“Dubai has always proved itself to be a fighter who makes it to the top as its focus, as the country’s leadership believes that no problem cannot be solved, and there is nothing that can stop us if we are determined.” 

With Saif Ali Khan, a Canadian Managing Director of Supreme Events and Entertainment, nothing is impossible. A professional software engineer who now manages events and advertising. 

“I believe in one thing which I would like to say loud: if you want to settle and make it big in Dubai, the secret is – first you give Dubai and then Dubai gives you back.”

At an early age, Saif, a man of hard work, started to dream big by providing tuition fees for his schooling when he was in Grade 10. He considered that precious moment as the start of his career and luck.

He landed in Dubai in 1999 with a dream to provide a good life for his family. He started working with Focus Softnet in 1999 as Sales Executive selling accounting software. After some time, he excelled at his job and eventually became heading sales for a particular territory. After a few years, Saif decided to have a career change to discover more of his competencies and learn more about management and business. 

“I changed my work line in 2003 when I joined Concept Group of Companies as Group General Manager. That was a turning point in my career, and I moved from technical and software to advertising & events, and ever since, there has been no looking back. I have been a part of various national and international level events, and each show for me a masterpiece to remember,” he said. 

Blessed in Dubai

One of the highlights of his career is when he started his own business and never thought that it would be effective even during the pandemic. Dubai has always provided him with new opportunities as far as he is concerned. As a result, Dubai supported him in his dreams, and now, the company grows with the help of his loyal clients. 

“I call Dubai – my love… After blessings from God the Almighty and my parents, Dubai has given me everything, and I feel this is where I belong. This city is for dreamers; if you dream big, you can make it,” he proudly said. 

Aside from being a businessman, he also serves as a volunteer of the International Live Events Association- ILEA Middle East. It is an association for the events industry that caters to the region. 

“Events is life for me, and I have tried to understand the field in its deep sense and divided all aspects. An event is not just an evening with flashy lights & good food; there are lot of factors that goes behind the planning of an event to ensure that you give the experience to the clients that they deserve,” he explained. 

On the other hand, Saif’s success began with a humble beginning, he used to walk for 25 kms a day to save money on taxis during summer. He sacrificed his energy and time for the sake of creating his destiny. 

“I have had my fair share of struggles, and honestly, every day is a struggle, but it is up to us to accept it with positivity, overcome and keep moving. The key is to keep moving on,” he shared. 

Finally, his ultimate dream for his family and himself is to have a well-established business in Dubai and in Canada. 

Did you enjoy reading the story?
This story has been featured in the 11th issue of Dubai Vibes Magazine. To get a copy, you may contact Ms. Elaine “Bella” Marbella at +971503196856. If you have an inspiring story or know someone with one, please send an email to us at eic@dubavibesmagazine.com

“I am a Syrian, but Filipino by heart.” 

A Syrian national Rabih Arabi makes waves in one of the busiest cities globally, Dubai, by creating his taste of delicious cuisines from integrating various cultures of different countries. 

Rabih is the owner of Barako Art Café and Pinoy Word located in Al Rigga, Deira, Dubai. His intelligence gave him a margin to target many nationalities for his businesses. And now, he bent his move to participate with the Filipino community’s desires. 

This innovative man started working in Dubai as a chef before coming up with his business concept. As a resident and employee of Dubai for the last 24 years, he built a network and learned how the emirate’s business changed.

Living in Hospitality Industry

His background in the hospitality management realm is a mix of further studies and a time-based experience. He graduated from a university with a degree in hospitality. His theoretical ideas turned to reality when he started working after his education. 

For a long period of working in Dubai, his first work as a chef led him to be a man of courage, determination, and ambitions. His aspirations to grow and cultivate his visions never stopped, even he had good work at that moment. 

According to him, loving Dubai makes him happy and contented. He also considered Dubai home of productive individuals who believe that everything is possible. 

