This is a story of entrepreneurial success but at the same time a story of determination and heart as well, of Chaudary Abdul Hameed born in Wazirabad, Punjab Pakistan who arrived close to 50 years ago in the UAE with nothing more than hope and the will to work hard. Starting as a labourer earning less than AED 300 a month, Chaudary Sahib embraced the opportunities that Dubai presented, ultimately transforming his life and the lives of countless others through his work and philanthropy.

Ravi Restaurant, established more than 30 years ago, is a beloved institution in Dubai’s vibrant food landscape. Specializing in Mughlai and Pakistani cuisine, the restaurant stands as a melting pot of cultures-as people across varying walks of life visit here. Whether it is homely biryani or chicken korma, each dish at Ravi Restaurant speaks of tradition, care, and authenticity. This place serves as a reminder of home to Pakistanis in Dubai and offers others a gateway into the rich South Asian flavours.

Cosmopolitan Dubai, eternally embracing diversity, and Ravi Restaurant pops right into the ethos. Located in the heart of the bustling Satwa, it stands out as a gem of luxury meets affordability. Within the deepness of luxury dining in the city, Ravi Restaurant offers a unique charm-authenticity at its core, devoid of pretence. It is a rare gem that typifies the sprit of Dubai.

Chaudary Abdul Hameed is affectionately referred to as “Chaudary Sahib” by those who have known him. His impact and inspiration extend beyond the world of cooking. Every Pakistan Independence Day, he serves free breakfast to 500 of his countrymen-most of whom earn a pittance for their work. For Chaudary Sahib, this act goes beyond mere philanthropy-it is a way of giving back to the community that shaped his journey. He urges these workers to appreciate the opportunities they have in Dubai, where this city has openly embraced them.

2014 was when, as part of his praiseworthy efforts to preserve his cultural heritage and community, Chaudary Sahib became one of the first recipients of Pakistan’s machine-readable passports. Recognition was not just symbolic but spoke for respect commanded both in the UAE and his home country. It also marked him as a goodwill ambassador-the best of all Pakistani values and traditions.

It has inspired many other small business owners in Dubai, how he takes inspiration from Chaudary Sahib’s way of doing things. His story shows that the impossible can be achieved with hard work combined with humility and a deep sense of purpose. His story is poignant in the city of Dubai, which thrives on the contributions of people from all walks of life.

But Ravi Restaurant is not just another dining place. For the tourists, a meal here can be a ritual to enter into the true grassroots gastronomy of the city. And for its locals, it is simply the place of memories: dinners that bonded loved ones together, last moments of each night craving, and everything in between. For Chaudary Abdul Hameed, success comes not from personal success, but from helping people around him, too. His story strongly resonates with that city in Dubai, built by dreamers and visionaries. He brought people together through Ravi Restaurant to realize how food can cut across cultural and social boundaries so easily.

As Dubai continues to evolve as a global hub, icons like Chaudary Sahib ensure that its heart and soul remain rooted in the values of community and generosity. Whether you’re savoring a plate of haleem at Ravi or hearing Chaudary Sahib share his story, one thing is certain: Dubai’s food scene would not be the same without him.

Randa El Assaad stands at the forefront of architectural innovation and engineering excellence in the UAE. For nearly five decades of experience as the CEO of Arif & Bintoak, leading the transformation projects that shape the UAE’s skyline and infrastructure, El Assaad is one of those key individuals whose career has spanned a seamless integration of technical brilliance and business acumen from being a technical expert to a leader in the construction industry. Under her leadership, Arif & Bintoak continues to raise the standards of design and sustainability while pushing its boundaries across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia.

Founded in 1975, Arif & Bintoak Consulting Architects and Engineers was born as an urgent response to the breathtaking development facing the UAE, with its requirement for high-quality architectural solutions. Soon after setting up, the firm positioned itself in the marketplace as a powerful player in regional design and engineering excellence. Randa El Assaad joining the company meant not only a strong technical background but also a sharp vision for the future of the firm.

Randa El Assaad started as Chief Operating Officer from 2009. Her leadership qualities would gather technical expertise to meet strategic goals, so that she was able to manage and deliver multimillion-dollar projects in varied sectors. In 2011, she joined Arif & Bintoak as CEO; this marked the beginning of a new chapter in the company. Her emphasis on quality, sustainability, and innovative design has further anchored the company’s position as a benchmark in architectural excellence. Indeed, a significant characteristic of El Assaad’s management acumen is her capacity to handle the scale and complexity of contemporary construction projects. With annual project capital value closing in on $3 billion, Arif & Bintoak supervises between 35 and 40 active construction projects in the UAE. Simultaneously, its studios are designing 40 to 50 projects, showing that the company cannot compromise on the quality even while handling large volumes of work.

