Homegrown DXB

The program highlights the spirit of change in the UAE and the major transformations it has witnessed across various fields. Through conversational sessions with Omar and his guests, the program reveals untold stories of change-makers in Dubai and the UAE across multiple sectors, while also showcasing Dubai’s global standing and celebrating entrepreneurs who leave their mark both locally and internationally

Total Seasons | 3
Genre | Talk Show
Homegrown DXB

Seasons & Episodes

Season 1 - 2024 (12 episodes)

Donna Benton

Episode 1: Donna Benton

0 h 40 min

Founder of The Entertainer, from coupon books to an app, and her journey back to leading the company.

Rami Shaar and Jad Halaoui

Episode 2: Rami Shaar and Jad Halaoui

0 h 49 min

Washmen founders built a laundry platform that evolved into a full-scale facility despite COVID and market challenges.

Candice Fanucci

Episode 3: Candice Fanucci

0 h 45 min

Founder of a beach rescue program teaching children lifesaving and safety skills across UAE and beyond.

Halima Jumani and Jamal Hussein

Episode 4: Halima Jumani and Jamal Hussein

0 h 45 min

Leads Kibsons, a major fresh produce distribution company serving the UAE and region for decades.

Chang Sup Shin

Episode 5: Chang Sup Shin

0 h 44 min

CEO of 1004 Gourmet, expanding Asian food retail and restaurant concepts across Dubai and beyond.

Mohamad Ballout

Episode 6: Mohamad Ballout

0 h 52 min

Founder of Kitopi, transforming the hospitality industry by empowering food brands with technology and helping local concepts scale across the region.

Toufic Kreidieh

Episode 7: Toufic Kreidieh

0 h 36 min

Founder of Brands For Less, building the BFL Group into a global off-price retail empire.

Sima Ganwani Ved

Episode 8: Sima Ganwani Ved

0 h 46 min

Founder of Apparel Group, growing one of the largest retail and fashion conglomerates in the region.

Ananya Narayan and Yan Narayan

Episode 9: Ananya Narayan and Yan Narayan

0 h 41 min

Transforming Hunter Foods from a local brand into a globally recognized snacks and food company.

Dino Varkey

Episode 10: Dino Varkey

0 h 44 min

CEO of GEMS Education, expanding one of the largest private education networks in the world.

Shuja Jashanmal

Episode 11: Shuja Jashanmal

0 h 45 min

Leading the expansion of the historic Jashanmal Group across retail and distribution in the GCC.

Rami Tabbara and Manar Mahmassani

Episode 12: Rami Tabbara and Manar Mahmassani

0 h 52 min

Stake founders who transformed real estate investing by enabling fractional property ownership in Dubai through an app, making property investment accessible to everyone and expanding beyond the UAE.

Season 2 - 2025 (12 episodes)

Mudassir Sheikha

Episode 1: Mudassir Sheikha

0 h 49 min

Careem co-founder who transformed the company into a regional super app before its acquisition by Uber.

Abdulla Ajmal

Episode 2: Abdulla Ajmal

0 h 49 min

CEO of Ajmal Perfumes, leading a family fragrance brand with a global presence.

Yazen Al Kodmani

Episode 3: Yazen Al Kodmani

0 h 48 min

Founder of Emirates Bio Farm, the UAE’s largest private organic farm and a sustainability advocate.

Fikry Boutros & Dan Wanies

Episode 4: Fikry Boutros & Dan Wanies

0 h 52 min

CarniStore founders who built one of the UAE’s fastest-growing online premium butcher businesses.

Hosam Arab, Faraz Khalid & Hisham Zarka

Episode 5: Hosam Arab, Faraz Khalid & Hisham Zarka

0 h 50 min

Namshi founders who transformed online fashion retail in MENA before Emaar acquired the company.

Steve Flawith

Episode 6: Steve Flawith

0 h 43 min

Founder of Pickl and Yolk Brands, scaling Dubai-born restaurant concepts across multiple countries.

