Dubai Builder Podcast

Franzi Chopra
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  • Entrepreneurship
  • Weekly

You started building something in Dubai. Maybe you’ve just set up your company, landed your first clients, or you’re figuring out what comes next. Either way, you don’t have to work it all out alone. The Dubai Builder Podcast is for early-stage founders in Dubai and the UAE. In short, practical episodes, host Franzi sits down with people who are doing the work and asks them what actually helped: the Dubai communities they joined, the UAE programs that opened doors, the people who made a difference, and how they use AI in their day-to-day business (season 3).

  1. 6h ago

    From Architect to CEO Fighting Food Waste 🇦🇪 | RBT Collective | Hachem’s Dubai Builder Story

    In this episode of the Dubai Builder Podcast, we explore Hachem's journey from architecture to leading a major sustainability movement in the UAE as CEO of RBT Collective. Key takeaways: The Problem Is Design: Why food waste is fundamentally a design flaw in our current systems, and how RBT Collective is building the infrastructure to fix it.Business First, Sustainability Second: An insight for social entrepreneurs: to be truly sustainable and scalable, your mission must be built on a solid, profitable business model.Collaborative Impact: How RBT Collective works alongside the UAE government (including initiatives like Expo 2020 and Majra) to bridge national net-zero goals and private sector action.Innovative Solutions: From smart fridges in major malls to B2B surplus management, the technology and strategies driving the circular economy in Dubai.Entrepreneurial Resilience: Hachem's personal philosophy on persistence, pivoting, and the importance of a mission-driven team.Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a business leader looking to reduce your environmental footprint, or curious about the future of sustainability in the UAE, this conversation shows what it takes to build a business with purpose. Timestamps:00:00 Preview00:32 Meet Hachem Mahmoud, CEO of RBT Collective01:04 From Architecture to Food Rescue: The Expo 2020 Journey02:24 Building a Sustainable Business Model vs. Charity03:52 The Environmental Impact of Food Waste & UAE's Net Zero Goals06:09 Collaborating for Impact: The Story Behind RBT Collective07:41 Smart Fridges & Circular Economy in Dubai Malls08:36 Government Initiatives: Working with Expo 2020, Majra and More10:10 Tips for Social Entrepreneurs: How to Land Your First (Government) Client14:44 Community Question16:51 Where to Find RBT Collective & Final Advice for Builders UAE government programs mentioned: Expo City DubaiUAE Food BankMajra National CSR Fundne'ma, National Food Loss and Waste InitiativePartners: ReplateDubai HoldingConnect with Hachem and RBT Collective:Website | Instagram | RBT Collective on LinkedIn | Hachem on LinkedIn Connect with Franzi (Podcast Host):YouTube | Instagram | LinkedIn Are you building in Dubai? Follow the Dubai Builder Podcast for more stories from the founders and leaders shaping the future of the city.

  2. 1d ago

    The "1,000 Coffees" Challenge: How Corey Built a Network from Scratch in Dubai 🇦🇪

