Becoming a self-made millionaire in the UAE isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible either. Take Manu Jeswani, who started with just Dh900 and worked his way up from humble beginnings. Some started with small savings, others with none at all.
What they all share is the ability to build from the ground up. These aren’t stories of overnight success or sudden fame. They’re about steady progress, smart choices, and the kind of persistence that turns ordinary beginnings into something remarkable!
1. Manu Jeswani
Before the mansion and the mega-millions, Manu Jeswani was sharing a room. He came to Bahrain with Dh900, then moved to Dubai in 1990 and opened the first Shoe Mart under the Landmark Group.
His success came gradually, built over decades of consistent work. Even now, with a Dh170 million mansion complete with a private nightclub, he credits his middle-class upbringing and his wife’s steady presence for keeping him grounded.
2. Amit Sethi
Amit Sethi started with a box of snacks and a spot on Deira Street. He sold what he could, saved what he earned, and never stopped thinking one step ahead. Coming from humble beginnings, he faced numerous challenges, including sending his family back to India to manage his growing business.
In 2005, he took a leap by starting an import-export business in the UAE, Asia & Africa General Trading. Despite a slow start, Sethi’s persistence paid off, and his business grew. Today, he’s a successful businessman with a global reach, proving that resilience and hard work can lead to transformation.
3. Mohammad Zahid
At 25, Mohammad Zahid’s journey has been shaped by both success and setbacks. After his father lost the family business, Zahid found himself starting over.
Despite this setback, he launched My Ride.ae in 2018, a luxury car rental service. Today, Zahid leads three companies in the UAE, with a combined value of Dh12 million, demonstrating that even in the face of loss, it’s possible to rebuild and succeed.
4. Ghanshyam Pagarani
Ghanshyam Pagarani went from a janitor to a successful businessman. Arriving in Dubai in 1967, he worked for a car and bike shop, taking on multiple jobs to support his family.
After a few issues like being cheated by a business partner, Pagarani eventually founded his own company, Yogi Group, which now includes multiple sectors such as real estate, construction, and imports and exports.
5. Nicole Rodrigues
Nicole Rodrigues, CEO of Diva Group, which spans a modelling agency, real estate, and consulting services, moved to Dubai over two decades ago. She started her entrepreneurial journey by founding Diva Modelling Agency, aiming to professionalize model scouting in the region.
With perseverance and a clear vision, she expanded into new industries, earning her first million through hard work and strategic reinvestment. Now known as the Queen of the Palm, Rodrigues continues to build her business empire with a keen focus on managing finances.
Building Success From the Ground Up
Each story here is different, but they all show what it looks like to begin with very little and still build something meaningful. These aren’t fairy tales.
They’re real people, working through real struggles, and finding their way. And that’s what makes their success not just impressive, but deeply human!
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