“In Dubai, time is moving very fast. I love Dubai, and this place is a home for me. As long as I feel happy, I will stay in Dubai. Dubai is successful,” he said. 

Rabih considered himself a concept builder. Aside from being an expert in hospitality, he also loves to intellectualize and revolutionize the world of food and beverages. 

“I am a concept builder. I make a perception of the world. I have many notions of food and beverages from Italian and now Filipino cuisines and coffee,” he shared. 

Filipino spirit

According to Rabih, Barako Art Café is like a small house of Batangas in Dubai. It offers a variety of Filipino foods and their best seller Barako coffee (a coffee bean from the Philippines). 

“Filipino friends helped me developed the concept of Barako Café and Pinoy Word. I selected the Filipino idea because the community has a vast audience in Al Rigga, Deira. I love Kabayans (Filipinos); they are so peaceful and intelligent. 

Currently, his business is a home of many Filipinos and other nationalities who love to try variants of coffee proudly made by the Barako Café itself. 

This story has been featured in the 11th issue of Dubai Vibes Magazine. To get a copy, you may contact Ms. Elaine “Bella” Marbella at +971503196856. If you have an inspiring story or know someone with one, please send an email to us at eic@dubavibesmagazine.com

“It is about how you plan your life, what you want and how you set your priorities.”

A woman of valor like Pragna Vaya, the managing director of Orbit Events and Promotions, lived and established her life in the United Arab Emirates. Her entire career was planted and harvested in the beautiful emirates of Dubai. This foundation helped her to become successful and significant person today. 

Pragna is an Indian by race but was born in Bahrain and raised in Dubai. She considered herself a lover of the city that never sleeps. Her hunger in arts keeps her moving and navigating to the cloud nine of her dreams. 

Her talents were nurtured by the education she had. Pragna was a graduate of Architecture and Interior design and a lover of paintings and drawings. 

Event Guru 

Spending all her life in the same career shaped her to be one of the best event organizers of this generation. She managed concerts, musical plays, press conferences, weddings, and even big birthday parties. 

“My passion in events was practicing, organizing musical plays, concert and community plays. We also organized Bollywood concerts with famous Bollywood performers,” she said.

This visionary woman always believes in her philosophy: life is all about planning, setting, and stamina. According to her, every person has their own journey, but nothing comes so easy when they dream.  

“A person shall set personal goals, and for me, I want to live a certain standard, and working for it is the secret for a gratified life,” she attested. 

Benevolent heart

Pragna has been in business events management and organizing for 20 years. And work taught him the importance of learning and practicing balance in everything. Having friends and family support has a massive factor for personal and professional growth. 

As a businesswoman, she always ensures that her work in Orbit Events and Promotions provides a 360 degrees solution: “Everything is important from the beginning, up to the end of the event,” she said. 

In addition, she also shared that setting a vision is essential because it mirrors the growth and prosperity in business and the workplace. Especially in Dubai, a city constantly innovating and developing. 

Everything is possible in Dubai; that is why she said, “I want to do something great in the future that can help the old-aged communities of expats who want to settle down in Dubai. Building a home for them will always be part of my dream.” 

Did you enjoy reading the story? 

This story has been featured in the 11th issue of Dubai Vibes Magazine. To get a copy, you may contact Ms. Elaine “Bella” Marbella at +971503196856. If you have an inspiring story or know someone with one, please send an email to us at eic@dubavibesmagazine.com

Chef Omar is an Executive Chef and restaurant owner who is constantly learning and bringing new ideas to the culinary world. 

Omar Rodriguez grew up in San Francisco, California, and moved to New York to start his culinary journey. He stayed in “The Big Apple” for almost half of his life. In that city, his spirit molded him to become practical and wise in the world of gastronomy. 

“I studied at San Francisco State University and moved to New York and went to Culinary Institute of America, where I was classically trained. I got a bachelor’s in restaurant management,” he shared. 

