Abid Beli, a name that resonates in the world of entrepreneurship, is a man whose story reflects passion, commitment, and an unwavering drive to succeed on his own terms. Born into a wealthy family and initially working alongside his father in the family business, Abid was always aware of his privileged position. Yet, deep down, he knew that his purpose in life extended beyond the comforts of his family’s fortune. He felt a deep urge to carve his own path, driven by a desire to build a career independently and become financially stable without relying on anyone.
It wasn’t until after his marriage that Abid’s resolve to build a successful future for his wife and future children solidified. The motivation to achieve this goal on his own terms, independently, became the catalyst for his entrepreneurial journey.
Abid Beli :A Rough Start: From Setbacks to Opportunity
2019 was a year of challenges for Abid. The courier business he had been running faced financial setbacks, forcing him to shut it down. Little did he know that this failure was merely the beginning of a transformative chapter in his life. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, Abid found himself at a crossroads. A friend reached out to him with an inventory of COVID-19 supplies, including masks and sanitizers, and asked for his help selling them. Abid succeeded in selling 10,000 pieces in just three days. However, as he delved deeper into the business, he realized that the inventory had been obtained through unethical means. Abid refused to be a part of any fraudulent activity and chose to walk away from the deal, even forgoing any compensation.
This act of integrity led to another opportunity. A different friend, recognizing Abid’s business acumen and social media influence, approached him with a product—disinfection tunnels. Abid again rose to the occasion and successfully marketed the product. During this time, his social media presence grew as he shared his entrepreneurial ventures, ultimately leading to a conversation with another friend who appreciated his work and offered him office space. It was in this office, with its aesthetic charm, that Abid saw a new opportunity—a co-working space. He knew the concept was gaining traction in his city, and with his previous business experience and social skills, he believed it was the right path forward. This marked Abid’s foray into the rapidly growing co-working space industry.
Notable Achievements: A Legacy Built on Respect
Throughout his career, Abid has accumulated a wealth of achievements that speak to his diverse talents and innovative mindset. Among the accomplishments he holds dear, he is most proud of the following:
- World Record: In 2011, Abid set a world record for the largest number of people singing the national anthem at one place, a testament to his ability to organize large-scale events.
- E-Commerce Pioneer: Abid’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2001 when he founded Pakistan’s and Dubai’s first e-commerce company, and the 22nd e-commerce company in the world at that time. He successfully exited the business in 2010, leaving behind a legacy in the digital space.
- Asia’s First Smartphone Film Festival: In 2015, Abid organized Asia’s first smartphone film festival as part of his company, I-Smart Films, an initiative that highlighted his foresight in the media and entertainment industries.
- Awards and Recognition: His contributions to the business community were recognized with awards, including the Who’s Who Pakistan Award in 2018 and the SATHA Innovation Award in 2017.
However, perhaps the greatest achievement for Abid is the respect he has earned in his community, both on the ground and through his social media presence. For Abid, respect is the true measure of success, and it has been his guiding principle throughout his career. He believes that respect defines a person’s legacy more than any material gain.
Overcoming Challenges: Valuable Lessons Learned
Abid’s journey has not been without its challenges. One of the most significant obstacles he faced was a difficult partnership experience while running Beli’sCity in Dubai. This experience taught him the importance of choosing business partners wisely—preferably individuals from the same field who can be trusted. It also reinforced the lesson that in business, one must never trust anyone fully when it comes to financial matters.
Another pivotal challenge came during the early days of e-commerce in Pakistan. When Abid started his e-commerce venture in 2001, the concept was virtually unknown in the country, and trust in online businesses was minimal. With no infrastructure for online banking or logistics, Abid had to overcome significant hurdles to gain the trust of his customers and make e-commerce a viable option in Pakistan.
Through it all, Abid’s unwavering belief in perseverance and the ability to find silver linings has helped him navigate the most trying times. His experiences have shaped him into a person who doesn’t shy away from challenges but instead embraces them with optimism.
Principles and Philosophy: Faith, Integrity, and Commitment
At the core of Abid Beli’s success is his strong commitment to principles and integrity. Throughout his life, he has drawn inspiration from the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), using those principles to guide both his personal and professional conduct. He has always stayed true to his belief in conducting business ethically, helping those in need, and never quitting in the face of adversity.
Abid also believes that the biggest blessing in life is simply being alive, healthy, and able to lead an active life. His deep faith in Allah has been a source of strength, allowing him to stay motivated even when things seem impossible. He firmly believes that with the grace of Allah, anything can be achieved—though it may take time.
The Legacy: A Vision for the Future
As Abid continues to work on his ventures—Work More (a co-working space), IMLAAK Marketing (a real-estate marketing company), and Wepronex (an AI automation and digital agency)—his vision remains clear: to build a successful entrepreneurial career while ensuring a financially stable future for those who depend on him.
For Abid, legacy is not about fame or wealth, but about being remembered as a man of commitment, principle, and respect. He hopes to be known as one of the finest, most approachable entrepreneurs in his country, and his journey is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and integrity in achieving true success.
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