Crossing the Desert: how businesses are setting and growing in the Emirates
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Crossing the Desert is the UAE's first reality show, where the central narrative follows an entrepreneur arriving in Dubai with the goal of launching a business. Each episode presents unique challenges and tests, creating a dynamic and unpredictable storyline. We ourselves do not know how our first season will end, because this is the real story of our host, and we experience it alongside him and our listeners!
As our host navigates the journey of making decisions for his own business, he also engages with ambitious entrepreneurs who have already succeeded in Dubai with their small businesses. These conversations highlight how they are changing the world step by step, inspiring others to pursue their dreams.
Podcast is hosted by Fortis: https://fortis.world a company that assists entrepreneurs in starting their businesses, boosting sales, and building relationships with their customers.
Production by Hatch Up podcast studio: https://hatchupstudio.com
Ambitious dreamers flock to the Emirates to offer the best of what they have — their ideas, their experience, their hard work — and gradually, they change the world. In our podcast, you'll discover how they conduct their business and what drives them. We are grateful to our heroes — all those who welcomed us into their lives, if only for a few hours.
To record this podcast, we ventured into houses tucked away beneath tree canopies and into industrial zones, secluded from the world by towering fences. We listened to the multilingual chatter in Deira's bazaars, meandered through Satwa's maze of workshops, and captured the cries of seagulls in Jebel. We savored labneh cakes and soaked up the sun on Kite Beach. Everywhere we went, we encountered remarkable, enterprising individuals from all corners of the globe: India, Pakistan, Palestine, Egypt, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Russia.
Even though we all speak different languages, we always manage to find a common one.
This story is just beginning — it's hard to imagine what else we have to discover, who we'll encounter along the way. We hope that you'll journey with us on this path.
As our host navigates the journey of making decisions for his own business, he also engages with ambitious entrepreneurs who have already succeeded in Dubai with their small businesses. These conversations highlight how they are changing the world step by step, inspiring others to pursue their dreams.
Podcast is hosted by Fortis: https://fortis.world a company that assists entrepreneurs in starting their businesses, boosting sales, and building relationships with their customers.
Production by Hatch Up podcast studio: https://hatchupstudio.com
Ambitious dreamers flock to the Emirates to offer the best of what they have — their ideas, their experience, their hard work — and gradually, they change the world. In our podcast, you'll discover how they conduct their business and what drives them. We are grateful to our heroes — all those who welcomed us into their lives, if only for a few hours.
To record this podcast, we ventured into houses tucked away beneath tree canopies and into industrial zones, secluded from the world by towering fences. We listened to the multilingual chatter in Deira's bazaars, meandered through Satwa's maze of workshops, and captured the cries of seagulls in Jebel. We savored labneh cakes and soaked up the sun on Kite Beach. Everywhere we went, we encountered remarkable, enterprising individuals from all corners of the globe: India, Pakistan, Palestine, Egypt, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Russia.
Even though we all speak different languages, we always manage to find a common one.
This story is just beginning — it's hard to imagine what else we have to discover, who we'll encounter along the way. We hope that you'll journey with us on this path.
15 Episodes
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1Welcome to “Crossing the Desert” podcast by Fortis. Here we tell stories of how businesses are setting and growing in the Emirates.
You are gonna listen to Isaac's story; when he first came to Dubai he was impressed with it’s business spirit and huge projects. But he believes it’s not only about it. Ambitious dreamers come to Emirates to bring here the best they have – their ideas, their experience, their hard work – and they change the world step by step. In the following episode, you’ll discover how they make their business and what drives them.
Isaac is also one of them, his story is just about to begin, and we have no idea what will happen next week - this story will unfold before your eyes.
If you don’t want to miss the first episode, follow our podcast or add it to your favorites.
See you!
The podcast is hosted by Fortis a company that assists entrepreneurs in starting their businesses, boosting sales, and building relationships with their customers.