The reason that brought him to Dubai was an invitation of his chef friend, who used to work in Dubai for quite some time until he enjoyed his stay pursuing his lovely restaurant in the New York of Asia. 

“I went to Dubai, and I have been here now for six years. My first project here was to open a Peruvian restaurant; I am extremely ambitious in all my endeavors; I always want to have a beautiful restaurant,” he said. 

One day, a businessman invited him to be the restaurant’s chef, and that was also the time he tried and decided to join Slab.

 “When I came in the restaurant, I changed all the concepts, and currently, we are on our third year and still thriving,” Chef Omar told Dubai Vibes Magazine. 

Chef Omar will always say he loves Dubai for three primary reasons: First, he loves the weather. Second, he described the city as the melting point of different nationalities worldwide. Lastly, the standard of living in Dubai is boundless. 

Starting Slab Restaurant

According to Chef Omar, Slab started in 2018 as a sandwich laboratory. But he conceptualized and elevated it into a restaurant. His main goal as a chef is to offer his customers a menu that tastes good and seasonal. 

“I believe that when you cook food in season, that will taste better, and that makes you a better chef,” he said. 

He also added that when an individual is motivated and driven, a person can create a vast difference. And for him, seasonal cooking is the best thing to do. His philosophy excites him every day because, in all seasons, he can offer a different bounty. 

He also revealed what it is like for him when his food isn’t to his taste sometimes: “As a chef from a different culture, cooking food at the same quality is a struggle for him. Sometimes food quality has to be sacrificed to meet the same standards.”

Chef’s wisdom

“My plan after Dubai is to stay in Dubai and expand the brand business in fried chicken and sandwiches and of course to grow up Slab,” he said. The restaurant is still planning to expand the shop into significant cities in the region. 

Lastly, he advises his fellow dreamers to be patient and passionate about what they want to do. Developing oneself is part of the process because nothing happens overnight. 

Did you enjoy reading the story? 

This story has been featured in the 11th issue of Dubai Vibes Magazine. To get a copy, you may contact Ms. Elaine “Bella” Marbella at +971503196856. If you have an inspiring story or know someone with one, please send an email to us at eic@dubavibesmagazine.com

Nipendra believed that there are no shortcuts to success. If you are already growing, then help others grow with you. 

Pull-out quote: “I usually don’t care about negative vibes and I am trying to keep myself positive as much as possible. Whenever I fail, I don’t give up. Rather, I push myself to work hard.” 

Nepalese Nipendra Maharjan is currently working as a Senior Quality Control Officer in a coffee roastery. This 29-year-old man started his journey in Nepal when he took the barista training. While working in his home country, he heard to someone that Dubai was conducting many competitions related to coffee. At that time, he was fascinated and passionate about creating latte art.

“One day, I saw a vacancy for baristas for different countries; eventually, I applied. Luckily, I got selected. I had a chance to choose a nation, and I decided to go with United Arab Emirates (UAE) since I have lot of friends here, and I heard many good things about the UAE. Moreover, Dubai was my dream city. 

Better Version

When Nipendra arrived in Dubai, he looked for a platform to help him push further his dreams. And one of the most remarkable people that invited and enabled him to join the throwdown competition in UAE was Kunga Ghale, his mentor and inspiration. 

He started competing in different throwdown contests and was even elevated to the national competition from that very moment. 

“I started my career as a junior barista here in UAE, and I pushed myself to become better,” he shared with Dubai Vibes Magazine. 

Nipendra’s confidence gave him the courage to develop every day. This self-assurance provided him a promotion in his company. He started as a junior, eventually transferred as senior to head trainer, and now brewing as the Senior Quality Control at Emirati Coffee Co. 

As a quality control in a coffee roaster, his main job is to look after the quality of the coffee and the service they provide to their customers. He also offers quality training regarding coffee and creates solutions to the shop’s problems. 

Of all the achievements and fame, he gained in Dubai, Nipendra still faces adversity. According to him, living away from your home country is always heartbreaking. 

