Crossing the Desert: how businesses are setting and growing in the Emirates

Hosted by Fortis

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Dec 2024

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About the show

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.

Listen to episodes

18 recent

December 26, 202435 min

Ep16 – How to Build Relationships with Suppliers – Crossing the Desert – Fortis

“Australians have a way of taking a trend and making it their own. And they make it a little bit more fun, a little bit more quirky.”In this episode, Georgina Trigg shares the story of starting her business in a Dubai that many of us wouldn’t recognize today—a city that was growing so fast, maps couldn’t keep up. Back then, there were no craft coffee shops or boutique designer stores. It was in this version of Dubai that Georgina managed to create a small haven of Australian design and lifestyle, bringing a piece of her home to a rapidly evolving city.You can discover a slice of Australian soul on the Georges of Dubai website.There was a time when this haven was at risk of disappearing. But when you love what you do and know how to do it, you don’t let go so easily. Isaac and Georgina reflect on what they’ve achieved over the past year and share their hopes for the future.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 SannikovaSound designer and Composer – Ksenia KazantsevaCover Illustrator — Dina Sami

December 12, 202446 min

Ep15 – How to Build a Business That Fits Your Personality – Crossing the Desert – Fortis

Sometimes life falls apart all at once: a business partnership doesn’t work out, the products don’t arrive from production on the day of your store’s grand opening, and you reach a breaking point where you feel like grabbing a bat and smashing everything around you. And yet, all of this can become the foundation of a successful business.In this episode, Isaac interviews Ibrahim Abudyak, the founder and creative director of Jokes Aside and co-founder and creative director of Smash Room.Discover the bold street style that Ibrahim celebrates through his brand, Jokes Aside. And if you’re looking to release some emotions, check out Smash Room!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 SannikovaSound designer and Composer – Ksenia KazantsevaCover Illustrator — Dina Sami

November 28, 202428 min

Ep14 – How to Stand Out Among Tens of Thousands of Competitors – Crossing the Desert – Fortis

“Every mom in Dubai knows him”—that’s how entrepreneur Galina introduced Isaac to Pavel. Pavel is the founder of Skill Kid, a school offering English classes and educational events for children. He came up with an approach that makes his school stand out from the rest.In this episode, inspired by Pavel’s example, Isaac restructures his own online English school. He devises a way to generate UGC (user-generated content) from his students, uncovers the ruthless side of his friends, and calculates the financial results.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 SannikovaSound designer and Composer – Ksenia KazantsevaCover Illustrator — Dina Sami

November 14, 202442 min

Ep13 – How to Find the Biggest Clients’ Need – Crossing the Desert – Fortis

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

October 31, 202445 min

Ep12 – How to Win Clients from a Niche, Demanding Audience – Crossing the Desert – Fortis

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

October 17, 202443 min

Ep11 – How to increase your profit making data based decisions – Crossing the Desert – Fortis

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

October 3, 202437 min

Ep10 – How to Build a Business with Arab Identity – Crossing the Desert – Fortis

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

September 19, 202448 min

Ep9 – How to win the competition – Crossing the Desert – Fortis

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

September 10, 20241 min

Season 2 – Trailer – Crossing the Desert

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

August 1, 202433 min

Ep8 – How to outsource manufacturing – With Botanist’s Simona Sotirovska – Crossing the Desert – Fortis

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