About Me
From corporate banking to successful exits, I founded Under500—which was acquired by Kitopi—and now host the BXB Show, sharing hard-won entrepreneurial insights to inspire UAE’s next generation of business leaders.
My Journey
1984
Born
- Dubai , UAE
Born and raised in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, I spent my early years working alongside my father in his Company —learning firsthand the value of honest, hard work and perseverance
1997
A Year in Texas
- Texas, USA
At 12, I moved to Texas for a year of school—a bold shift that shaped my global perspective. I remember the confusion on my classmates’ faces when I said I was from Dubai; no one had heard of it.
1997
2000
Showtime & HSBC
- Dubai , UAE
Before even starting university, I got my first taste of the working world with roles at Showtime and HSBC. Those early experiences taught me the value of showing up, being accountable, and learning fast—principles that still guide me today
2001
Finding My Direction
- Dubai, UAE
Between jobs and before university, I was exploring what kind of career I really wanted. That year helped me realize I was drawn to business, strategy, and solving real-world problems—setting the stage for everything that came next.
2001
2002
Academic Foundation
- Sharjah , UAE
I earned my business degree from the American University of Sharjah. This academic foundation equipped me with the knowledge and skills that would later support my ventures in corporate banking and entrepreneurship.
2006
Breaking into Banking
- Dubai , UAE
I joined Emirates NBD after an initial rejection. A bold follow-up email landed me a spot in their elite 1.5-year training program, launching my decade-long career in corporate banking.
2006
2010
Leading Through Loss
- Dubai , UAE
In 2010, I lost my father and stepped in as CEO of our 60-year-old family business. Navigating that crisis taught me to lead with data, build culture through action, and respect the unique DNA of family-run companies.
2016
The Birth of Under500
- Dubai , UAE
I launched Under500—a healthy, fast-casual food concept built for the modern, health-conscious consumer. What started as one location quickly scaled across five countries, proving that purpose-driven brands can thrive in competitive markets.
2016
2020
Global Expansion
- UAE, KSA , UK, USA
Under500 had grown beyond borders—expanding into the UAE, GCC, UK, KSA, Iraq, and the USA. It was a milestone that proved a homegrown brand could go global with the right vision, team, and execution.
2022
Successful Exit
- Dubai , UAE
I sold Under500 to Kitopi, a $1.65B cloud kitchen unicorn. It was the culmination of years of grit, growth, and relentless focus—marking my first major exit and a new chapter in my entrepreneurial journey.
2022
2023
Giving Back to Ecosystem
- Dubai , UAE
I began advising startups and supporting businesses looking to grow in Dubai. After years of building, it was time to share hard-earned lessons and help the next wave of founders navigate their own journeys.
2024
Launch of the BXB Show
- Dubai , UAE
I launched the BXB Show—Business with Bartawi—to spotlight real stories from founders, investors, and changemakers across the UAE region. It’s my platform to share unfiltered insights and spark meaningful conversations that move the business world forward.
2024
Business Principles
My approach to business is guided by several core principles that have proven invaluable throughout my entrepreneurial journey: