Closing the gap between ambition and execution

As one of the leading entrepreneurial minds, and as a thought leader in the space, what do you believe is the main challenge entrepreneurs face when setting up a business in the UAE in today’s highly competitive market, and how can they overcome the same?

In today's UAE market, the biggest challenge isn't competition – it's the gap between ambition and execution. Many entrepreneurs have great ideas but lack fundamental business knowledge. I see them focusing on surface aspects like fancy offices and marketing plans while overlooking crucial basics like cash flow management and operational efficiency.

The solution is straightforward: invest time in learning business fundamentals and seek mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs. The UAE offers one of the world's most supportive business environments – the real challenge is being prepared to capitalize on these opportunities when they arise.

How are you leveraging your experience as an entrepreneur to mentor future entrepreneurs?

I leverage my experience by focusing on what really matters – practical business knowledge. Through my journey of building and running several businesses in the UAE, I've learned what works and what doesn't. When mentoring, I share real examples from my own experiences – from my early days helping my father in his jewelry shop to building multi-million dollar companies.

My approach is direct: I help entrepreneurs identify and fix gaps in their business fundamentals. This could mean reviewing their financial models, analyzing their market strategy, or restructuring their operations. I believe in teaching through real-world application rather than theory. When you've faced and solved similar challenges yourself, you can guide others through them more effectively. It's about passing on battle-tested knowledge that entrepreneurs can actually use.

How critical is adaptability to achieve success in entrepreneurship?

Adaptability is non-negotiable. I’ve learned that the markets, technology, and customer needs are constantly evolving, especially in the UAE. A rigid business model is a failing business model.

But here's what most people get wrong about adaptability: it's not about chasing every new trend. It's about having strong business fundamentals while staying alert to meaningful changes in your market. When I see businesses fail, it's often because they either resist change entirely or pivot without proper analysis. The key is to make data-driven decisions about when and how to adapt.

As an entrepreneurial guide, how do you best achieve a balance between direction and empowerment?

The balance between direction and empowerment comes down to one principle: guide, don't control. When I mentor entrepreneurs or my colleagues, I share my knowledge and point out potential pitfalls, but I never make decisions for them. Think of it like teaching someone to drive – you can explain the rules and warn about dangers, but they need to take the wheel themselves.

How do you manage to convince a peer holding opposing views to adapt to your way of thinking? How important is collaboration in the entrepreneurial field?

My approach to handling opposing views is simple: focus on data, not just opinions. I don't try to 'convince' people – I show them results. When someone disagrees with my approach, I invite them to look at the numbers, analyse the market data, and examine real case studies. This takes the discussion from subjective disagreement to objective analysis.

As for collaboration, it's absolutely crucial in today's business world. No one succeeds in isolation. Some of my most successful ventures came from partnerships where we had different views but shared core values. The key is finding partners who complement your strengths rather than mirror your thoughts.

With all the disruptive new-age tech at play, how do you see entrepreneurship evolving in the UAE over the next decade?

The UAE's entrepreneurial landscape over the next decade will be transformative. We're already seeing a shift from being just a magnet for global businesses to becoming a launchpad for homegrown unicorns. With initiatives like Dubai's D33 economic agenda and the rapid adoption of AI and blockchain, we're positioned for unprecedented growth.

But here's what excites me most: technology is democratizing entrepreneurship. Tools that were once available only to large corporations are now accessible to startups. However, success will still depend on solid business fundamentals. The winners won't just be the most tech-savvy, but those who combine technological innovation with strong business acumen. The UAE is perfectly positioned to lead this evolution.