Sannath Shetty’s story is one of resilience, ambition and determination. At 19, he arrived in the UAE with dreams of working at a prestigious hotel. Full of excitement, he envisioned a glamorous career in the hospitality industry. However, his first job was not what he expected. Instead of working in the hotel, he was driven 1.5 hours to Al Ain, where he took a position at a supermarket. Despite the setback, Sannath remained optimistic with a strong will to succeed.
A New Beginning: From Trading to Entrepreneurship
Through his network, Sannath launched his first trading company, which proved profitable and sparked his entrepreneurial spirit. However, his true passion remained in the hospitality industry, a field where many of his friends and family had built successful careers. After four years, he made the bold decision to relocate to Dubai. His first project was an Indian restaurant in Deira—modest but important in a competitive culinary landscape. Later, he opened “Indish,” a lounge bar at the Sofitel, gradually establishing his presence in the city’s high-end market. However, his breakthrough came with the creation of AER, an upscale lounge in the heart of DIFC. AER quickly became a favorite for Dubai’s elite, offering exceptional service and an atmosphere of sophistication. This success solidified his vision for premium experiences in the city and proved to be a turning point.
Expanding the Vision
After selling AER, Sannath turned his focus to new ventures, including Ole Club and Lounge, located at Souk Al Bahar with views of the Burj Khalifa. This prime spot enabled him to further establish himself in Dubai’s luxury scene, offering an exclusive venue for both locals and international visitors.
Building on the success of Ole, Sannath’s journey took a significant turn when he was invited to partner with VII Dubai to oversee the operations of both the Club and the Secret Garden—a unique venue that seamlessly blends nature with urban elegance. Situated on the 7th floor of the Conrad Hotel, the venue quickly became one of the city’s most sought-after destinations. Under his leadership, VII Dubai hosted high-profile events and attracted international talents, further cementing Sannath’s reputation for transforming visionary concepts into reality. Today, plans are in place for meticulous renovations of both the Club and the Secret Garden. With carefully crafted designs and strategic approaches, these updates will elevate the venues to new levels of luxury and sophistication.
Overcoming Challenges and Pursuing Growth
Building and expanding a business in a highly competitive environment requires more than ambition—it demands resilience, strategic foresight and the ability to adapt to challenges. From securing prime locations to creating unforgettable experiences, every step of Sannath’s journey has been driven by passion, dedication and hard work. Now, as he leads the renovation projects for VII Dubai, he continues to push the boundaries of highend entertainment. In addition, he is actively planning to expand his ventures both within the UAE and internationally, always seeking new opportunities for growth, ready to compete with Dubai’s luxurious standards.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Sannath Shetty’s journey from supermarket worker to influential figure in Dubai’s luxury entertainment sector is a powerful reminder of the impact of perseverance and vision. For those who aspire to follow in his footsteps, his story proves that with determination and the courage to take risks, anything is possible. As he continues to innovate, Sannath remains a source of inspiration, showing that true success is earned through dedication and the willingness to face challenges head-on. Stay updated on his exciting journey by following him Instagram.
