Keeping it in the family: Third-gen business leaders on why Dubai is the perfect place to start a company

Dubai-based siblings Hadi El Damer and Maya El Damer are proud of their family’s legacy, thriving businesses built from the ground up by their grandfather and father, Hisham El Damer. 

The duo run two Sharjah-based firms: Napoli Kitchens and Al Qemah Marble & Granite. The brands specialise in natural stone solutions, high-end interior fit-outs, and architectural finishes. The company serves a diverse clientele, ranging from developers and architects to homeowners and corporate clients.

Hadi attributes much of his business acumen to observation: he grew up watching his father build and grow the family business with relentless commitment. His discipline and resilience, evident in his unwavering 5am work routine and ability to navigate challenges, instilled in Hadi a strong work ethic and results-driven mindset. Inspired by both his father and industry leaders who emphasise adaptability and strategic thinking, Hadi continues to modernise the family business while staying true to its core values: integrity and the sacredness of promises.

The siblings have a lot to look up to. Their grandfather, who lived through a childhood marked by poverty, built a multi-million-dollar marble business that expanded across multiple countries. His story, Maya reflects, is a powerful reminder that success is not just about financial achievement but about creating a lasting legacy.

The UAE has been more than just a place of residence — it has provided them a solid foundation that has led to business success.  

“The UAE has played a pivotal role in the success of our businesses — just as it has for most companies operating within the country. I was raised in the UAE from the age of three, and I don’t recall a time when it wasn’t experiencing rapid growth, construction, and development. In an environment like this, businesses have every opportunity to succeed.

The home of success 

“The UAE’s extraordinary expansion over the past 50 years has positioned it as a central hub for production and trade across the region, providing the perfect ecosystem for businesses to thrive,” said 26-year-old Hadi, Managing Director, Napoli Kitchens and Al Qemah Marble & Granite.

Maya echoes this sentiment, emphasising how the UAE’s world-class infrastructure and business-friendly policies, and commitment to innovation have been instrumental in their success.

“The UAE has played a significant role in our business success, providing an environment that fosters growth, innovation, and international trade. The country’s strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and business-friendly policies have made it an ideal place for companies to thrive. Being raised in the UAE from a young age, I have witnessed its rapid transformation into one of the world’s leading business hubs. The government’s commitment to economic diversification and innovation has allowed businesses like ours to expand and compete on a global scale,” said the 31-year-old Director of Operations of Napoli Kitchens and Al Qemah Marble & Granite. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the American University of Sharjah.

Hadi, who traces his roots to Lebanon, started his career in public relations after earning a Bachelor's degree in advertising. His PR journey included working with global brands and earning industry awards before transitioning into the natural stone and fit-out sector.

Under his leadership, Napoli Kitchens has evolved beyond kitchen cabinetry into a comprehensive fit-out solutions provider. The company is currently expanding with a second showroom on Mleiha Road, while both businesses are in the process of relocating to a larger, more efficient production facility.

Surprisingly though, Hadi wasn’t always keen on joining the ‘family business’. “Growing up, I was strongly opposed to the idea. I believed I needed to branch out, build something of my own, and prove myself independently. However, as I matured, I came to understand that true success is something that is passed down through generations. It didn’t make sense to let my father’s decades of hard work go to waste. That realisation led me to leave my previous field and immerse myself in the work—and I haven’t looked back since,” recalled Hadi.

He is singing a different tune these days, endorsing working with family as it presents a unique opportunity — not only to build something meaningful together but also to develop a deep understanding of business dynamics at an early stage.

From strength to strength

“Beyond business growth, the experience strengthens personal relationships. You learn from each other, navigate challenges together, and build a foundation for long-term success. If approached with the right mindset, a family business can grow into something truly remarkable,” he said.

Especially if you pool your resources.  “With a background in computer science, I bring a tech-driven perspective to the business. I have been instrumental in integrating digital solutions, streamlining operations, and enhancing efficiency through technology,” said Maya.

“The decision to join the family business came from a desire to contribute to something meaningful and enduring,” she added. 

And while working with the family isn’t for everyone, it can be a deep experience. “What makes a family business unique is the sense of responsibility and long-term vision. Unlike many corporate ventures focused on short-term gains, a family business is built with the future in mind, ensuring its continuity for generations. Being part of that journey is both a privilege and a challenge, but it’s one that
we embraced wholeheartedly,” concluded Maya.