    Gems in this episode with Corey: 1. The "1,000 Coffees" ChallengeCorey's main strategy for establishing himself in Dubai is an ambitious goal: 1,000 coffee meetings by the end of 2026. At the time of recording (July 2026), he was already on coffee #57. He uses the challenge to learn where the most value is in the city and to find out how he can help others. 2. Tactical Networking Hacks The Voice Message Advantage: To cut through the noise of AI-generated outreach on LinkedIn, Corey sends personalized 15-20 second voice notes. This human touch converts significantly better than standard text DMs.Post-Event Momentum: It's not just about attending events (like Tech Tuesday), but posting about them afterwards. This follow-up led to a flood of DMs and more coffee invites.3. Navigating the Dubai EcosystemCorey shares his top 3 programs and spaces for builders: DFHQ (Dubai Founders HQ): His current favorite, for its high concentration of builders and energizing atmosphere.in5 and AstroLabs: Both recommended for anyone looking to build a UAE-based company.4. The Entrepreneurial MindsetCorey talks about the difficulty of leaving his comfortable life in the UK to put himself in an "uncomfortable" position to grow. His philosophy is simple: "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." He sees the move as a win regardless of the outcome, because of the connections and lessons learned. 5. What's Next?Corey is building a Creator Marketplace to help influencers monetize and manage their platforms. He promises to come back to the podcast in a few months with an update on his 1,000 coffees journey and his business. Key takeaway: For anyone new to Dubai, the secret is being "proactively uncomfortable": putting yourself in rooms, asking questions, and proving your value through authentic connection. Timestamps:00:00 The Origin of the "1,000 Coffees" Challenge00:23 Who Is Corey & What Is He Building?00:43 Arriving in Dubai: The First Three Weeks01:12 Corey's Entrepreneurial Background in the UK02:25 The Networking Strategy: Why 1,000 Coffees?03:44 The Value of "Tech Tuesday" & In-Person Events05:03 Overcoming the Discomfort of Posting Online05:34 LinkedIn Hacks: Using Voice Messages over AI06:43 The Power of Commenting to Build Connections07:49 Ranking Dubai Programs (DFHQ, in5, AstroLabs)09:45 Community Question: "The Hardest Decision"11:51 Final Advice for Dubai Newbies Connect with Corey:LinkedIn | Instagram | Link Collection Connect with Franzi (Podcast Host):YouTube | Instagram | LinkedIn Are you building in Dubai? Follow the Dubai Builder Podcast for more stories from the founders and leaders shaping the future of the city.

  3. 2d ago

    Building a Serbian Cultural Center in the UAE with Aleksandra | Insights on Identity & Resilience

    "Do not believe people when they tell you no." In this episode of the Dubai Builder Podcast, Franzi Chopra sits down with Dr. Aleksandra Brankovic, Head of Commercial & Project at Dubai World Trade Center (GITEX) and founder of Taraba, the first Serbian Cultural Center in the UAE. Aleksandra shares her 11-year journey in Dubai and how she bootstrapped a unique cultural institution while managing a high-stakes corporate career and motherhood. Whether you are building a business in Dubai or planning your move to the city, this conversation is packed with actionable insights on navigating government initiatives, the power of proactive networking, and why keeping your identity is key to global success. In this episode, we discuss: The "Fence" Philosophy: The meaning behind 'Taraba' and bridging tradition with the future.Opening Doors: How Aleksandra approached high-ranking officials to turn her doctoral thesis into reality.Navigating Dubai's Ecosystem: A guide to the Ministry of Tolerance, Dubai Chamber, and finding the right support for your sector.Bootstrapping vs. Support: Why clarity of purpose is more valuable than capital when starting out.The Reality of Moving to Dubai: Why a "site visit" is the most important step before relocating your life and business.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Dr. Aleksandra Brankovic04:22 The "Taraba" Philosophy: Identity & Curiosity06:17 Bootstrapping a Cultural Center in Dubai08:24 Finding the "Why" Behind the Project10:52 Navigating Dubai's Ministerial Support12:35 How to Proactively Open Doors in the UAE17:41 The Journey from Research to Reality19:54 Overcoming Rejection: Why "No" Isn't the End21:55 The Practicality of Moving to Dubai23:54 Defining Success as a Dubai Builder Resources mentioned in this episode: Serbian Cultural Center TarabaMinistry of Tolerance and CoexistenceDubai World Trade CenterGITEXSandooq Al Watan (Preserving Emirati Heritage)Dubai Chamber of CommerceConnect with Dr. Aleksandra Brankovic:LinkedIn | Instagram Connect with Franzi (Podcast Host):YouTube | Instagram | LinkedIn Are you building in Dubai? Follow the Dubai Builder Podcast for more stories from the founders and leaders shaping the future of the city.