El Assaad has also been opening the firm into new markets, widening its expertise to the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. This growth reflects her vision for placing Arif & Bintoak at the forefront of architecture and engineering around the globe. By embracing advanced technologies and sustainable practices, El Assaad ensures that the firm is ahead of the game in this demanding industry, giving solutions both innovative and environmentally aware. Under her leadership, Arif & Bintoak not only witnessed growth but also contributed to the UAE’s vision to become a hub for architectural innovation.

Projects under her strong leadership have received awards regarding their aesthetic appeal, functional design, and sustainability. Examples of these projects include high-rise developments that complement the modern skyline of the UAE to infrastructure projects that serve the needs of the increasing population and the economy in the region. El Assaad combines creativity with practicality as she ensures that every design created for the clients avails itself to community development.

Randa El Assaad’s influence transcends the projects she controls; as a female CEO in an industry that is predominantly male-dominated, she serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring professionals, mainly women, in architecture and engineering. Her success is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and dedication to achieving success.

Arif & Bintoak is redefining the standards of architecture and engineering and thus perpetuating their legacy in the UAE as pioneers of innovation and excellence. Under Randa El Assaad’s gaze on the horizon, Arif & Bintoak’s design revolution and its emphasis on architectural innovations will thrive to continue being a landmark of the region’s architectural heritage.

Salman Yusuf is the story of ceaseless innovation and technological brilliance. Born in India and with a fascination for gadgets since the age of five, Salman’s aspirations went beyond the conventional outlook at marketing. From experimenting with robotics to mastering visual effects (VFX) and revolutionary augmented reality and virtual solutions, Salman’s journey has not only revolutionized the marketing landscape in Dubai but brought him acclaim worldwide. As the founder and managing director of Takeleap, the passion for futuristic technology makes his venture a powerhouse, as both government bodies and multinational corporations have taken notice.

From an early age, Salman Yusuf was fascinated with technology, even within his childhood in India, when he was involved in several research projects revolved around robotics. His eagerness to discover the unexplored brought him to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Visual Effects at the University of Wales, equipping him with the technical skills to create breath-taking visual experiences. Salman has been working in early career roles creating special effects for films, video games, and commercial campaigns throughout his formative years. He developed his craft through these projects but also fostered a vision for bringing cutting-edge technologies into marketing.

Salman moved to Dubai in 2010 to capture what was then a growing, less crowded reputation as a global tech and innovation hub. Convinced augmented and virtual reality would upend industries, in 2013, Salman founded Takeleap-which, beginning from two employees, has ballooned into a powerhouse of over 60 professionals who share Salman’s passion for immersive technology. Synonymous with innovation, solutions offered by Takeleap redefine the way brands talk to their audiences.

The company has made strides in virtual reality that have earned it reputable awards, such as the Most Innovative Technology Award from the Dubai and Abu Dhabi governments. Takeleap’s ability to seamlessly blend cutting-edge technology with practical applications makes it a trusted partner for multinational brands. It partnered with companies such as Samsung, Ford, Henkel, Mastercard, and Marvel Comics to create unforgettable virtual and augmented reality experiences. Salman’s work places him in high regard due to the standardized virtual reality campaigning promoted by Takeleap. Imagine exploring properties from the comfort of your home through these immersive tours that have been facilitated by real estate companies to interested buyers. Such innovations prove that Salman has foreseen the revolution coming due to technology advancements within the industry and enhanced user experiences.

Takeleap’s influence doesn’t stop with real estate alone. Customized augmented and virtual reality solutioning by the company has enhanced the brand storytelling of clients across various industries. From interactivities presented at corporate events to interactive modules for training, Takeleap’s projects are examples of the limitless scope of immersive technology. Being on one’s toes has kept Salman and his team abreast of boundless innovations.

The recognition Salman has received demonstrates the impact he has left in the tech and marketing landscapes. His inclusion in the DUBAI 100, celebrating top innovators shaping the emirate’s future, places him in the league of visionary leaders of this emirate. It would be through Salman’s inspiration that technology seamlessly merges with creativity-a very perfect manifestation of the Dubai innovation-driven economy.

Salman Yusuf is a constant leader at the front end of the rise in virtual and augmented reality technology. What started out as a young boy tampering with robotics in India has now blossomed into a lucrative success for Takeleap, which has recently won entrepreneurial award in Dubai. His road is a great tale of passion, perseverance, and ingenious technological advancement in the fields of immersive technologies.