Production by Hatch Up podcast studio Showrunners — Alexandra Volkova, Elena Volkova Host — Isaac DaloninProducers — Albert Olkhovikov, Darya Sannikova Editors — Elena Volkova, Livia StevauxSound Engineer — Mikhail Vasilev History consultant — Alyona Podnebennaya Composer — Ksenia Kazantseva Cover Illustrator — Dina Sami
“Our focus is always that that thing that will happen, but there it's just an imagination. You need to focus on today”. I am Isaac, an entrepreneur who just moved to Dubai. In this episode, I interview Simy, sustainable fashion designer and founder of the brand Sustainably U. She’ll tell you why every business should be sustainable, and how the ideas that led to the creation of her brand are rooted in generations of her family. This conversation in Simy’s beautiful garden has changed my life.
To see Simy's luxary and sustainable fashion visit www.sustainablyu.com/ or Instagram @sustainably.uThis podcast is presented by Fortis: https://fortis.world/
We offer you POS and CRM solutions that we made specially for small business needs. It’s easy to start with, it combines everything you need in a small device so you save precious space, and it helps to work with clients personally – the way only small businesses can.
Our social networks:YouTubeLinkedinFacebookX (Twitter)Instagram
Production by Hatch Up podcast studio Showrunners — Alexandra Volkova, Elena VolkovaHost — Isaac DaloninEditors — Elena Volkova, Livia StevauxProducer — Albert OlkhovikovSound Engineer — Mikhail VasilevComposer — Ksenia KazantsevaCover Illustrator — Dina Sami
“If you respect city it respects you back” In this episode, Isaac interviews Danny, founder of the DK Hot Sause brand, and his wife Maria. Denny will tell you how he opened a business after working at Jimmy Choo and Armani, what working on an international cruise ship taught him, and how Covid had changed his life. Maria will tell how she created a visual for the brand and what she advises for SMM. In this episode, good friendship brings investors, the best design comes from someone who understands you, and hard work and discretion pays off.
All the sauces, amazing recipes, and the brand visuals we talked about in this episode are on the site and Instagram
This podcast is presented by Fortis: https://fortis.world/
We offer you POS and CRM solutions that we made specially for small business needs. It’s easy to start with, it combines everything you need in a small device so you save precious space, and it helps to work with clients personally – the way only small businesses can.
Our social networks:
YouTubeLinkedinFacebookX (Twitter)Instagram
Production by Hatch Up podcasts Showrunners — Alexandra Volkova, Elena VolkovaHost — Isaac DaloninEditor — Alexandra VolkovaProducer — Albert OlkhovikovSound Engineer — Mikhail VasilevComposer — Ksenia KazantsevaCover Illustrator — Dina Sami
“So I sad: this is not your design, this can’t be right. And the guy said: what are you going to do about it?”
I am Isaac, an entrepreneur who just moved to Dubai. In this episode, I interview Omar and Dina, the owners of the brand Tica’s . They will tell you what happened when they found their products being copied and the innovative business idea that emerged after they had to shut their shop for three weeks.Our conversation in Dubai’s Art District was the only good thing that happened to me this week — and changed my approach to challenges completely!Don’t miss this inspiring story of resilience and creativity.To see Tikas beautiful products, visit www.thenestegypt.com/collections/ticas and follow them on Instagram @ticasegypt
The podcast is brought to you by Fortis, the omnichannel platform that integrates POS, CRM, orders, payments, and loyalty programs for small and medium-sized businesses.
Our social networks:YouTubeLinkedinFacebookX (Twitter)Instagram
Production by Hatch Up podcast studio Showrunners — Alexandra Volkova, Elena VolkovaHost — Isaac DaloninEditors — Elena Volkova, Livia StevauxProducer — Albert OlkhovikovHistory consultant – Alyona PodnebennayaSound Engineer — Mikhail VasilevComposer — Ksenia KazantsevaCover Illustrator — Dina Sami
In the fourth episode of Fortis’s Crossing The Desert, Isaac is joined by Levant's Wajda Khalidi.
Wajda shares her journey of balancing a demanding office career while slowly building her business step by step. She discusses the importance of patience and persistence, the challenges of maintaining product quality, and how she turned personal challenges into opportunities. Tune in to learn how you can successfully manage a side business without sacrificing your day job.
