SEF Backstage Pass

Every great business starts with a problem. For Yahya Kabbara, that problem was access — and turning something as ordinary as a gate pass into a powerful business model. In this episode, Yahya shares how MyGatePass identified a hidden need, built trust in a new service, and scaled from an overlooked concept into a growing business. 🎧 Watch the full episode here now on our Youtube channel and subs...

From friendship to fashion — how did Hala Al Gergawi and Soha Mikati turn a shared vision into a thriving brand? In this episode of the SEF Backstage Pass Podcast, Hala Al Gergawi and Soha Mikati share the story of how they built a business rooted in culture, style, and purpose. They open up about balancing friendship and entrepreneurship, navigating challenges in the fashion industry, and staying...

In this episode, Rhea and Nikita Patel share the journey of creating The Bureau — a women-focused co-working space designed to inspire, empower, and connect. From spotting a market gap to designing spaces where women thrive, they talk about challenges, successes, and what it takes to grow a purpose-driven business. 🎧 Watch the full episode now on our Youtube channel and discover how The Bureau is...

What happens when you let go of control, follow intuition, and build a life around purpose instead of profit? In this episode, futurist and innovation thinker Niki Skene breaks down his unconventional approach to business, creativity, and life. From working with bold ideas to launching inspiration tours across the world — he challenges traditional models and invites us to think differently about s...

Dr. Hamad Alawar was pursuing his PhD in engineering when a late-night craving turned into a business idea. What started as a side hustle became High Joint — one of Dubai’s most beloved homegrown burger brands. In this episode, he breaks down what it means to take risks, start scrappy, and grow a brand that stays true to its identity. From flipping burgers to leading a creative food movement — thi...

From a PhD at Cambridge to co-founding a €11M AI startup, Dr. Ahmed Ghanim Al-Ali shares what it takes to build real-world impact through technology. In this episode, he breaks down the mindset behind great tech founders, the reality of competing with giants like OpenAI, and why persistence is your sharpest edge in fast-evolving industries. Whether you’re a developer, founder, or future entreprene...

🎙 A powerful episode with Mostafa Salameh, world-renowned adventurer, humanitarian, and motivational speaker. From summiting Mount Everest to inspiring thousands around the world, Mostafa shares his journey of faith, purpose, and resilience. This conversation dives into the mindset required to face life’s toughest challenges and emerge stronger. 💡 A must-watch for anyone seeking clarity, strength...

Meet Suaad Al Shamsi, the UAE’s first female aircraft engineer. In this episode, she shares how a childhood fascination with airplanes turned into a groundbreaking career. From overcoming stereotypes in a male-dominated industry to mentoring young women in aviation and STEM, Suaad reflects on the courage, clarity, and resilience it takes to lead with purpose — both in the hangar and in life. 🎧 Th...

How did FREEJ — a show that redefined animation in the Arab world and gave a voice to Emirati identity — become one of the region’s most iconic cultural creations? In this episode, Mohammed Saeed Harib, creator of FREEJ, SIRAJ, and director of Rashid & Rajab, shares his journey from sketching characters in university to launching Lammtara, the studio behind the UAE’s first animated series. Thi...

What does it take to go from earning AED 800 as a barista to becoming the founder of a specialty coffee empire? ☕ Maria Eduarda Becker Pavani, founder of Tres Marias Coffee Company, shares her inspiring journey of entrepreneurship, resilience, and innovation. 🎧 Whether you're a coffee lover, entrepreneur, or dreamer — this episode will move you. 🔗 Watch till the end for Maria’s powerful me...

How does a regional super app evolve into an everything app — and what does that mean for AI, data, and product design? In this episode, Mohamad Charafeddine shares the inside story of Careem’s next chapter: how they’re building for convenience, simplifying experiences, and integrating AI with purpose. 🎧 This episode was produced in partnership with Poddster. 📍 Watch the full episode now and don...

In this episode of SEF Backstage Pass Podcast — in partnership with Poddster — Canadian band Music Travel Love share their story of independence, passion, and building a global community through heartfelt music. From walking away from major labels to building a lifestyle rooted in music, travel, and love, this conversation is packed with wisdom for creators, entrepreneurs, and anyone daring to go...

Traditional education was designed for factory workers — not for a world shaped by AI. In this episode, Dr Abdul Quddus Mohammed shares how Thrive AI is helping Gen Z build mindset, resilience, and purpose in an era of rapid change. 🎧 This episode was produced in partnership with Poddster. 📍 Watch the full episode and let us know your thoughts in the comments. #SEFBackstagePass #AbdulQuddusMoham...

In this episode of SEF Backstage Pass, we dive into the journey of Hadil El Khatib, founder of The Broth Lab, The Roost Rotisserie, and Catcha Matcha. Hadil opens up about how she built three purpose-driven F&B brands, the deep personal motivations behind each, and the emotional (and financial) realities of being a founder. From gut health to community-building, this conversation explores what...

