Building a business in Dubai is a dream many chase. The tall skyscrapers, global events, and booming economy make it a perfect place to start something new. Over the past decade, Dubai founders—from solo entrepreneurs to tech innovators—have created thousands of businesses that shape the city’s modern landscape. But behind the luxury, success, and excitement, many of these business owners have faced hard lessons that no one talks about openly.
We spoke to several honest founders who have been running businesses in Dubai for five years or more. They shared the ups and downs of their journeys, the truths they wish they knew earlier, and the advice they now want to give others.
Their stories are real, raw, and eye-opening.
The Glamour Fades, The Work Begins
In the beginning, everything feels exciting. New offices, new team members, and big goals. But after the first year, the excitement fades. What remains is the daily grind.
“I thought Dubai would make everything easier,” says Aisha, who started a fashion e-commerce brand. “But running a business here is just like anywhere else. You have to work nonstop. There’s no shortcut.”
Most founders admit they underestimated how much effort it would take to keep the business running.
Cash Flow Is the Real Boss
Many new entrepreneurs focus on profits. But these experienced founders say cash flow is what really matters.
“Even if your business is growing, if you run out of cash, you’re finished,” explains Omar, the founder of a marketing agency. “There were times when we had big clients but couldn’t pay our staff on time because the payments were delayed.”
They also highlight the importance of planning ahead. Dubai is full of opportunities, but costs can quickly rise—office rents, employee visas, and unexpected bills can throw off your budget fast.
Hiring Fast Was a Mistake
Most founders we spoke to made the same mistake in their early years—they hired too fast.
“I hired a big team because I thought that meant we were successful,” shares Farah, who runs a wellness studio. “But I ended up spending more time managing people than focusing on the business.”
Others echoed this. Hiring without clear roles or enough work led to unnecessary expenses and a drop in productivity. The hard truth? A small, focused team can do more than a large, confused one.
Partnerships Can Break You
Dubai’s business environment encourages partnerships. But for many founders, choosing the wrong partner was one of their biggest regrets.
“Just because someone is your friend doesn’t mean they’ll be a good business partner,” says Jamal, who runs a food delivery brand. “We had different goals, different work ethics. It ended badly.”
His advice: take your time, put everything in writing, and don’t rush into partnerships, even if it feels right at first.
Mental Health Took a Back Seat
Almost every founder admitted they didn’t prioritize their mental health. Long working hours, pressure to grow, and the fear of failure made them feel constantly stressed.
“People think being a founder is glamorous, but it’s lonely,” says Aisha. “You can’t always share your problems, even with family.”
Some turned to therapy or support groups, while others began practicing mindfulness or simply taking time off. They now say mental well-being is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Competition Is Fierce, But So Is Support
Dubai is filled with startups, small businesses, and global brands. Standing out is tough. Many founders struggled with feeling invisible at first.
“Everyone is fighting for the same attention,” says Omar. “But once we stopped copying others and focused on what made us different, things got better.”
Interestingly, many also shared how supportive the business community can be. Events, networking groups, and fellow founders became a lifeline when things got hard.
The Customer Isn’t Always Right
This might sound strange, but several founders said they wished they stood up to unreasonable customers earlier.
“At first, I said yes to everything,” says Farah. “I didn’t want to lose clients. But some customers were toxic. They cost us time, energy, and peace.”
Learning to draw boundaries made a big difference. Being honest, clear, and respectful helped improve relationships and avoid burnout.
You Will Fail—And That’s Okay
All the founders had failures. Some lost money, others launched products that flopped, and a few even had to close a business before starting another.
“I failed twice before this business worked,” says Jamal. “It hurt, but I learned from it.”
They all agreed: Failure is part of the process. What matters is how quickly you get up and what you learn.
Advice to New Entrepreneurs in Dubai
We asked each founder what advice they’d give to someone starting a business in Dubai today. Here’s what they said:
- Start small. Don’t try to do everything at once.
- Know your numbers. Always track your expenses and income.
- Be patient. Success takes time—years, not months.
- Build a support system. Whether it’s mentors or fellow founders, don’t do it alone.
- Be true to your purpose. Trends come and go, but your mission keeps you focused.
Final Thoughts
Dubai remains one of the most exciting places in the world to start a business. The opportunities are endless, and the potential is huge. But as these honest founders revealed, it’s not easy.
Behind every success story are sleepless nights, failed ideas, and tough choices. Yet, those who stay committed, learn from their mistakes, and care for their team and themselves—often come out stronger, smarter, and more fulfilled.
So if you’re dreaming of starting a business in Dubai, take the leap. But go in with open eyes and a strong heart.
Also read: Building From Zero? Here’s How to Silence Self-Doubt in UAE