If you want to see the beautiful bright blue bottles we talk about in the episode, or try delicious Palestinian products – visit Levant Food
This podcast is presented by Fortis: https://fortis.world/
We offer you POS and CRM solutions that we made specially for small business needs. It’s easy to start with, it combines everything you need in a small device so you save precious space, and it helps to work with clients personally – the way only small businesses can.
Our social networks:
YouTubeLinkedinFacebookX (Twitter)Instagram
Production by Hatch Up podcast studio Showrunners — Alexandra Volkova, Elena VolkovaHost — Isaac DaloninProducer — Albert OlkhovikovEditor — Elena VolkovaHistory consultant — Alyona PodnebennayaSound Engineer — Mikhail VasilevComposer — Ksenia KazantsevaCover Illustrator — Dina Sami
There was a time when Hannah’s business had three directions at once: furniture production, a clothing brand for children, and events for children and their moms. And all of it while being a mom to three kids. It’d been too much so she had to prioritize and rebuild her business. Now her family and her business are growing together in synergy.If you want to join Hanna’s weekly play sessions for children and social time for moms visit her brand Mumz and Munchkinz.
This podcast is presented by Fortis: https://fortis.world/
We offer you POS and CRM solutions that we made specially for small business needs. It’s easy to start with, it combines everything you need in a small device so you save precious space, and it helps to work with clients personally – the way only small businesses can.
Our social networks:
YouTubeLinkedinFacebookX (Twitter)Instagram
Production by Hatch Up podcasts Showrunners — Alexandra Volkova, Elena VolkovaHost — Isaac DaloninProducer — Darya SannikovaEditors — Alexandra Volkova, Elena VolkovaHistory consultant — Alyona PodnebennayaSound Engineer — Mikhail VasilevComposer — Ksenia KazantsevaCover Illustrator — Dina Sami
Lidia has developed her own method of teaching Arabic. It turned out to be so good that native-speaking Arab teachers invited her to teach it to them, and the students began to speak after the third lesson.
In this episode, Lidia shares insights into transforming her teaching method into a thriving business, detailing her processes for hiring, onboarding, and supervising teachers, attracting students, and maintaining high retention rates.
To start speaking Arabic yourself, join the Arabiatee school.
This podcast is presented by FortisWe offer you POS and CRM solutions that we made specially for small business needs. It’s easy to start with, it combines everything you need in a small device so you save precious space, and it helps to work with clients personally – the way only small businesses can.
Our social networks:YouTubeLinkedinFacebookX (Twitter)Instagram
Production by Hatch Up PodcastsShowrunners — Alexandra Volkova, Elena VolkovaHost — Isaac DaloninProducer — Darya SannikovaEditors — Alexandra Volkova, Elena VolkovaHistory consultant — Alyona PodnebennayaSound Engineer — Mikhail VasilevComposer — Ksenia KazantsevaCover Illustrator — Dina Sami
Budget numbers, big sales that can ruin a business, story about scummers, and tips on how to find suppliers – in this episode Isaac talks to Aisha Chishti. Aisha runs Skin Concept, a brand of handcrafted self-care products. It is very important for Aisha that everything is made by hand and from scratch, all products are sustainable and at the same time very bright and beautiful. Her soaps and shampoos look like cupcakes and ice cream. Aisha says she is a product person. But Aisha is also good at planning a strategy. In this episode, she shares how she built a profitable business from her passion.
Aisha’s yummy and all natural soaps, shampoo’s, skin care and other things you can find on the website
This podcast is presented by FortisWe offer you POS and CRM solutions that we made specially for small business needs. It’s easy to start with, it combines everything you need in a small device so you save precious space, and it helps to work with clients personally – the way only small businesses can.