He said, “I’m working hard here in Dubai to make my family’s lives better.” 

He also added that he misses his country a lot. If he is given a chance in the future, he plans to share his experience and knowledge with his compatriots to uplift the coffee community of Nepal. And this plan already started when he created a latte art pattern of his national flag. 

Did you enjoy reading the story? 

This story has been featured in the 11th issue of Dubai Vibes Magazine. To get a copy, you may contact Ms. Elaine “Bella” Marbella at +971503196856. If you have an inspiring story or know someone with one, please send an email to us at eic@dubavibesmagazine.com

“When I am out and somebody notices me and requests me to perform magic, I always fulfill. I love bringing joy to people through my magic,” Moein said.

Pull out quote: “Stay Positive and believe that magic is in the air.”

A man that believes that magic is real creates his own destiny in the world of fantasy and dreams. Moein Al Bastaki a 40-year-old Emirati is a magician, illusionist, and mentalist. He is also working as the Chief Executive Officer of MOEIN Al Bastaki co.

His passion in magic created a lot of opportunities for him to perform for royal gatherings and special events. Although he did his Masters in Business, still, he loves working as a performer and an architect of his own journey.

Aside from being a magician in the stage, Moein also wants to share joy and excitement through his charitable programs related to people with special needs and cancer victims.

An Arab Magician

The art of magic was introduced to Moein when he was six. According to him, his grandfather showed him his first magic and that was the start if his journey and love of fantasy.

“I struggled with the conservative culture in the Arab world. I had internal battles of telling people about my art because some people may look at magic as taboo art,” he said.

At first, Moein doubted to show his identity in media and introduce himself to the public, but one of his friends pushed him to have confidence and see the world in its magic. Surprisingly, the society enjoyed his art.

“When I started performing in media I was in doubt of people’s reaction, horrified but I realized I got more support than people who were against me. Years later, I am still being appreciated for my art and the entertainment and I bring to people’s lives when performing,” Moein shared.

What keeps him going?

“With Magic, I make sure to perform illusions that move people emotions in different ways; Joy, fear, excitement and anxiousness and leave them an experience that they could talk about for years to come and got them to have a memory for the best,” Moein said when asked on what he enjoyed about his current career.

According to him, when he gets a chance of being in any event that can help individuals like charity related like people of special needs and cancer related, he will not hesitate to take chance and perform his best magic for audience.

He added that keeping the mystery alive adds joy and excitement to people’s lives and that is the secret for a successful career.

Moreover, in the near future, he aspires to be one of the most renowned names in the history of magic world.

Did you enjoy reading the story? 

This story has been featured in the 11th issue of Dubai Vibes Magazine. To get a copy, you may contact Ms. Elaine “Bella” Marbella at +971503196856. If you have an inspiring story or know someone with one, please send an email to us at eic@dubavibesmagazine.com

“It has been a journey for me when I see growth and prosperity in my career.” 

Migration Specialist Karun Luthra is already a legend in the consultation industry. Throughout his career, he has been into sales and consultation. His comprehensive journey in influencing and guiding people to have the best decision supports him to become a developed individual and service-oriented motivator. 

He is currently staying in Dubai for four years, and his first job landed in a real estate company. He served as a training manager and headed all training-related ventures of the company. After years of building a name, he had an opportunity to work in a management consultancy company where he is affiliated today. 

Karun is a man of talent and great motives; becoming a training manager is not easy; he typically trains people with various backgrounds, personalities, and visions. According to him, training people essentially taught him to embrace adversities and be creative. 

Natured Skills

The service industry is already a home for Karun. He has been in marketing and direct sales for more than a decade. Primarily, his function most of the time revolves around the training realm.

“I am articulate in the consultation industry. I have been more into sales and consultation throughout my career, and I have more than 14 years of experience in telemarketing and direct sales,” he said. 

He also added that: “It has been a journey for me when I see growth and prosperity in terms of career. I am more of a consulting manager than a training manager. His current job tasks him to train people.” 

