Abdul Qadir, an Indian living in Dubai, decided to take the leap of faith and become an entrepreneur this year, after acquiring experience and contacts in the travel and tourism industry.
The 30-year-old launched a travel company called Chataway after identifying a niche.
However, the start-up founder is experiencing the challenges of running a fledgling start-up and reinvests most of his income back into the business for growth.
His long-term financial goals are to buy a home and an office for his company in the UAE.
Mr Qadir, who hails from the west Indian state of Gujarat, hopes to eventually grow his business on a large scale so that he will not have to depend on other sources of passive income.
He lives in Al Rigga area in Deira and holds a diploma in tourism.
What was your first job and salary?
My first job was as a travel consultant in an Indian online travel agency, Goibibo.com, in 2013, where I earned 10,000 Indian rupees ($119) a month. I worked there for two years.
At the end of 2015, I moved to Dubai looking for better opportunities in travel and tourism.
It took me only 10 days to find a job in Dubai. I started working as a holiday consultant with online travel agency Musafir.com and the job paid me around Dh2,500 ($680) per month. I worked there for two years and at the time of leaving the job, my salary had increased to Dh3,500.
Later, I worked for multiple companies in travel and tourism in Dubai. My last salary as a business development manager in a Dubai-based travel company was approximately Dh10,000 per month in 2023.
Why did you decide to become an entrepreneur?
I decided to become an entrepreneur because whenever I worked in a company, I had many ideas in terms of changing things or growing the business. But you are not allowed to have a say until you reach a certain position.
That frustrated me. It occurred to me that if I had been an entrepreneur, this would not have been a problem.
My love for travel and the aspiration to create something unique led me to start my travel company, Chataway, in January this year.
I identified a gap in the UAE travel industry for a specialised company that makes tailored holiday packages with a seamless interaction model. There are multiple companies in the market that organise group tours.
The business idea of Chataway is based on providing customised holiday packages through a chat-based interaction model whereby we enable travel planning in a personal and seamless manner.
I built Chataway from scratch, starting with the website, acquiring clients and reaching out to people. My eight years of experience in the travel industry enabled me to handle various aspects of Chataway.
The venture was a leap of faith, based on my industry knowledge and contacts. This journey has taught me resilience and the importance of not giving up.
How much do you earn currently?
On average, I earn about Dh4,000 to Dh5,000 per month now. However, the struggles are very high since it's a one-man operation.
There are challenges because I singlehandedly look after the accounts, social media marketing, sales as well as business development.
I'm trying to earn the same income from my entrepreneurial journey that my salary provided. I have set a one-year timeframe to achieve this.
I currently work with a couple of corporates and plan to partner with more in the future. These corporate clients provide recurring income to Chataway, which helps me manage my monthly expenses.
Do you manage to save?
As of now, I don't manage to save a lot. Whatever I earn, I re-invest into social media marketing for my business.
I had some savings that I used to pay for the licence and business set-up.
Have you started investing?
Not right now, but my long-term goal is to buy a property in the UAE. I also wish to get an office.
Have you purchased property in your home country?
No, I haven’t. I live with my father when I visit India.
I lost my mother a few years ago. Both my parents were entrepreneurs in the textile industry. They ran the business for almost 30 years.
Do you have any debt?
No, I don't have any debt now and don't plan to borrow for my company either because I believe in slow growth.
As a Muslim, I believe that that whatever you earn should be sufficient. There is no requirement for debt.
Growing up, were you taught how to handle your finances?
Both my parents were entrepreneurs, so I have seen how they used to handle their income and expenses.
Although we didn't have a lavish lifestyle growing up, we were able to make do with whatever they earned.
What are your major monthly expenses?
For now, it's my house rent, which accounts for 50 per cent of my monthly income, and personal expenses in the UAE.
How do you budget your salary every month?
At this stage, I'm still learning how to budget my expenses.
My fiancee, who lives in Abu Dhabi, helps me budget my income. I plan to get married next year and my fiancee will join me full-time as a co-founder of Chataway. She works in the hospitality industry, too.
Have you started saving for retirement?
As long as my mind is working, I don't plan to retire.
If I have a home and six months’ worth of emergency expenses, that is the ideal concept of retirement for me.
Do you have an emergency fund?
No, but I’m working on it. I’d like to have at least six months’ worth of expenses in my emergency fund.
What do you spend your disposable income on?
Mostly going out and socialising with friends and family because there's so much to do in Dubai.
Do you worry about money?
I worry that I don't have an emergency fund. What if my start-up doesn’t work out in six months and I don't have an emergency fund to fall back on? That worries me.
What are your best money saving hacks to offset inflation?
