UAE business leaders learned from early work
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In the United Arab Emirates, leaders of Indian-origin businesses credit early work experiences with shaping their approach to business.
The Khaleej Times profiled 24 entrepreneurs who grew up around established family businesses, finding that they often began with simple tasks to understand the foundations of their industries. Mohamed Jasir of Hotpack Global recalled earning one dirham (Dh1) for a day’s work, learning that value comes from effort.
Many of these leaders spent their childhood summers working in family warehouses or on shop floors, gaining firsthand knowledge of operations and sales. Adel Sajan of Danube Group started working in his family’s warehouse at age 13, and Rohan Mehta of Petrochem Middle East began in frontline sales. These experiences taught them to understand how a business functions before taking on leadership roles.
Beyond learning the basics, several entrepreneurs also pursued their own ventures or identified new opportunities separate from the family business. Shifa Yusuff Ali founded IdeaCrate, a children’s entertainment and education company, and Ziham Moopen established Toddler Town British Nursery, both inspired by personal experiences. This generation is also focused on integrating technology into existing businesses to improve efficiency and ensure long-term success, while still honoring the legacy of the past.
