Anas Bukhash is getting it done in Dubai

Dubai - Emirati entrepreneur Anas Bukhash talks about his passion for the UAE's YOUTH and his favourite spots in Dubai

Entrepreneur has been the buzzword of the decade. Dubai has definitely seen its share of them. But what makes a real entrepreneur? A successful one, sure, a perseverant one of course, a popular one, maybe . . . but when you get down to the essence of the idea, the most important element that fuels work ethic, consistency and quality, is passion. You can't teach someone to be passionate but you can inspire them to be. And one successful Emirati entrepreneur who has inspired us is Anas Bukhash.

"I'm an entrepreneur and I enjoy starting up projects that I'm both passionate about and very good at," Anas told us. "I believe that is the best combination."

Starting off as the Managing Partner of Ahdaaf Sports Club, Anas was instrumental in expanding the project from two football fields in 2009 to 27 fields now in 2016. Impressive. Anas is also the Managing Partner of Bukhash Brothers, launched in 2014; it's a boutique agency that utilises its extensive reach with celebrities and social media influencers.
His passion for football is immense, he was the football expert for The Beautiful Game, Abu Dhabi Sports Channel for Season 2011-12 and 2012-13 and served as the UAE Sports Specialist on Dubai One, World of Sports for Season 1 in 2010. Off the proverbial field, Anas is a motivational speaker who engages with the youth of the UAE in lectures as well as on his social media accounts (his Instagram boasts over 58,000 followers!) on real social issues and experiences. Did we mention that he's a talented photographer as well?

City Times had a chat with Anas about the importance of today's youth, what being a real entrepreneur means and his favorite Dubai hangouts.

Definition of an Entrepreneur
An entrepreneur is an explorer, an individual that doesn't have to be given a ready-made corporate structure, but actually creates one and is willing to take the risk and give it a shot. A successful entrepreneur embodies the definition of hard-work and passion, resulting in a prosperous business.

The Entrepreneur Trend
I do agree that the word entrepreneur has been trendy for the past few years. However, the word that we need to accompany it with would be "successful" entrepreneur. That's how we can judge who is truly an entrepreneur or not. In my opinion, in order to be one, the entrepreneur needs to have the 3 P's: Passion, Planning, and Perseverance. Otherwise, they have no chance of sustaining.

Professional Passion
I love starting new businesses that are of high interest to me and ones that I'm "actually" good at. These so far have been in the fields of football, marketing, and fashion. I of course enjoy being my own boss and starting something out of nothing in my own way.
Entrepreneurial Advice
Know what you're passionate about and what you're "actually" good at. It's very important and crucial to be honest with oneself and know where your interests and capabilities lie. Ask yourself what would you do if you were not afraid? Once you've identified what you're truly passionate about, you'll always have to take a certain level of risk and go for it. Let passion be the driver to get it done.
Upcoming Projects
Ahdaaf (www.ahdaaf.ae) was the first start-up, and now it's running smoothly. We have expanded from two football fields in 2009 and have reached 27 fields now in 2016. I'm not actively managing it anymore. The one I'm most focused on is my second start-up, which is Bukhash Brothers (www.bukhashbrothers.ae) and it's focused on celebrity & influencer marketing. We are now moving to a new warehouse office, along with new additions to the team and exciting new projects. Finally, I'm looking to launch a third start-up, which will be a street fashion line. More to come.
Achieving in the UAE
I think the UAE has been a great leading example for the region and the world when it comes to equal opportunities for all. We have many examples of women in leading roles that are now an inspiration for the young generation of girls growing up. The same applies to men in leading roles; especially the young ones, who have been given the chance and have taken it to prove that they can also be strong leaders in their industries.

Social Media Motivation
I've always been a person who has something to say and I'm not afraid to say it. I do feel a sense of responsibility to raise certain subjects, discuss them openly, and hear what people have to say about them. They usually revolve around day-to-day matters, real issues, social experiences, and so forth.
The feedback has been very interesting to read and interact with, as I like to highlight the best comments and discuss them on my Snapchat too.

Worst and Best parts of Social Media
Like most things in life, moderation is key. Social media can be a very addictive aspect in a person's life, unless you learn to control it and use it to your benefit. It is of course a crucial part of our lives nowadays, but it's not our life.

Photography Passion
Photography is something that I definitely enjoy, yet have been very distant from in the last few years. The best time I enjoyed it was during my years working for Dubai Cares and partnering with humanitarian organisations such as UNICEF, Save The Children, and more, as I am one who enjoys the "National Geographic" type of photography that is very real and tells a story. I found it very interesting and inspiring visiting all the developing countries that I did. I specifically enjoy people portraits in their environments and to capture a "real" moment that shows you a glimpse of who they truly are compared to a studio pose.

Motivating Dubai's Youth
It's crucial as they are the next generation. We have a mix of youth, some very hungry and eager to accomplish something and others too complacent. From my side, I personally do a lot of motivational lectures across many universities and colleges focusing on entrepreneurship, discovering your niche, and so forth. Therefore, I hope those provide some influence to the youth who need a simple push. Alongside that, I utilise my social media influence to set an example too.
Predictions for the UEFA Euro 2016 finals?
I don't specifically support any of the teams in UEFA Euro Cup. However, I do think Germany has a very strong team on all fronts and most importantly they're strong as a unit, which is crucial.
Anas on Dubai
Three favourite places to eat in Dubai?
La Petite Maison, Wadee Doan, and Origami.

Dubai in 24 hours
There are just too many things to choose from and it really depends on their taste. Personally, I like to keep it simple. It can be quick shopping, lunch at a nice restaurant, afternoon in the desert, and finally a house garden dinner with good company and conversation.

What do you love about this city?
I believe Dubai and the UAE as a whole are the 'actual' land of opportunity. We have a great leadership, it is a very safe place thank God, and if you have a good idea, there is no reason not to try and do something about it.
I find it extremely impressive that we are a country that is less than 50 years old and have achieved this much so far.
Anas Fun Facts
Burger or pizza?
I like both, but I'll go with a Margherita Pizza. It's simpler.

What does happiness mean to you?
Being healthy. Being among loved ones. And being successful.

One item you can't live without?
Smartphone.

What would people be surprised to know about you?
That I have a quite silly and sarcastic sense of humour. Most people only see the serious side.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to be with my kids, close friends, watch TV series/movies, enjoy a good meal at a good restaurant with good company, listen to good music.

• Dubai