When Muhammad Abu Bakar Imtiaz arrived in Dubai, he carried little more than ambition and a willingness to work hard. Today, the Pakistani entrepreneur stands at the helm of eight successful companies spanning real estate, services, and allied sectors – a journey he credits to resilience, adaptability, and the UAE’s business-friendly ecosystem.
Long hours, limited resources, and steep learning curves marked Imtiaz’s early years in the UAE. Like many expatriate entrepreneurs, he started from the ground up, taking on multiple roles and learning the nuances of Dubai’s fast-evolving market firsthand. Rather than being discouraged by challenges, he used them as opportunities to refine his skills and understand customer needs.
The UAE’s transparent regulations, access to global markets, and strong infrastructure played a critical role in its growth. Imtiaz says the country’s support for entrepreneurship – from simplified licensing to investor-friendly policies – made it possible to scale ideas into sustainable businesses.
His portfolio gradually expanded across sectors, with real estate becoming a cornerstone of his operations. Alongside this, service-based ventures helped diversify revenue streams and reduce exposure to market cycles. Industry peers say this diversification has been key to the longevity of his businesses.
Beyond financial success, Imtiaz is known for prioritising trust, long-term partnerships, and people development. He credits much of his growth to building reliable teams and maintaining transparent relationships with clients and stakeholders.
His story mirrors that of many expatriates who have found opportunity in the UAE – a country where ambition, consistency, and innovation are often rewarded. As Dubai continues to position itself as a global hub for entrepreneurs, Imtiaz says his focus remains on sustainable growth, mentoring young founders,s and contributing to the wider business community.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, his message is simple: patience, persistence, and belief in the process can turn even the most modest beginnings into lasting success.
