcends borders, and talent across various
becomes more of a gaming disciplines to further enrich
cultural phenomenon by our platform and offerings.
bringing a wide variety of Lastly, marketing and
gamer capabilities across a branding efforts will receive
gamecentric.io wide variety of gaming genres substantial funding to
covering both Web2.0 and, increase visibility and attract
soon, Web3.0 game titles,” new users to the platform.
→ Launched in Khan says. “Additionally, the Strengthening our brand
December 2023 by platform also serves as an presence and reaching out to
Saad Khan,
GameCentric was
end-to-end gaming-as-a- potential users will be
created as a service enabler for regional and instrumental in driving user
platform that can be global brands looking to foray engagement and accelerating
used by gamers into the world of gaming, and our overall growth trajectory.”
across age groups helps diversify their efforts of GameCentric’s market
and skill levels,
brand and customer expansion plans, however, are
within the
competitive as well engagement to develop deeper not exactly modest. Over the
as casual gaming brand affinity and loyalty.” next two years, the platform
space. In a bid to stay committed to aims to triple its user base
the latest technological trends across the MENA- and the
in the gaming space, gaming trends within the
GameCentric will also be region, says the founder, will
transitioning into a Web3.0 have a big role to play in
platform by 2025. “By realizing this goal. “It’s
embracing Web3.0 important to note that just
IMAGE COURTESY GAMECENTRIC
technologies, GameCentric will within the MENA region, we

reinforce its platform’s security, are expecting to see [as per a
providing users with a report by Statista] a gamer
transparent and trustworthy audience to the tune of more
environment,” Khan continues. than 80 million gamers by
With a fresh influx of capital 2027, with revenues of over
worth $1.5 million now under $2.5 billion,” Khan says. “We
his belt, the founder has will continue to witness this
formulated a four-pronged trend in the short term over
strategy- the first of which is the next six to 12 months.
GameCentric, a UAE-based GameCentric was created as a the aforementioned plan to GameCentric will thus be
gaming platform that is platform that can be used by adopt Web3.0 technology. utilizing this period to
committed to connecting gamers across age groups and “Secondly, a significant portion establish key brand and game
brands with gamers, has skill levels, within the of the funds will be dedicated publisher partnerships
raised US$1.5 million in an competitive as well as casual to expanding into new furthering our gamer
angel investment round led gaming space. “The vision of markets, particularly targeting engagement offerings, with
by UAE-based angel investor GameCentric revolves around the GCC, the sub-continent, the Saudi market being at the
Bilal Merchant. redefining the gaming and Southeast Asia,” Khan forefront of this growth
Launched in December experience by creating a adds. “Thirdly, we’ll be explosion and expansion.”
2023 by Saad Khan, gaming platform that investing in recruiting top by AALIA MEHREEN AHMED
SEEK BE YOND
C O D E 11. 5 9
BY AUDEMARS PIGUET
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APP OLYMPICS 2023/ Meet THE BUSINESS OF FUNNY/ Dubomedy FROM GRILL TO GREATNESS/ Dubai-

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EDITOR IN CHIEF Aby Sam Thomas

CEO Wissam Younane

DIRECTOR Rabih Najm

ART DIRECTOR Simona El Khoury

MANAGING EDITOR Tamara Pupic

FEATURES WRITER Aalia Mehreen Ahmed

DIGITAL SOLUTIONS DIRECTOR

COLUMNIST Tamara Clarke

BUSINESS offers the low-down on the reality of

UNUSUAL building a business while being a new

53 Doing Leadership Right

IN THE LOOP P +971 4 4200 506

61 From Grill To Greatness

BEWARE THE MIRAGE

discussed on stage, it was rather a washout, starkly

FROM CONTENDERS TO CHAMPIONS

BUILDING ON THIS SUCCESS, WE

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The Business of Funny

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events and festivals, offers Looking at how Dubomedy

Here, Liccione ticks off

→ Since its launch in the

Positioned for Prosperity

2/Aim to be at the top of your field

3/Leverage the abundant

business? “My mantra is, ‘I don’t know how, but it will

As enchanted as I was when researching

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and the UAE, in their local This commitment to go the

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and actions.” leaving female artists underrepresented,” she

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As a three-time Olympic short

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