His current job requires him to train people holistically. He serves as a motivational speaker, a coach, and a consultant to the organization. His ability to persuade people is a natural talent.

Dubai journey

In his present job, he feels fulfilled and thriving because of the emirate of Dubai. Karun sees that his Dubai journey gave him many opportunities to prosper and cultivate his career. 

Aside from being an office man, he also loves to work out and, from time to time, spend a moment with his family on weekends.

His existing work with Vazir Management Consultancy makes him happy and satisfied. He is always seeing himself growing as an individual and a professional. 

According to him, Vazir Management Consultancy is a premium boutique for immigration consultation in which it specializes in Canadian Immigration. 

Did you enjoy reading the story? 

This story has been featured in the 11th issue of Dubai Vibes Magazine. To get a copy, you may contact Ms. Elaine “Bella” Marbella at +971503196856. If you have an inspiring story or know someone with one, please send an email to us at eic@dubavibesmagazine.com

A legendary restaurateur creates positivity in the workplace by sharing his skills accompanied by his goals and aspirations. He always makes sure that every employee, affiliate, and customer will feel success and satisfaction at the end of the day.

“Honesty, sincerity, love, and motivation at work results to an amazing outcome.”

Abdelkarim is currently the manager of the Al Mamzar Community Restaurant in Dubai. He was a graduate of hotel and tourism in Egypt. And throughout his professional life, he focused on working with different internationally acclaimed hotels, restaurants, and cafés in Egypt and other parts of the globe. 

“My work experience has been primarily in restaurants and cafes for the last twenty years, via international hotels and restaurants with high names in the food and beverage industry. I have worked in both Egypt and the Netherlands, and now Dubai in roles related to this field,” he shared. 

His career in the United Arab Emirates started in 2013 when he experienced working as a manager for a hotel. After some time, he decided to return to the restaurant and café industry. Even though a legend in the restaurant and café field, Abdelkarim still strives to develop and face challenges to improve his skills and make a difference. 

Passion begets happiness

“To be able to enjoy work requires love and sincerity, a desire to develop professionally, respect to colleagues and a willingness to work with them, acceptance of new challenges, accomplishment of tasks entrusted, the value of happiness of clients, and exceeding costumers’ expectations,” Abdelkarim said. 

According to him, his passion and happiness complement one another in his current company. In that sense, he finds no problem in the workplace. His love for serving people makes him feel rewarded and contended. 

“We’re working with a respected company that values and appreciates its employees, listens to work needs, and collaborates to finish duties,” he added. 

His life after work primarily evolves with different kinds of sports and going out to the beach to enjoy the sun and water. He also visits his family every end of the week. 

Dubai is beautiful

According to Abdelkarim, “The United Arab Emirates is a well-respected country that values diversity and does not discriminate against citizens or visitors based on race, religion, or nationality.” 

He also added that Dubai is not only beautiful aesthetically. Moreover, the city treats people with tolerance, respect, and appreciation. It is a whole pluralistic society that makes it more wonderful. 

This man of determination and service also thinks of settling down in Dubai and creating businesses in Dubai and Egypt.

Did you enjoy reading the story? 

This story has been featured in the 11th issue of Dubai Vibes Magazine. To get a copy, you may contact Ms. Elaine “Bella” Marbella at +971503196856. If you have an inspiring story or know someone with one, please send an email to us at eic@dubavibesmagazine.com

Since childhood, this woman of courage has already developed her skills of being a risk-taker—an intelligent woman from Morocco and now a successful businesswoman in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. 

Pull out quote: “If you are doing the right thing and you are focused on its phasing, definitely it will have a good result.”

Fatima Zhara Alaoui, the managing director of ITQAN Immigration Services, developed her courageous spirit from a young age. She went to Dubai at the age of 19 and brought goals to transcend her life and have a brighter future. 

“My first work in the United Arab Emirates was as a hotel receptionist. While working, I also intend to study at the same time,” she said. 

