The Box: Redefining the world of storage

The Box Self Storage has diversified its growth platform to openly embrace and incubate start-up companies

When Wadih Haddad set up The Box Self Storage from his apartment in 2006, the world of self-storage was in its infancy in the Middle East. In the following years, after weathering economic challenges, his idea of providing people and small businesses a safe place for their belongings proved to be inspirational.
It was the company's clear focus on the customer and a wider self-storage boom that helped build a cult that covered all corners of the Middle East - from the UAE to Qatar, and even Lebanon. Today, The Box is a DubaiSME 100 company, having responded to the fundamental consumer need with a disruptive, innovative retail business model. Its organic model enabled the discovery of various other opportunities too such as Black Box, which provides secure document storage and records management.
The Box has diversified its growth platform to openly embrace and incubate start-up companies. Wadih, who was selected by Endeavor, an organisation that identifies and supports entrepreneurs with the greatest potential for economic and social impact in their region, also garnered several awards over the years and frequently exercises his expertise by offering entrepreneurs bespoke business mentoring. He is involved in the Entrepreneurs' Organisation Programme, which acts as a catalyst enabling first-stage entrepreneurs to catapult their businesses to the next level.
His passion is palpable and infectious, as he says: "We will continue our journey and fulfil our mission, and like I always say, this is only the beginning. We will keep working together as a close-knit team to ensure and achieve absolute customer satisfaction."
Wadih's success is attributed to his humble and inquisitive investment in his team and work environment. He believes in people above profits. The Box team members are empowered to take decisions and encouraged not to fear making mistakes. This philosophy builds the confidence in each and every employee and is multiplied across the organisation resulting in a business filled with intrapreneurs.
With regards to growth, The Box believes that its strong foothold in the UAE is a stepping-stone to extend its reach in the GCC and Levant region through franchises and/or investing in our own infrastructure. Being a DubaiSME 100 company, The Box will continue to strive and outgrow its position in the ranks across all five categories - people development, international orientation, growth performance, corporate governance and financial soundness.