'More brands will be built here': Dubai businesses report growth despite turbulent start of year

Dubai businesses are reporting steady growth despite a challenging start to the year, according to entrepreneurs speaking at the Dubai-it Awards. The event, held in Expo City, celebrates companies and individuals who have built successful businesses or delivered major projects in the emirate. Founders of popular brands such as chef Izu Ani, payment processor Ziina, and health and wellness company Humantra emphasized Dubai's resilience and versatility as key factors driving their success.

Izu Ani, known for his hospitality projects, stated that Dubai remains the best place to live and build a business, despite regional unrest affecting his industry. Ziina's CEO, Faisal Toukan, noted that the emirate's entrepreneurs are encouraged to pursue their ambitions and achieve their goals. Health and wellness company Humantra's founder, Charlie Wright, acknowledged the year as the toughest of his career but remains optimistic, as his business has continued to expand.

For many Dubai-it Award winners, Dubai has been instrumental in their success from the beginning. Entrepreneurs were drawn to the city due to its ability to develop businesses quickly and provide a supportive ecosystem for innovation. Ahmed bin Sulayem, executive chairman and CEO of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), highlighted Dubai's proclivity for pursuing unconventional ideas, citing the emirate's transformation from a traditional gold souq to a major trading centre and hub for technology, gaming, artificial intelligence, and financial services.