Our social networks:YouTubeLinkedinFacebookX (Twitter)Instagram
Production by Hatch Up PodcastsShowrunners — Alexandra Volkova, Elena VolkovaHost — Isaac DaloninProducer — Darya SannikovaEditors — Alexandra Volkova, Elena VolkovaHistory consultant — Alyona PodnebennayaSound Engineer — Mikhail VasilevComposer — Ksenia KazantsevaCover Illustrator — Dina Sami
In this episode, Isaac discovers that to own a home care products brand, you don’t need your own production, equipment, or even your own formulas. In the modern world, you can own a restaurant without having a kitchen or a dining space. You can own a bakery without buying flour or hiring bakers.Isaac talks to Simona Sotirovska. She and her partner Ruby run a brand of non-toxic, eco-friendly, and refillable home care products – Botanist. They started production in the kitchen and found a way to reach a large volume of production while maintaining the uniqueness and high quality of their products.You can find all of Botanist’s safe, natural, and nice-smelling home care products here: https://www.thebotanistdubai.com/This podcast is presented by FortisWe offer you POS and CRM solutions that we made specially for small business needs. It’s easy to start with, it combines everything you need in a small device so you save precious space, and it helps to work with clients personally – the way only small businesses can. Our social networks:YouTubeLinkedinFacebookX (Twitter)InstagramProduction by Hatch Up PodcastsShowrunners — Alexandra Volkova, Elena VolkovaHost — Isaac DaloninProducer — Darya SannikovaEditor — Elena VolkovaSound Engineer — Mikhail VasilevComposer — Ksenia KazantsevaCover Illustrator — Dina Sami
Get ready for another thrilling journey in Season 2 of Crossing the Desert! This time, our host isn’t just finding his footing—he’s making bold moves, taking bigger risks, and facing tougher challenges as he continues his mission to launch a business in Dubai. With new obstacles around every corner, Season 2 dives deeper into the highs and lows of entrepreneurship in the UAE. Listen in as entrepreneurs share their stories, their struggles, and the secrets behind their success. Each episode is packed with real-time decisions, unexpected twists, and powerful insights that will leave you on the edge of your seat.This podcast is presented by FortisWe offer you POS and CRM solutions that we made specially for small business needs. It’s easy to start with, it combines everything you need in a small device so you save precious space, and it helps to work with clients personally – the way only small businesses can. Our social networks:YouTubeLinkedinFacebookX (Twitter)InstagramProduction by Hatch Up PodcastsShowrunners — Alexandra Volkova, Elena VolkovaHost — Isaac DaloninProducer — Darya SannikovaEditors — Alexandra Volkova, Elena VolkovaHistory consultant — Alyona PodnebennayaSound Engineer and composer— Ksenia KazantsevaCover Illustrator — Dina Sami
You'll hear two stories. Daniel van Dooren and his partner Scott Chambers First had founded their surfing school on an empty market: no competitors, small community of surfers – and nobody else knew you could surf in Dubai. Galina Volgach started a real estate agency — to compete with thousand agencies in Dubai.In their stories businesses from being banned get to Dubai's advertising banners. They save drowning people, find sourse of avaliable state data that nobody else uses, and make useful connections right on the podcast.Daniel's surfing school (also shop and Single Fin cafe) — Surf House DubaiGalina's real estate agency — YOLO Real EstateThis podcast is presented by FortisWe offer you POS and CRM solutions that we made specially for small business needs. It’s easy to start with, it combines everything you need in a small device so you save precious space, and it helps to work with clients personally – the way only small businesses can. Our social networks:YouTubeLinkedinFacebookX (Twitter)InstagramProduction by Hatch Up PodcastsShowrunners&editors — Alexandra Volkova, Elena VolkovaHost — Isaac DaloninProducer — Darya SannikovaSound designer&composer – Ksenia KazantsevaCover Illustrator — Dina Sami
In this episode, a student project evolves into a lifelong endeavor. Stickers are revealed to have a thousand-year history. Despite attacks from critics, mutual understanding prevails. And karak flows through our veins.This time, Isaac interviews Raghad Murad, the founder of the Waggish sticker and merch brand. They discuss cultural references, Arab identity, suppliers, collaborations, and everything that makes Waggish a business.Waggish stickers are so sticky that they even ended up on the cover of this episode. Check it out!All the cool speakers, merch, and videos from that party are on Waggish's Instagram.This podcast is presented by FortisWe offer you POS and CRM solutions that we made specially for small business needs. It’s easy to start with, it combines everything you need in a small device so you save precious space, and it helps to work with clients personally – the way only small businesses can. Our social networks:YouTubeLinkedinFacebookX (Twitter)InstagramProduction by Hatch Up PodcastsShowrunners&editors — Alexandra Volkova, Elena VolkovaHost — Isaac DaloninProducer — Darya SannikovaHistory consultant — Alyona PodnebennayaSound designer&composer – Ksenia KazantsevaCover Illustrator — Dina Sami