  4. 4d ago

    Building a Global Franchise Business From Dubai | Harish Babla | CEO Pure Nectar Global

    After 40+ years in franchising, Harish Babla is building his next chapter in Dubai. 🇦🇪 As the CEO of Pure Nectar Global, he's taking a beverage brand from the Philippines to international markets, using Dubai as the headquarters for global franchise expansion. And here's something interesting: Harish uses AI tools like Grok and Claude to research new markets and plan business operations. One task that would have taken him two days was completed in just five minutes. In this episode of the Dubai Builder Podcast, host Franzi Chopra sits down with Harish to explore why he chose Dubai for global expansion, how technology is transforming franchising, and why entrepreneurship doesn't always mean starting from zero. 🎙️ What we cover: Why Harish chose Dubai as his global business headquartersHow Dubai's networks and founder ecosystem support entrepreneursLessons from 40+ years in franchisingHow AI and technology are changing franchise operationsUsing Grok and Claude to research international marketsWhy franchising can be an alternative to starting a business from scratch🇦🇪 Dubai Founder Platform Mentioned Ignyte by DIFC: ignyte.ae 🔗 Connect with Harish & Pure Nectar Global LinkedIn: Harish BablaWebsite: Pure Nectar GlobalInstagram: @purenectarjuiceX: @PureNectarJuice🔗 Connect with Franzi LinkedIn: Franzi ChopraInstagram: @franzichopraYouTube: Dubai Builder Podcast🎙️ About the Dubai Builder Podcast Conversations with people building businesses & communities in Dubai. 🇦🇪 Hosted by Franzi Chopra, the podcast explores the people, networks, government initiatives, and practical tools helping founders build and grow in Dubai. Short, insightful conversations for busy builders. Follow the podcast for new episodes and get inspired by the people shaping Dubai's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

  5. Oct 20

    How LinkedIn Opened New Doors in Dubai | From Car Wash to Marketing Agency

    From running car washes to building a marketing agency, Maria Pruna's entrepreneurial journey in Dubai took an unexpected turn! 🇦🇪 What started as sharing her business on LinkedIn opened doors to new clients, unexpected opportunities, and an entirely new business. In this episode of the Dubai Builder Podcast, Maria joins Franzi Chopra to share: 🎙️ How LinkedIn helped her turn visibility into business opportunities💡 Why her comments sometimes get 10x more impressions than her posts🦾 How she uses AI to grow her personal brand📈 Why evolving beyond what you're known for can be challenging A fun, practical conversation for founders and aspiring entrepreneurs building in Dubai! 🔗 Connect with Maria: LinkedIn 🎙️ Connect with Franzi:LinkedIn |Instagram |YouTube

  6. Oct 14

    Can a weekend side project built in Dubai compete with Perplexity?

    In this episode of the Dubai Builder Podcast, Alexander Shagov, a Dubai-based software engineer and creator of Pocket Search AI, shares how a project originally built to help his brother turned into an AI-powered deep research tool without a monthly subscription. Alex talks about building a product alongside his full-time job, navigating Dubai's startup ecosystem, finding his first B2B customer, and using AI to accelerate development. Key Takeaways: Start with a real problem: Pocket Search began as a solution for navigating complex architectural documents.Challenge the subscription model: Why Alex chose pay-per-report deep research instead of another monthly subscription.Build while employed: How a weekend experiment evolved into a real product.Find your first customer: The challenges of early-stage entrepreneurship in Dubai and the shift toward B2B.Use AI to build AI: How Alex uses Claude Code and Pocket Search in his development workflow.Create a personal second brain: Using voice recordings and AI to reflect, identify patterns, and learn from your own thinking.Whether you're building a side project, exploring AI for your business, or considering launching a startup in Dubai, this conversation offers practical insights into turning an idea into a product. Explore Pocket Search AI:https://pocketsearch.ai Connect with Alex:Alexander Shagov on LinkedIn Connect with Franzi Chopra:YouTube: @FranziChopraInstagram: @franzichopraLinkedIn: Franzi Chopra

