A fresh cohort of Emirati entrepreneurs is rising, adeptly harmonizing their conventional professions with nascent enterprises. This dual dedication enables them to pursue their interests while bolstering the economy. At 32, Ali Ibrahim has converted his lifelong love for cooking into a prosperous restaurant venture. His eatery, Ali Bhai Restaurant, which serves Indian fare with an Emirati flair, is more than just a dining spot; it's the epitome of his personal voyage.
“I've been cooking since I was 10,” Ibrahim reminisced. “My culinary odyssey began in my parents' kitchen, where I mastered the art of preparing traditional meals.” After studying overseas, he frequently cooked for friends, merging flavors and methods he encountered during his travels, becoming the go-to chef of his friend group. The concept of his restaurant dawned on him during the pandemic. “With travel bans, I spotted a chance. Initially, it was merely a business concept, but then I grasped its greater significance,” he disclosed to Khaleej Times. Ibrahim chose to concentrate on Indian street food, a cuisine dear to his heart.
Despite managing a full-time job as an air traffic controller and his restaurant responsibilities, Ibrahim's resolve is evident. “My sleep suffers due to my commitments,” he admitted. He encountered hurdles in restaurant management but found aid through the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME). “In my second year of business, I joined the establishment. The support significantly reduced costs, and with their help, my business thrived. Now, I'm on the brink of opening a third outlet,” he revealed.
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME) is pivotal in this entrepreneurial surge. Founded 22 years ago by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai SME has fostered a competitive landscape for startups and supported over 16,000 new businesses across diverse sectors. Innovating through data analytics, as the world shifted towards a data-centric future, Saeed Al Jaberi, co-founder of Rimal Analytics, recognized the pivotal role data analytics and artificial intelligence would play in shaping industries, governance, and society.
Al Jaberi established his company with a clear mission: to lead this transformation and contribute to the region's progress through advanced solutions. Since joining the Dubai SME program in mid-2022, the 27-year-old has utilized his extensive experience in financial engineering and quantitative analysis to offer innovative solutions. “I aimed to address market challenges and devise effective solutions,” he shared. Through his business, he seeks to aid organizations in optimizing operations and mitigating risks. Al Jaberi is thankful for the guidance received. “Connecting with seasoned mentors has been invaluable. Their insights helped us sidestep potential pitfalls,” he stated. He attributes substantial support from Dubai SME throughout their journey. “Their assistance was crucial in refining our business model, turning ideas into actionable solutions,” he noted.
Looking forward, Al Jaberi plans to augment the company's offerings with new products focused on advanced data science and AI technologies. “We aim to launch these solutions in the next 12 to 18 months and are exploring opportunities in the GCC region while solidifying our base in the UAE,” he disclosed. A commitment to trading, while some maintain their full-time jobs, others have opted to fully commit to their entrepreneurial pursuits. 47-year-old Ali Al Quizi’s company, AHSKA General Trading, incorporates both his initials and those of his three children – symbolizing a commitment to build a legacy for future generations.
What started as a part-time endeavor quickly evolved into a full-time commitment. “In the first two years, I juggled my business with a full-time job alongside my cousins. However, seeing my company's growth made it difficult to divide my time. I realized I couldn't just be a part-time presence; I needed to invest my heart and soul into it,” he added. This realization prompted him to fully embrace entrepreneurship. “Graduating with a degree in commercial specialization sparked my passion for buying and selling,” he shared. However, the challenges posed by the pandemic tested his resilience. “That year was the toughest. While sales plummeted, collecting payments became a nightmare — it often took six months,” Al Quizi recounted.
Despite these setbacks, he persisted, leveraging his membership in Dubai SME to enhance his business. “It significantly increased my buying and selling capacity,” he explained. Al Quizi’s operations now focus on healthy snacks and beverages, aligning with current market trends. “It’s not just about me; it’s for my kids,” he emphasized. “I didn’t build this brand solely for my benefit — it’s a legacy for my children. Every decision I make is aimed at creating a future for them, and thankfully, it’s working.”