In this episode of SEF Backstage Pass, we sit down with Mazen Kanaan, the CEO and co-founder of House of Pops — the region’s standout clean-label popsicle brand. Mazen opens up about how they launched the brand with one cart, stayed true to their sustainability values, and built a scalable business with purpose at its core. From the early pivots and lean strategies to the emotional moments of bran...

في هذه الحلقة من SEF Backstage Pass، نلتقي بالمصمم الإماراتي الرائد هشام المظلوم، ونتعمّق معه في رحلته في عالم التصميم، وقصة بناء مشروع ديواني الذي دمج فيه فن الخط العربي مع العمارة المعاصرة. يتحدث هشام عن التحديات، البدايات، والدروس التي تعلّمها خلال تصميم منزل تحوّل إلى أيقونة معمارية حصدت جوائز عالمية، وكيف يمكن للفن أن يكون مهنة، وصوت ثقافي عالمي. 📍 هذه الحلقة من إنتاج مشترك بين SEF وPoddster...

🎧 From launching the world’s first naming rights fuel station to revolutionizing loyalty in fuel retail—Ali Bin Zayed shares how Emarat is leading innovation while staying rooted in community impact. 🎙️ In partnership with Poddster. #AliBinZayed #SEF2025 #SEFBackstagePass #SEFPodcast #VisionaryLeadership #UAEEntrepreneurs #MENAInnovation #FounderStories #BusinessLeadership #DrivingChange #Strateg...

🎧 From building a bridge between startup founders and investors to championing data access and radical honesty—Erika Masako Welch shares how Lucidity Insights is transforming how startups in emerging markets grow, pitch, and lead with purpose. 🎙️ This episode was produced in partnership with Poddster. #SEFBackstagePass #LucidityInsights #StartupFunding #RadicalHonesty #FounderJourney #MENAStartup...

كيف ممكن للفن يكون وسيلة لريادة الأعمال؟ وكيف تتحول العدسة والخط العربي إلى أدوات لحفظ الإرث وصناعة المستقبل؟ في هذه الحلقة الملهمة، ينضم إلينا الفنان والمصور والخطاط عبدالله الأستاذ ليروي كيف استطاع أن يوثّق التغير العمراني والثقافي في خورفكان بعدسة الكاميرا، ويبتكر أساليب فنية معاصرة تمزج بين الخط العربي والتصوير. ويشاركنا برؤيته حول كيف يمكن للفنان أن يكون رائد أعمال، ويصنع تأثيراً حقيقياً في م...

في هذه الحلقة الملهمة من بودكاست SEF Backstage Pass، نستضيف كابتن سحر راستي – مؤسسة والرئيس التنفيذي لـ SJR GROUP وأول قبطانة إماراتية 🇦🇪 من كسر الصور النمطية، إلى قيادة السفن، وتأسيس شركة متخصصة بالمجال البحري… رحلة استثنائية مليئة بالشغف والإصرار. 📍 هذه الحلقة من بودكاست SEF Backstage Pass، بالتعاون مع Poddster. 🎧 تابعوا القصة الكاملة على يوتيوب وشاركوها مع من يؤمن بأن لا مستحيل في الإمارات. #...

The Future of Crypto in the Gulf — with H.E. Mohammed Al Hakim In this episode of the SEF Backstage Pass Podcast, H.E. Mohammed Al Hakim — President of Crypto.com for the GCC and Turkey — shares his journey, insights into the future of crypto, and what’s next for blockchain innovation in the region. Tune in for valuable takeaways on leadership, tech, and growth. 🎙 This episode is part of the SEF B...

How do you build a brand from scratch—and turn it into a global name in just two years? In this inspiring episode of the SEF Backstage Pass Podcast, Brooke Bellamy, founder of Brookie, shares how she built her dessert brand with bold vision, relentless drive, and a deep love for baking. From personal turning points to plans for expansion in the UAE, Brooke’s journey is a lesson in clarity, courage...

Step behind the scenes at the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival with Ammar Kandil, Co-founder of YES Theory. In this episode, Ammar shares the untold story of how growing up in a "shell of a dream" inspired him to build a thousand-year project rooted in discomfort, community, and authentic human connection. From his early days in Sadat City, Egypt, to launching global adventures with YES...

What if everything you believed about motivation and confidence was wrong? In this powerful conversation, performance strategist and global keynote speaker Shade Zahrai breaks down the psychology behind high performance—why confidence comes after action, how to train your discipline muscle, and the mindset shifts that top performers use to stay consistent and calm under pressure. This episode is a...

From Silicon Valley to StarzPlay. Maaz Sheikh shares how he left a stable career at 45 to build the MENA region’s top streaming platform. A journey fueled by purpose, family legacy, and learning on the job as a first-time CEO. 🎧 Dive into the full conversation on our podcast — available now on YouTube & your favorite platforms. Brought to you by the SEF Backstage Pass Podcast — produced in co...