Afif Zaman’s life took an unexpected turn the day he received a compulsory withdrawal letter from his university for not being able to pay his fees. What many would see as a major setback, Afif transformed into a stepping stone toward building a successful career and thriving business in the UAE. His story is a testament to resilience, determination, and vision.
Early Struggles and Humble Beginnings
Afif Zaman’s journey began far from the boardrooms and offices he now commands. In 2015, he worked as a promoter and usher, taking on temporary jobs just to make ends meet. These early experiences, while modest, taught him the value of hard work, persistence, and the importance of communication.
By 2016, Afif Zaman found work as a call center agent. The job was not glamorous, but it sharpened his skills in customer service and problem-solving. These skills would later become crucial as he ventured into entrepreneurship.
Facing Failure: The First Startup That Did Not Work
In 2021, Afif Zaman took a big leap of faith and launched his first startup. Unfortunately, it failed. The experience was disappointing but also incredibly valuable. Afif learned that passion alone is not enough. Success requires a clear strategy, guidance, and the resilience to keep moving forward despite setbacks.
The failure was tough, but Afif Zaman did not let it define him. Instead, it fueled his determination to learn, adapt, and improve.
Finding His Path: Becoming a Business Setup Advisor
In 2022, Afif Zaman found his calling in the UAE’s business setup industry. This sector opened many doors for him, offering opportunities to meet people from various industries and countries. It also allowed him to understand the complex documentation and legal processes involved in starting a business in the UAE.
Afif quickly realized the biggest challenge was navigating this highly competitive market alone. He says that finding a senior mentor who could guide him was difficult, and everything felt like a competition. But rather than being discouraged, Afif Zaman used this as motivation to carve his own path.
Launching Bizhub: Making Business Setup Simple
Today, Afif Zaman runs Bizhub, a startup dedicated to simplifying the business setup process in the UAE. Bizhub aims to be a user-friendly platform where newcomers and entrepreneurs can easily find clear information about costs, procedures, and requirements without wasting hours digging through confusing websites or relying on incomplete online tools.
To further support aspiring entrepreneurs, Bizhub has also introduced a cost calculator that allows users to instantly estimate the expenses involved in setting up a business in the UAE. This tool helps eliminate guesswork by providing clear, upfront insights into potential costs, enabling founders to plan with confidence before taking their next step. By combining transparent information with practical tools, Bizhub continues to make the business setup journey simpler, faster, and more accessible for everyone.
Today, Afif Zaman runs Bizhub a start of dedicated to simplifying the business that are process in the UAE Bizhub aims to be a user-friendly platform where newcomers and entrepreneurs can easily find their clear information about costs procedures and requirements without wasting hours digging through confusing websites or relying on incomplete online tools. Bizhub has introduced their brand-new cost calculator which allows individuals from all over the world to understand what the general costs of setting up a business here in the UAE along with obtaining a Visa would look like. The link is mentioned below: https://bizhub.ae/signin/
Viewing the cost calculator above expresses that Afif Zaman’s vision goes beyond just running a business he wants to build a community where people feel supported and respected, helping them settle into a new country with complete confidence
Lessons Learned: Respect Over Money
One of Afif Zaman’s most important lessons is not to chase money but to chase respect and to respect the efforts of others. He says that money is just a bonus and that building something that lasts comes from respect and strong relationships.
This approach has allowed Afif Zaman to run his business successfully for over three years, mostly through referrals. People in countries he has never visited know his name and trust his services because of the reputation he has built through honesty and transparency.
Transparency and Service: Foundations of Success
Afif Zaman is passionate about transparency. He wants to be remembered not just as a business owner but as someone who genuinely helped people settle in a foreign land. Since the UAE is a new home for many, he explains that the service industry plays a crucial role in their journey.
For Afif Zaman, service is not just a business, it is a responsibility. He hopes others in his industry will adopt the same mindset, focusing on helping clients rather than just selling services.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Afif Zaman’s advice to anyone starting a business is straightforward. He encourages people to plan first by knowing their needs and avoiding spending on wants. He emphasizes building a team because success is not a one-man show and requires support. He believes helping others is important because success is often the result of mutual support. Lastly, he stresses patience because relationships and respect take time to build.
He believes these principles have helped him overcome challenges and keep his business stable through thick and thin.
Building a Network Beyond Borders
Despite running a business primarily in the UAE, Afif Zaman has built a network that extends far beyond. He connects with clients and partners from different countries without needing to physically be there. This ability to expand his reach digitally is a testament to his adaptability and forward-thinking approach.
The Biggest Challenge: Doing It All Alone
Afif Zaman believes the most difficult challenge in the UAE’s competitive market is figuring out how to do everything by yourself. Unlike many places where mentorship is common, here the competition sometimes overshadows the willingness to guide others.
He encourages aspiring entrepreneurs not to isolate themselves but to seek out connections and build communities that foster collaboration instead of rivalry.
Looking Ahead: Enhancing Bizhub’s User Experience
Afif Zaman is continuously working on improving Bizhub. His current focus is making the platform even more user-friendly, ensuring that entrepreneurs can find everything they need quickly and without hassle.
He hopes that Bizhub will become a go-to resource for anyone looking to set up a business in the UAE, helping them avoid the confusion and frustration that he once faced.
A Vision to Inspire
Afif Zaman’s journey is more than just a business story. It is an inspiration for anyone facing challenges in life. From receiving a withdrawal letter from university to becoming a respected entrepreneur, his story shows that failure is not the end but a stepping stone to success.
His dedication to respect, transparency, and community-building is a beacon for others trying to make their mark in a competitive environment.
Final Thoughts
Afif Zaman’s story is a powerful reminder that success is built on more than just money. It is built on respect, relationships, transparency, and hard work. His journey from humble beginnings, through failure and competition, to creating a thriving business is proof that anyone with the right mindset can overcome obstacles and achieve lasting success.
He hopes his story will encourage others to chase respect, build meaningful connections, and never give up on their dreams.
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