Jassim Al Bastaki: The Emirati Maverick Driving Innovation from Sky to Coffeehouse

Al Bastaki has not only left a dent in the corporate world but also played a vital role in nurturing the next generation of Emirati entrepreneurs. However, his contribution to the industry goes much further beyond his own ventures, thus making him a beacon of inspiration and an important player in the newly arising UAE entrepreneurial ecosystem. Indeed, it is nothing short of impressive that Jassim Al Bastaki has demonstrated such commitment to developing entrepreneurship in the UAE. Much of his career has been given over to persuading and encouraging young Emiratis to venture into the world of business and innovation. He has shared his Valuable Advice and insight via engaging lectures, conferences, and television programs that made entrepreneurs take a decisive step into the business world. And as such, he has inspired many, and the UAE is gaining recognition as one of the global hotspots when it pertains to Entrepreneurship.

Al Bastaki does not stop at being a motivator. He is an active member in several governmental and international associations, actively advocating for the interests of entrepreneurs and small businesses. He is a member of the Board for the Emirati Entrepreneurs Association and a member of the Advisory Council of the Federation of Gulf Entrepreneurship, which shapes policies and initiatives to foster the entrepreneurial community. To this end, he has engaged himself actively with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for the Development of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and the Khalifa bin Zayed Fund to support small and medium projects, showing full involvement in fostering a healthy business environment in the UAE.

Jassim Al Bastaki’s drive as an entrepreneur is not confined to just being an advocate or mentor but extends to making long strides within the corporate world, particularly in the aviation industry. During his leadership as MD and GM at MIDEX Airlines, Al Bastaki has driven the company to firmly place itself as a leading player in the Middle Eastern aviation sector. MIDEX Airlines, of which he is a cofounder, stands out as the fourth airline registered in the UAE and the largest private airline in the region that concentrates on air cargo transportation. It has grown under his lead into an important link in the chain, connecting the Middle East to various other markets across the world.

None of Al Bastaki’s ventures stops at aviation. His entrepreneurship also travels to the food and beverage industry, where he has introduced innovative concepts that match those by international competitors. He is the founder and owner of the “Cafe2go” series and the commercial brand “Camellos,” which have gained impressive traction within the UAE and beyond. Their unique selling point for these cafes comes through using camel milk in their coffee products, offering something a little different and culturally relevant compared to the normal ubiquitous coffee shops. This is innovation that captures the edge for his brands over their international competitors and celebrates the rich heritage of the UAE.

The results achieved by Jassim Al Bastaki are testaments to his enterprising mind and an unstoppable drive for perfection. From the various different roles which he has taken on to the businesses that he sets up, he has never stopped pushing the bar higher and setting standards for young entrepreneurs in the UAE. The knack for grabbing new opportunities has made him a front-runner across sectors, from aviation to food and beverage.

The more Jassim Al Bastaki continues to lead and inspire, the more his impact upon the entrepreneurial landscape of the UAE will go from strength to strength. His current and future ventures will continue to shape the very fabric of the industries in which they operate, setting new benchmarks with regard to success and innovation. Furthermore, his work to continuously mentor and support young entrepreneurs means the next generation of Emirati business leaders is equally well-placed to meet whatever challenges tomorrow throws up.