Fatima added that time management is the key to attaining quality work. She also had chances to work and be promoted to several positions. Since she was a top performer in the company, Fatima also got the job to become an assistant manager. 

Entrepreneur’s mind

According to Fatima, creating networks in Dubai is one of the most effective ways to grow holistically in professional life. She makes sure that she will always have a takeaway lesson when meeting people. 

One of the greatest lessons that professionals taught her was: “Always think of being an entrepreneur and never stay in your place as a normal employee. So, what I did was, I look for an extra job.”

She opened her first shop in one of the hotels in Abu Dhabi, and that second was not easy for her, but her brave heart daringly remains her drive. The story did not stop at that moment; she also founded a company in Morocco, her home country. Transaction of goods from Morocco to the UAE got more manageable for her business. 

“I also had the opportunity to work with Etihad Airways. I got my master’s degree in Business Management,” she said. 

Positivity and Wisdom

The situation that triggered Fatima to set up an immigration center was based on her personal experience, when her application was unsuccessful when she applied for Canada. She also observed that her friends also had the same experiences as her. 

“I realized that there was something wrong; I need to do something about it,” she insisted. From that moment, she started to create ITQAN, an immigration agency that helps people achieve their dream of travel and migration. 

After contemplating all of her accomplishments, she offers this advice to dreamers: “If you are afraid to try, that means you have no knowledge, but if you try, at least you know how your success is progressing. Never give up.”

“No one succeeds on Day 1, there will be a lot of trials, but they let us grow and learn more. These challenges will make us stronger. Every dreamer should fight, keep the positive spirit and be confident.” 

Did you enjoy reading the story? 

This story has been featured in the 11th issue of Dubai Vibes Magazine. To get a copy, you may contact Ms. Elaine “Bella” Marbella at +971503196856. If you have an inspiring story or know someone with one, please send an email to us at eic@dubavibesmagazine.com

Executive Vice President of One Road Group- Dubai, ChengLing “Jojo” Zhang, described the city of Dubai as a place of great culture and possibility. Her love for business and success always drives a young entrepreneur like Jojo. 

This woman of business has stayed in Dubai for almost ten years, creating opportunities and helping Dubai in different innovation projects from structures to transportations. According to Jojo, Dubai gave her a lot of breaks that helped her be a person of freedom.

A promising start-up of business would likely be difficult for anyone, but Dubai let her realize that: “This city has variants of cultures, and it is open for 150 nationalities. The city is also famous for its oil and gas, tourism, and financial center.”

The beginning

As a Chinese, she has constantly been reminded to be practical in life and do her best to learn more about everything. At first, Jojo struggled much in the usage of the English language. Moreover, she knew things slowly until she developed her confidence. 

“When you gain confidence and success, all of your efforts will pay off,” she said. 

Jojo’s first job in Dubai was as a trader of oil and gas. Since she enjoyed her work, excitement will always be part of her everyday routine. After some time, she decided to let her fortune bring her luck. 

“Starting a business in oil and gas was challenging. I was a trader before, and I experienced how difficult it was. Procedures and process of business in Dubai are different,” she said.  

One Road Group

The One Road Group is a Chinese company whose initiative to build One Road resulted in many projects developing in Dubai, primarily transportation-related activities. 

“I am proud to have this business. When you want to have anything, please continue to do it; nothing is impossible,” she said. 

She added that in creating a business, a person should always think smart about an idea. Based on her experience, she waited for two years to build her business, and it was all worth the wait. 

Lastly, Jojo is very thankful for Dubai. The city gave her a lot of opportunities. She also considered the emirate as part of her life. 

Did you enjoy reading the story? 

This story has been featured in the 11th issue of Dubai Vibes Magazine. To get a copy, you may contact Ms. Elaine “Bella” Marbella at +971503196856. If you have an inspiring story or know someone with one, please send an email to us at eic@dubavibesmagazine.com