  7. Oct 6

    How to Expand Your Business to Dubai (Without Moving There) 🇦🇪

    Can you expand your business into Dubai without moving your entire operation? In this episode, Bobby C. Wang, founder of Lumeric Professional Development Training, shares how he is building a presence in Dubai while continuing to run his main operations from Madrid. Instead of relocating his entire company, Bobby uses Dubai as a satellite office to build relationships, develop the UAE market, and create a local presence. We talk about what it really takes to enter the Dubai market, why networking and being physically present matter, how licensing and KHDA requirements shape his setup, and why a hybrid business model can work for founders who are not ready to relocate full-time. Key takeaways: • Why setting up a company is only one part of entering the UAE market• How Bobby built a Dubai network from almost zero• Why relationship building is critical when expanding internationally• Why Lumeric chose a mainland setup• How often Bobby recommends spending time in Dubai• How to think about Dubai as a satellite office for an existing business If you already run a business elsewhere and are considering expanding into Dubai, this episode offers a practical real-world example of how one founder is doing exactly that. Connect with Bobby:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbycwang/Lumeric Trading: https://www.lumerictrading.com/ Connect with Franzi:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FranziChopraInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/franzichopra/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franzi-chopra/

  8. Sep 29

    Moving to Dubai as a Founder: How Dan Planned His Leap Into Dubai’s Startup Ecosystem 🇦🇪

    What does it actually take to move to Dubai as a founder and set yourself up properly from day one? In this episode of the Dubai Builder Podcast, Dan Ng, founder of Social Tellers, shares how he left Singapore, took a leap of faith and moved to Dubai to build his own company. Rather than arriving without a plan, Dan spent weeks researching how to set up his business, comparing free zones, understanding visa options and calculating the real costs involved. That preparation eventually led him to discover in5, Dubai’s startup incubation ecosystem. Dan explains how the in5 application process works, what founders need to prepare before pitching their business, and how he presented his MVP to the panel. After preparing carefully and practicing his pitch, he received his acceptance within roughly two hours. We also talk about his wider journey into Dubai’s founder ecosystem, including his Golden Visa through Creators HQ, how he approaches building as a solo founder, and the role AI now plays in the way he operates his business. One of Dan’s most practical AI use cases is Claude. He shares how he uses it to help manage both personal and business finances, including tracking revenue, expenses and runway. At the same time, he explains why some things should never be automated. In this episode: Why Dan moved from Singapore to DubaiHow he researched his Dubai company setup before movingFree zones, licenses, visas and setup costsHow he discovered in5What founders need to prepare for the in5 applicationHow Dan pitched his MVP and got acceptedBuilding a network inside Dubai’s startup ecosystemHis Golden Visa through Creators HQUsing Claude as a solo founderAI for finance tracking, expenses and business runwayWhat Dan would never automateHis number-one advice before moving to Dubai Dan’s biggest message for founders considering Dubai is simple: plan first. Understand your costs, do your research, explore the ecosystem and make sure you have enough financial runway before making the move. If you are a founder, solopreneur or consultant thinking about moving to Dubai, setting up a company in the UAE, joining a startup incubator or simply understanding how the founder ecosystem works, this episode gives you a practical firsthand perspective. UAE ecosystem players mentioned:in5 Innovation CentersCreators HQ Connect with Dan:Social TellersDan Ng on LinkedIn Connect with Franzi Chopra:YouTubeInstagramLinkedIn Dubai Builder PodcastInsightful conversations with real builders in Dubai about the people, communities, programs and tools helping them build and grow.

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About

You started building something in Dubai. Maybe you’ve just set up your company, landed your first clients, or you’re figuring out what comes next. Either way, you don’t have to work it all out alone. The Dubai Builder Podcast is for early-stage founders in Dubai and the UAE. In short, practical episodes, host Franzi sits down with people who are doing the work and asks them what actually helped: the Dubai communities they joined, the UAE programs that opened doors, the people who made a difference, and how they use AI in their day-to-day business (season 3).

Information

  • Creator
    Franzi Chopra
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Franzi Chopra
  • Show Website
    Dubai Builder Podcast