Hamid Al Ali: If You’re Not Fast, Dubai Will Leave You Behind | BXB EP 27

What if your voice was your most valuable asset?

Hamid Al Ali didn’t set out to be a speaker. He studied engineering. Served in the military. Got a job in utilities. But when the world locked down, his father gave him a challenge: “Start talking. People need leadership.”

That camera turned into a calling.

In this episode of Business with Bartawi, we go behind the scenes of one of Dubai’s most trusted media personalities — a man who went from solo videos in his room to millions of views, government partnerships, and a mission to help others thrive in the UAE.

We talk content, credibility, and why personal brand is no longer optional — especially in a world run by algorithms.

If you're moving to Dubai, building your voice, or just tired of playing small — this one’s for you.

💡 Topics Covered:
✅ How content became currency in the UAE
✅ Why expats fail when they move to Dubai
✅ From engineer to influencer: the 2-year grind
✅ What not to say on camera
✅ The ROI of reputation in a high-trust economy
✅ Why building your brand starts before you feel ready

⏰ Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro
03:00 – From lockdown to content creator
06:00 – Early struggles & solo publishing
08:00 – Getting discovered by UAE Nation
09:30 – Going viral every month (without chasing fame)
12:00 – The rules of media in Dubai
14:30 – What personal brand actually means
18:00 – Why some people thrive in Dubai and others don’t
21:00 – Real expat story: from partition room to 6-figure PT
25:00 – Navigating regulations & reputation
30:00 – Managing engineering, media, and everything else
34:00 – Advice for young professionals and future founders
36:00 – His 5-year vision: becoming the “guy to know” in Dubai

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