In this episode, entrepreneurs launch their business based on precise calculations. They go all-in: putting in all their savings, taking out loans, selling their car — all to open a great spot and spend everything in 3 months. Will they manage to turn a profit within those three months?The hero of this episode is Rakesh Jain, the founder of Hive Board Game Cafe. He shares his calculations: how to increase ROI, how to calculate discounts, how to reduce food wastage (to just 5%!), and what it costs to create an Instagram-worthy space in Dubai.Check them out on Instagram at Hive Board Game Cafe: https://www.instagram.com/hiveboardgamecafe/This podcast is presented by FortisWe offer you POS and CRM solutions that we made specially for small business needs. It’s easy to start with, it combines everything you need in a small device so you save precious space, and it helps to work with clients personally – the way only small businesses can. Our social networks:YouTubeLinkedinFacebookX (Twitter)InstagramProduction by Hatch Up PodcastsShowrunners&editors — Alexandra Volkova, Elena VolkovaHost — Isaac DaloninFortis Consultant — Jean-Philippe SerhalProducer — Darya SannikovaHistory consultant — Alyona PodnebennayaSound designer&composer – Ksenia KazantsevaCover Illustrator — Dina Sami
If you’ve ever been served a drink adorned with a beautiful flower, there’s a good chance it came from Greeneration’s vertical farm. This farm specializes in growing microgreens and edible flowers for high-end restaurants. In this episode, we’re joined by its founder, Roman, and Daria, the Vice President of Growth & Product. They share insights on finding the ideal location for a farm, the risks of choosing the wrong landlord, how a single flower can multiply revenue, and how to attract high-quality clients by breaking all the rules.Their clients are high-end restaurant chefs—a very narrow audience with demanding schedules and exacting standards, competing with hundreds of other suppliers for their attention. Roman and Daria explain how, within just a few months, they managed to win an impressive roster of clients.On Greeneration’s Instagram, you’ll find the farm itself, its edible flowers and microgreens, and the stunning dishes created with them.This podcast is presented by FortisWe offer you POS and CRM solutions that we made specially for small business needs. It’s easy to start with, it combines everything you need in a small device so you save precious space, and it helps to work with clients personally – the way only small businesses can. Our social networks:YouTubeLinkedinFacebookX (Twitter)InstagramProduction by Hatch Up PodcastsShowrunners&editors — Alexandra Volkova, Elena VolkovaHost — Isaac DaloninFortis Consultant — Jean-Philippe SerhalProducer — Darya SannikovaHistory consultant — Alyona PodnebennayaSound designer&composer – Ksenia KazantsevaCover Illustrator — Dina Sami
Our guest’s business idea became so popular that she patented its name. Now, no one else in the Emirates can call a quick repair service “Quick Fix.”In this episode, Isaac talks with Hamda, founder of the interior design studio Dress My Room. She started by turning her sister’s talent for interior design into a profitable business. Hamda shares how she optimized every hour of her team’s workday, kept competitors from copying her ideas, and why her clients approve designs and sign contracts within three days—even though she has never visited the site. Her clients receive strict renovation timelines and fixed budgets that include absolutely everything—clients won’t pay a single extra fil. In fact, some clients even get part of their budget back. Hamda reveals how she built a company capable of making and keeping such promises.Check out the interiors created by Dress My Room on their Instagram pageThis podcast is presented by FortisWe offer you POS and CRM solutions that we made specially for small business needs. It’s easy to start with, it combines everything you need in a small device so you save precious space, and it helps to work with clients personally – the way only small businesses can. Our social networks:YouTubeLinkedinFacebookX (Twitter)InstagramProduction by Hatch Up PodcastsShowrunners&editors — Alexandra Volkova, Elena VolkovaHost — Isaac DaloninFortis Consultant — Jean-Philippe SerhalProducer — Darya SannikovaHistory consultant — Alyona PodnebennayaSound designer – Marion TerenzComposer – Ksenia KazantsevaCover Illustrator — Dina Sami
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