Paul Kenny came to Dubai a decade ago in his early 20s. While he pursued three 9-5 jobs, it couldn’t satiate his desire to start something of his own. Eventually, he did set up his own business, not one but three – Cobone.com, Safarna.com and AYM Commerce.
In conversation with Rupkatha Bhowmick, Kenny talks about his early days in the region and the evolution of the online retail landscape
I grew up in Ireland, surrounded by my family, who also happen to be a group of entrepreneurs. My family, the Kenny’s, is quite popular back at home. They are into retailing of books and arts. I was quite fortunate, which I didn’t realise at that time, being surrounded by a family of reputed entrepreneurs. I would visit our store doing the windows, sorting the shelves although I didn’t add much value. I would see my family members either engaged in sales or speak with different authors and artists who would frequent our store. By the age of 18 when I went to the university and studied commerce, I started thinking of setting up something of my own. But I didn’t figure out what is it that I’d like to do.
In 2004 I came to Dubai on holiday, and I realised there was nothing on the internet. There were a few online news companies, but you couldn’t buy anything online. A thought struck me – what I could do to bring my family business to this region, selling books online. Back then, more than a decade ago, what sold online were books, CDs and DVDs. I returned home, went back to college and studies, but I was quite distracted. Finally, in 2007 I dropped out of my Master’s programme. I accepted an internship job in Dubai with the Jumeirah Group, earning around AED3,500 per month.
Read the full article in the July/August edition of RetailME
Watsons to open 20 new stores in the GCC
In 2020, global health & beauty retailer AS Watson Group signed its
April 29, 2024 | By Rupkatha BLandmark Group’s ‘Circulife’ could be a “giant leap” towards UAE’s textile circularity goals
“We want to not just match the price; but beat it,” claims Chemist Warehouse CEO
Landmark Group to invest $1-bn to grow the business, open 400 stores
/ 
For decades, Haldiram’s built deep recall across the UAE through its packaged
When House of Habanero opened its first physical location at Alserkal Avenue
Union Coop has completed a significant expansion of its Hatta Souq branch,
Saudi Arabia is set to welcome U.S. food exporters this week, as
Majid Al Futtaim has officially entered the discount retail segment with the
As convenience increasingly becomes currency in the region’s grocery landscape, Union Coop
As wellness becomes a lifestyle in the UAE, the grocery aisle is
Grandiose, one of the leading grocery retailers in the UAE with a
With shifting consumer behaviour, rising cost pressures, regulatory changes, and rapid digitization,
Union Coop’s blend of retail expansion, digital innovation, and community focus is
Abu Dhabi-based MAIR Group has marked a pivotal stage in its transformation
In a move that blurs the line between shopping and investing, Apparel
/ 
Why cinemas, wellness sanctuaries and cultural districts are becoming emotional infrastructure for
From bullion to boutiques, investment to immersion, Dubai Gold District marks a
NRF Vice President of Education Strategy Susan Reda forecasts 2025’s retail trends
The Dubai Duty Free (DDF) has recorded sales of $1.94 billion up
In what comes as a significant announcement, Middle East based eyewear majors
Emirati Gen Z women are seeking collaborative, culturally diverse and creatively enriching
GMG’s Everyday Goods – Retail division celebrates expansion milestone hitting 60 stores
Among several others, three key factors have fuelled the growth of homegrown
Empowering women, transforming communities: The rise of female-led businesses in Times Square Center
In its central Dubai location, Times Square Center stands not just as
Previous Article
