At just 25, Kuwaiti entrepreneur Abbas Al-Hazeem is demonstrating how financial discipline cultivated in childhood can form the bedrock of a successful business in Dubai. His journey from saving school lunch money to launching a profitable media agency highlights a deliberate and strategic approach to growth.
As a student, Al-Hazeem was already practising the principles of enterprise. While his peers spent their pocket money, he looked for ways to make his grow. “I’d bring my lunch from home and use my money to buy small items to resell at school,” he said. “That’s how I learned to grow what I had.”
These early lessons in saving and reinvesting shaped his professional path. After gaining experience in technical services and operations, Al-Hazeem identified a gap in the market for marketing that prioritised creative storytelling to connect brands with audiences.
Building the Business
In April 2024, he founded On The Way Media Agency, using Dh 128,555 ($35,000) of his personal savings to cover licensing, branding, and setup costs. His investment strategy prioritised human capital over physical assets. “I invested more in people than machines,” Al-Hazeem explained. “Skilled talent gives better returns than hardware.”
The approach paid off. By focusing on lean operations and targeted spending, the agency achieved a 60 per cent profit margin within months. Profits were immediately channelled back into the business to expand its services, including AI-driven content and music production. “Scaling smart matters more than scaling fast,” he noted.
His perspective was sharpened by previous roles at his family’s business, Intercoil International, and in logistics. He credits Dubai’s fast-paced environment for teaching him adaptability. “It’s competitive but full of opportunity,” he said, reflecting a spirit of growth seen across the city, from its booming airport to its startup scene.
A Philosophy of Prudence
Al-Hazeem’s financial discipline extends to his personal life. He treats savings as a non-negotiable monthly
