From Latakia to Dubai: Yasmina Azhari’s Visionary Path to Success

Yasmina Azhari’s journey from the Mediterranean city of Lattakia, Syria, to the bustling business landscape of Dubai is a testament to her resilience, determination, and visionary approach. Born to a Syrian father and a Serbian mother, Azhari’s unique cultural background shaped her entrepreneurial spirit and drive, enabling her to excel in diverse business ventures across continents.

Growing up in Lattakia, a city known for its open-minded approach and bustling port, Yasmina Azhari was immersed in a business-oriented environment from an early age. Her father’s role as a shipping agent for Maersk Lines provided her with a front-row seat to the complexities of international business. At just 17, Azhari began working at her father’s shipping company while pursuing her studies in French literature at Tishreen University.

Her early entry into the shipping industry, a predominantly male domain in Syria, was facilitated by her family’s support and the encouragement of the broader business community. Despite initial resistance due to her gender, Azhari’s competence and dedication saw her rise to the position of Vice President of the Trade Coordination Office at the family-owned shipping firm.

In 2010, Azhari ventured into retail by establishing Mira Trading Company, focusing on malls and supermarkets. However, the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011 forced her to close this business due to the deteriorating situation in Damascus rural area.

The war’s impact on Syria prompted Azhari to relocate to Dubai with her family in 2012. The move marked a pivotal turn in her career. After a period of exploration and adaptation, she founded Al Yam International Commercial Brokers Company in 2014. Leveraging her extensive global network and experience, Azhari has successfully navigated Dubai’s competitive business environment.

Her company, which now boasts over 32,000 business connections and approximately 35 ongoing projects, reflects her adeptness at establishing and growing a business in a new market. Despite facing initial challenges, Yasmina  Azhari’s persistence and hard work have solidified her reputation as a key player in the commercial sector.

Azhari’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. Her accolades include being decorated with the Knight Medal by Her Majesty the Queen of the Netherlands in 2006 for all her  efforts exerted as the Honorary Consul of The Netherlands in Syria since 1999, and multiple selections by Forbes Economic Magazine and Arabian Business as one of the top Arab businesswomen. Notably, she was honoured with the Global Woman Leadership Award in 2022 and recognized as a prominent business figure by Gulf News & Being She in 2024.

In addition to her role as a commercial broker, Azhari has expanded her influence through her work as an International Consultant for United Nations organisations. This role underscores her commitment to global issues and her ability to apply her business acumen on an international stage. Her consultancy work with the UN organisations complements her entrepreneurial ventures, showcasing her dedication to both business excellence and international development.

Her recognition extends beyond business; Yasmina Azhari’s civil society contributions have earned her a place among the most influential women worldwide by the G100 group in 2021.

Azhari’s vision for the future includes realising her long-held dream of establishing a school in Syria, a project put on hold due to the war. She remains committed to expanding her business in Dubai, which she regards as a premier and secure location for global enterprises.

Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs in the UAE is to conduct thorough market research and craft creative, well-planned business strategies. “Business success is not easy,” she notes. “It requires perseverance, determination, and the ability to learn from failures.”

Yasmina Azhari’s personal philosophy is encapsulated in her favourite quote: “Life is similar to a boxing game: defeat is not declared when you fall down; it is declared when you refuse to get up.” This resilience has been evident throughout her career, particularly when she rebuilt her business after significant losses during the Syrian conflict.

As a Board Member at the Rotary Club of Dubai and an advocate for continuous learning, Yasmina Azhari remains dedicated to personal growth and societal contribution. Her extensive involvement in civil society, including her roles in various business councils and charitable organisations, underscores her commitment to making a positive impact both locally and globally.

From her early days in Syria to her influential role in Dubai’s business community and her consultancy work with the UN, she continues to inspire with her dedication to excellence, her support for civil society, and her unwavering vision for the future.