Start investing a portion of what you earn, even if it is a small amount. If you are able to save Dh1,000, buy at least Dh500 worth of gold every month.
That is a short-term hack to cope with inflation. I have bought small quantities of gold.
What are your financial goals?
My short-term goal is to save enough for an emergency fund and my long-term goal is to buy a home in the UAE.
My dream is for my business to be the go-to travel brand in the UAE.
Do you earn passive income?
No, the only income I currently earn is from my start-up. My plan is to grow this business so big that I don't have to worry about passive income at all.
Do you want to be featured in My Salary, a weekly column that explores how people around the world manage their earnings? Write to pf@thenationalnews.com to share your story
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
LA LIGA FIXTURES
Saturday (All UAE kick-off times)
Valencia v Atletico Madrid (midnight)
Mallorca v Alaves (4pm)
Barcelona v Getafe (7pm)
Villarreal v Levante (9.30pm)
Sunday
Granada v Real Volladolid (midnight)
Sevilla v Espanyol (3pm)
Leganes v Real Betis (5pm)
Eibar v Real Sociedad (7pm)
Athletic Bilbao v Osasuna (9.30pm)
Monday
Real Madrid v Celta Vigo (midnight)
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin
Director: Shawn Levy
Rating: 3/5
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
The years Ramadan fell in May
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What sanctions would be reimposed?
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
- An arms embargo
- A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
- A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
- Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
If you go:
The flights: Etihad, Emirates, British Airways and Virgin all fly from the UAE to London from Dh2,700 return, including taxes
The tours: The Tour for Muggles usually runs several times a day, lasts about two-and-a-half hours and costs £14 (Dh67)
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is on now at the Palace Theatre. Tickets need booking significantly in advance
Entrance to the Harry Potter exhibition at the House of MinaLima is free
The hotel: The grand, 1909-built Strand Palace Hotel is in a handy location near the Theatre District and several of the key Harry Potter filming and inspiration sites. The family rooms are spacious, with sofa beds that can accommodate children, and wooden shutters that keep out the light at night. Rooms cost from £170 (Dh808).
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How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
Banned items
Dubai Police has also issued a list of banned items at the ground on Sunday. These include:
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Political flags or banners
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Bikes, skateboards or scooters
Liz%20Truss
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Zayed Sustainability Prize
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Allen Lane
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RESULTS
6.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh82.500 (Dirt) 1,400m
Winner Meshakel, Royston Ffrench (jockey), Salem bin Ghadayer (trainer)
7.05pm Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (D) 1,400m
Winner Gervais, Connor Beasley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
7.40pm Handicap (TB) Dh92,500 (Turf) 2,410m
Winner Global Heat, Pat Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor.
8.15pm Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (D) 1,900m
Winner Firnas, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.
8.50pm UAE 2000 Guineas Trial (TB) Conditions Dh183,650 (D) 1,600m
Winner Rebel’s Romance, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
9.25pm Dubai Trophy (TB) Conditions Dh183,650 (T) 1,200m
Winner Topper Bill, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
10pm Handicap (TB) Dh102,500 (T) 1,400m
Winner Wasim, Mickael Barzalona, Ismail Mohammed.
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
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Conflict, drought, famine
Estimates of the number of deaths caused by the famine range from 400,000 to 1 million, according to a document prepared for the UK House of Lords in 2024.
It has been claimed that the policies of the Ethiopian government, which took control after deposing Emperor Haile Selassie in a military-led revolution in 1974, contributed to the scale of the famine.
Dr Miriam Bradley, senior lecturer in humanitarian studies at the University of Manchester, has argued that, by the early 1980s, “several government policies combined to cause, rather than prevent, a famine which lasted from 1983 to 1985. Mengistu’s government imposed Stalinist-model agricultural policies involving forced collectivisation and villagisation [relocation of communities into planned villages].
The West became aware of the catastrophe through a series of BBC News reports by journalist Michael Buerk in October 1984 describing a “biblical famine” and containing graphic images of thousands of people, including children, facing starvation.
Band Aid
Bob Geldof, singer with the Irish rock group The Boomtown Rats, formed Band Aid in response to the horrific images shown in the news broadcasts.
With Midge Ure of the band Ultravox, he wrote the hit charity single Do They Know it’s Christmas in December 1984, featuring a string of high-profile musicians.
Following the single’s success, the idea to stage a rock concert evolved.
Live Aid was a series of simultaneous concerts that took place at Wembley Stadium in London, John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, the US, and at various other venues across the world.
The combined event was broadcast to an estimated worldwide audience of 1.5 billion.
Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000
Available: Now
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
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The years Ramadan fell in May
