Make your dream happen


June 7, 2016 | By RetailME Bureau

If you don’t act on your dream, nothing happens. Most people don’t become entrepreneurs because they don’t know how to transform their dreams into reality.

I first started dreaming of running my own business in 1993. But I didn’t exactly hit the big time on day one. I spent a full year going from bank to bank, only to be rejected everywhere. Nobody was slightest bit interested in lending me the $4 million I needed to get my venture off the ground.

In 1995, I teamed up with Rashed Al Mazroui and Shakir Abal. After several months of hard work and perseverance, we managed to open our first THE One store in Abu Dhabi in 1996. It was my worst nightmare come true. I realised it was not the right location. I also discovered a brand isn’t built overnight. My early optimism had led me to overstaff and overstock our Abu Dhabi store, so when I found another location in Dubai I transferred half the staff and half the stock to the new Jumeirah store. That store ultimately secured our brand’s survival.

Previous Article Next Article

SHARE

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE /



For decades, Haldiram’s built deep recall across the UAE through its packaged 

Continue Reading

April 27, 2026 | By Anurima Das

When House of Habanero opened its first physical location at Alserkal Avenue 

Continue Reading

April 16, 2026 | By Anurima Das

Union Coop has completed a significant expansion of its Hatta Souq branch, 

Continue Reading

January 20, 2026 | By RetailME Bureau

Saudi Arabia is set to welcome U.S. food exporters this week, as 

Continue Reading

November 12, 2025 | By RetailME Bureau

Majid Al Futtaim has officially entered the discount retail segment with the 

Continue Reading

October 24, 2025 | By RetailME Bureau

As convenience increasingly becomes currency in the region’s grocery landscape, Union Coop 

Continue Reading

October 15, 2025 | By RetailME Bureau

As wellness becomes a lifestyle in the UAE, the grocery aisle is 

Continue Reading

September 30, 2025 | By RetailME Bureau

Grandiose, one of the leading grocery retailers in the UAE with a 

Continue Reading

September 15, 2025 | By RetailME Bureau

With shifting consumer behaviour, rising cost pressures, regulatory changes, and rapid digitization, 

Continue Reading

September 1, 2025 | By RetailME Bureau

Union Coop’s blend of retail expansion, digital innovation, and community focus is 

Continue Reading

August 20, 2025 | By RetailME Bureau

Abu Dhabi-based MAIR Group has marked a pivotal stage in its transformation 

Continue Reading

August 18, 2025 | By RetailME Bureau

In a move that blurs the line between shopping and investing, Apparel 

Continue Reading

August 13, 2025 | By RetailME Bureau




Download Images RetailME Magazine