Yogesh Mehta & Rohan Mehta

Episode 7: Yogesh Mehta & Rohan Mehta

0 h 47 min

Yogesh built Petrochem into the Middle East’s leading chemical distributor, with Rohan preparing its next chapter.

Kris Fade

Episode 8: Kris Fade

0 h 55 min

Radio personality and founder of Fade Fit, turning media success into an international healthy food brand.

Josefine Lissner

Episode 9: Josefine Lissner

0 h 46 min

Co-founder of Leap 71, using AI-driven engineering to develop next-generation rocket technology in the UAE.

Wajdan Gul and Anam Khalid

Episode 10: Wajdan Gul and Anam Khalid

0 h 48 min

Squatwolf founders who grew a Dubai startup into a global fitness apparel brand sold in 120+ countries.

Martin Van Almsick

Episode 11: Martin Van Almsick

0 h 44 min

Founder of Al Nassma, creator of the world’s first camel milk chocolate brand with global reach.

Restore

Episode 12: Restore

0 h 45 min

Founder of 8billionideas, helping students worldwide develop future-ready skills through innovative education.

Season 3 - 2026 (11 episodes)

Dr Haythem Riahi: Circa Biotech

Episode 1: Dr Haythem Riahi: Circa Biotech

0 h 47 min

Dr Haythem Riahi is a co-founder of Circa Biotech, a UAE-based company that converts organic waste into insect protein, fuel, and fertilizers through circular economy solutions.

Jacky and Ashish Panjabi: Jacky’s

Episode 2: Jacky and Ashish Panjabi: Jacky’s

0 h 46 min

Jacky Panjabi and Ashish Panjabi grew Jacky’s from an early electronics shop in Dubai into a global retail and distribution group.

Mohammed Kazim: Tamashee

Episode 3: Mohammed Kazim: Tamashee

0 h 45 min

Mohammed Kazim founded Tamashee, a footwear and cultural brand reflecting Emirati identity and modern streetwear culture.

Sami Khoeribi: Wisewell

Episode 4: Sami Khoeribi: Wisewell

0 h 51 min

Sami Khoeribi co-founded Wisewell, an advanced water filtration and dispensing system focused on sustainability and clean water access.

Cheb Moha: Shabab International

Episode 5: Cheb Moha: Shabab International

0 h 45 min

Cheb Moha created Shabab International, a streetwear brand inspired by identity, culture, and his multicultural background.

Mustafa Koita: Koita

Episode 6: Mustafa Koita: Koita

0 h 45 min

Mustafa Koita founded Koita Milk, an organic dairy brand, after transitioning from a career in aerospace and defense.

Khawla Hammad & Inas Shashieh: Takalam

Episode 7: Khawla Hammad & Inas Shashieh: Takalam

0 h 45 min

Khawla Hammad and Inas Shashieh co-founded Takalam, a mental wellness platform providing digital therapy and support services.

Salam Daqqaq and Nada Darraj: Bait Maryam

Episode 8: Salam Daqqaq and Nada Darraj: Bait Maryam

0 h 47 min

Salam Daqqaq and Nada Darraj run Bait Maryam, a home-style restaurant inspired by traditional family recipes in the UAE.

Hind Seddiqi: Seddiqi Holding

Episode 9: Hind Seddiqi: Seddiqi Holding

0 h 45 min

Hind Seddiqi leads Seddiqi Holding and founded Dubai Watch Week, playing a key role in the UAE luxury industry.

Bodour Altamimi: Pure Soil

Episode 11: Bodour Altamimi: Pure Soil

0 h 45 min

Bodour Al Tamimi founded Pure Soil farm focused on clean, additive-free food to improve health and wellbeing.

Michele and Bill Johnson: Pitfire

Episode 12: Michele and Bill Johnson: Pitfire

0 h 49 min

Bill and Michele Johnson founded Pitfire Pizza, blending New York and Neapolitan styles into a successful UAE restaurant chain.