Dubai-based Palestinian siblings Youssef Hazem Al Herbawi, Osama Hazem Al Herbawi, and Lubna Hazem Al Herbawi have been navigating their entrepreneurial path through their family venture, ViralDose, since late 2022. Currently, their agency stands out as a prominent social media marketing and content creation firm in the region, maintaining a robust online presence. The siblings, each with distinct educational backgrounds, are committed to establishing a thriving business as they refine their skills and achieve new milestones.
Youssef, a 24-year-old biotechnology graduate, spent two years in the field before facing a layoff. Osama, 21, brings three years of content creation experience in the UAE and a background as a business marketing dropout. Lubna, 19, balances her college studies with managing the agency. "We grew up in the UAE, and one of the key reasons for starting our business here was the low initial investment required. Our three years of market experience also made it a suitable location," Lubna explained.
The siblings encountered numerous hurdles since launching their business two years ago. "Our initial challenge was to start and expand the business without external funding, relying solely on our efforts. We had to learn how to generate revenue and operate efficiently as a team, including hiring new members. These challenges became valuable learning experiences," Osama recounted.
Over the past two years, ViralDose has collaborated with 90 clients, aiding companies in achieving organic social media virality, enhancing personal brand building for entrepreneurs, and boosting business through effective marketing. "ViralDose began in our bedroom. Despite our marketing experience, we faced many challenges in skill development, team building, and business establishment. Each obstacle we overcame strengthened our company and personal capabilities," Youssef noted.
Now, ViralDose is looking to expand into other countries like Oman and Saudi Arabia, leveraging its success in the UAE. The siblings credit their achievements to the UAE's supportive business environment and investor-friendly policies. "The UAE has significantly contributed to our success, offering a low-cost entry into entrepreneurship, straightforward paperwork, and affordable trade licenses. The long-term market opportunities here are vast, with many companies and consumers open to engaging with new businesses. Networking is facilitated by numerous events, which have helped us expand our network and business," Youssef explained.
Starting the business with family was a decision rooted in mutual trust and confidence. "Despite concerns about mixing family and business, our strong familial bond and understanding of each other's values made it feasible. Working with family provided a unique mix of personal and professional support," Youssef stated. The siblings found that having family as both colleagues and friends smoothed their journey, though it required managing egos and maintaining transparency. "Our mutual confidence and trust were crucial in motivating us to pursue this business together," Youssef concluded.
