From a Small Idea to a Global Success Story
Murat Abi’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From humble beginnings and a passion for hospitality, he turned a small restaurant idea into a multi-million-dollar empire. As the founder of Bosporus Dubai, which grew into five prime locations before being acquired by a royal from Abu Dhabi, Murat has proven that with hard work and vision, anything is possible.
Today, he is the co-founder of Amaya Dubai, a thriving brand with 90 employees and plans to expand across the GCC and beyond. With new concepts launching this year and upcoming locations in Erbil and Dubai, Murat continues to redefine the restaurant industry.
But behind this success lies years of dedication, challenges, and an unbreakable belief in his dreams.
A Dream Rooted in Family and Passion
Murat comes from a family of restaurateurs and entrepreneurs, which naturally shaped his love for hospitality and business. From an early age, he envisioned owning his own establishment—one that didn’t just serve food but created unforgettable experiences.
“I always believed that with hard work and passion, I could create a place that not only serves great food but also offers a warm and inviting atmosphere,” he shares.
This belief fueled his journey, leading him to start Bosporus Dubai in 2009—a restaurant concept that quickly became a favorite among locals and tourists.
Building Bosporus: A Restaurant Empire from Scratch
When Murat first launched Bosporus, it was a small restaurant with big ambitions. Over time, his vision, dedication, and focus on quality helped it expand to five prime locations, including Dubai Mall and Downtown Boulevard.
His ability to deliver consistency, exceptional service, and a unique dining experience made Bosporus a massive success. In a city known for world-class restaurants, Murat’s brand stood out—so much so that it caught the attention of a royal buyer from Abu Dhabi.
After selling Bosporus, he watched it grow beyond his ownership. Today, the brand has expanded to over 15 locations worldwide, including London.
The Birth of Amaya Dubai and Future Expansion
After Bosporus, Murat didn’t slow down. He co-founded Amaya Dubai in 2022, bringing a fresh and innovative concept to the city’s vibrant dining scene. Within a short time, the brand grew to 90 employees, proving its strong market presence.
But Murat isn’t stopping there.
✔ A new Amaya brand is set to launch in Erbil next month
✔ Plans to expand further in the GCC over the next two years
✔ Two new restaurant concepts launching this year
His ability to identify market trends and create winning restaurant concepts has positioned him as a major player in the food and hospitality industry.
What Inspires Murat Abi?
Success doesn’t happen in isolation. Murat has always drawn inspiration from great entrepreneurs and thinkers.
🔹 McDonald’s Franchise Model – He admires the power of consistency and branding.
🔹 Steve Jobs & Elon Musk – Their vision and ability to build revolutionary businesses.
🔹 Denzel Washington’s Speeches – He finds motivation in powerful words of wisdom.
🔹 Albert Einstein’s Books – A deep thinker, Murat enjoys learning from great minds.
But above all, his biggest influence was his mother, who always instilled in him the belief that he could achieve anything without fear of failure.
The Power of Sports and Self-Motivation
Beyond business, sports play a huge role in Murat’s life. He is highly active in different sports, using them as a way to stay balanced and motivated.
“Sports give me the energy and discipline I need to keep pushing forward. It’s my balance and self-motivation,” he says.
His ability to maintain a strong mind and body has played a crucial role in his entrepreneurial journey, keeping him focused and driven.
Lessons from Failures and Challenges
Murat knows that success is not just about wins—it’s about how you handle setbacks. His biggest lesson? The importance of a loyal team.
“The biggest failure is trusting the wrong people and not having a proper team behind you. At the end of the day, I take responsibility for every mistake in my career,” he reflects.
To prevent future failures, he always has a Plan B ready and ensures that every step in his business is calculated and strategic.
What Success Means to Murat Abi
For Murat, success is not about quick wins—it’s about long-term impact.
✔ Building something from scratch and turning it into a multi-million-dollar brand
✔ Creating businesses that stand the test of time
✔ Developing world-known brands that people recognize and trust
These are the true markers of achievement in his eyes.
Murat’s Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Murat believes that entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. His key advice for those looking to build a business:
✔ Have a clear plan – Know what you want to achieve.
✔ Focus on one thing – Don’t get distracted by too many ideas.
✔ Be confident and consistent – Success requires discipline.
✔ Work harder than anyone else – There is no substitute for effort.
✔ Believe in yourself – The strongest asset you have is your mindset.
✔ Never stop developing – Learn, evolve, and improve every day.
✔ Invest in yourself – Growth comes from continuous learning.
Final Thoughts: The Legacy of Murat Abi
Murat Abi is more than just a businessman—he is a visionary, entrepreneur, and leader. From building Bosporus into a global brand to expanding Amaya Dubai, his journey is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and strategic thinking.
With exciting new ventures on the horizon, Murat is set to redefine the restaurant industry even further. And through it all, his vision remains the same—to create businesses that leave a lasting impact. Do follow him on Instagram.
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