Rania Al Hussaini speaks to three entrepreneurs who advise young graduates about setting up in business
Making tourism pay
Ali Hussain Al Salman opened Sea and Land Adventures with the aid of the Mohammad Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders. He was 42. His is the first tourist bus that takes visitors on a tour across land and sea in the Middle East.
How did you get the idea?
One of my partners saw this tour in Australia; he liked the idea and thought it would be applicable in Dubai. We did some research, studied the project, got the acceptance from the Mohammad Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders and then started executing it.
Advice to young graduates?
I believe you should be armed with patience, because reward will not come directly, you have to wait for the outcome. Think of unique and profitable ideas that can get support, and that appeals to your interest.
Be serious about it and work hard.
Trading in henna
Fat'hiya Ahmad, a young UAE national entrepreneur set up Heritage for Henna four years ago. Now 38, she is looking at expanding her business overseas and is accepting franchise enquiries.
What made you open Heritage for Henna?
I was a housewife; I thought of opening my own business in something I like and am good at which is the domain of beauty. Moreover henna is popular here and in demand.
I studied the project carefully and submitted it to the Mohammad Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders and got the approval and full support.
We started in 2002 with one outlet at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel; now we are in all five-star hotels in the UAE. Recently we opened a section for men.
Advice for young graduates?
Think about a business that you like and are good at, so you will love what you are doing.
Don't be hesitant or be shy of your idea; present it and try to get support. Lastly think about your business for the long term.
Earning with flowers
Khalid Jawdat is another UAE national entrepreneur who with the help of the Mohammad Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders opened a flower workshop and plant maintenance business.
Among his clients are airlines, hotels and government and private offices. Jawdat started his business in 2003 at the age of 42. It was the fruition of an idea that he had nurtured for years, but couldn't quite get off the ground.
Why did you open this business?
Working with flowers has always been my passion; they are very delicate and you have to be very careful when dealing with them; they are part of my personality.
The demand for flowers is high. However, the supply is low. So that was the perfect combination for me to start this business. I am very happy with my work and that is why I am working on expanding it.
Advice for young graduates?
I advise them to take the risk. Be keen, persistent, determined and have a clear vision and a specific goal. You have to have a good plan. Accordingly you have to keep on updating your knowledge to boost your confidence.
