The United Arab Emirates is renowned for its diversity in various aspects. While the nation collectively pursues economic expansion by invigorating different sectors, it also provides a conducive environment for visionary individuals who often take on diverse roles. Abdulla Al Mulla stands out as a prime example of such a person.
Currently serving as the head of Business Development at Habib Al Mulla and Partners, a leading law firm in the UAE, Al Mulla concurrently holds the positions of chief executive officer and founder at CMFRT Development, a premier Emirati real estate and hospitality company. His impressive resume further includes being the co-founder and managing director of Home Bakery.
The advantage of business diversification
Al Mulla’s approach to business diversification is a testament to his dynamic career. And his career spans sectors such as law, real estate, hospitality and advertising. In an interview with Economy Middle East, he says that “embracing multiple roles acts as a driving force. It enables us to explore diverse industries and understand the benefits and challenges of each. This not only provides opportunities to strive but also allows us to excel within different verticals of our business.”
Regarding navigating and managing partnerships in his ventures, he emphasizes the importance of clear communication and role delineation.
While acknowledging the challenges of balancing the various roles he undertakes, the multihyphenate ensures that the other party understands which role he represents in their conversations.
Navigating the legal landscape
One of Al Mulla’s more prominent positions is being the head of Business Development at Habib Al Mulla and Partners. The firm, founded in 1984, specializes in dispute resolution, commercial, employment, taxation, banking, construction, real estate and other economic interests.
Studying law has provided him with a solid foundation in the region’s legal sector. Commenting on the legal landscape of the UAE and the Middle East and North Africa, he maintains a broad perspective, choosing to take a macro view. “The evolving market has grown increasingly demanding, with clients seeking specialized legal expertise and a focus on future-oriented and forward-thinking planning,” he says.
Alongside this shift is the rise of advanced technologies and their undeniable impact on the industry. While not yet familiar with artificial intelligence and its intersection with the law, he has begun exploring this field.
Read: Leading MENA law firm adopts AI to boost legal services
Crafting extraordinary hospitality experiences
A master of business diversification, Abdulla Al Mulla, as the CEO of CMFRT Development, is also at the forefront of crafting hospitality destinations that blend opulence with comfort. The company’s comprehensive range of services includes hospitality, restaurants, hotels, consultancy and creative solutions.
In October of last year, Keturah, a luxury wellness real estate and hospitality brand, partnered with CMFRT Development. Their role is to oversee the food and beverage services at Keturah Reserve in Meydan and Keturah Resort near Dubai’s wildlife sanctuary in Ras Al Khor, for the upcoming winter season in the UAE.
Through this endeavor, he has gained more insights into the current landscape of property development in the country – along with the evolving customer experiences.
“Evaluating what we’ve observed, there is a noticeable demand for innovative developments in Dubai, reflecting a strong market interest. Given this scenario, Dubai emerges as one of the prime locations to commence and flourish in a business venture. As we move forward, our focus will be on elevating both the physical landscape and the overall customer experience, aligning with the dynamic demands of this thriving market,” he explains.
Handmade treats from the UAE to the world
In line with his goal of enhancing customer experience, he also serves as the managing director of Home Bakery. It’s a brand with a mission to create delightful desserts that bring joy. With a presence in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Riyadh, Home Bakery introduced its handmade treats to a global audience at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland, as one of the participants at the Emirati pavilion.
“Home Bakery, our brainchild established a decade ago, has flourished from a humble home-based venture into a thriving chain of successful stores. The experience at Davos was truly remarkable,” Al Mulla says.
“Presently, our future expansion plans have already taken shape, and we are committed to extending our presence in the region. Our active efforts are focused on capturing the region’s attention, with our primary focus directed toward our region,” he adds, offering a glimpse into their ambitions for the brand.
Home Bakery and the broader food and beverages industry are also growing. One significant development in the sector is the rise of online food delivery.
Weighing its pros and cons, as any seasoned entrepreneur keen on business diversification would, Al Mulla says, “The growing trend of online food delivery has brought convenience to consumers and expanded opportunities for businesses. While it offers accessibility, some challenges arise regarding potential impacts on the traditional dining experience.”
For more miscellaneous stories, click here.
