Love, basketball, and burgers are this Dubai-based expat couple’s recipe for success

Dubai-based couple Nadia Shah and Mohamed Abdullateef Albreiki are a team at home and at work as they stay committed to serve their clientele through their ventures Drip Catering Services and Drip Burgers.Nadia, 37, entrepreneur, born in London and raised in Ireland has made Dubai her home as she looks to establish her brand along with Mohamed. Nadia moved to the UAE in 2012, inspired by her father’s success after he relocated his business here in 2004.

Initially planning to expand her jewellery business in the UAE, Nadia instead joined the family’s hospitality venture, managing a chain of four-star hotels and hotel apartments. “My father, Mohammed Zafar Shah, has been the greatest influence on my entrepreneurial journey. A self-made businessman and serial entrepreneur, he built everything from the ground up, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, vision, and success. He taught me to see opportunities where others saw obstacles and to approach every situation with a creative and strategic mindset. Witnessing his relentless pursuit of success—especially during some of the toughest times—instilled in me a deep sense of persistence and resilience. I don’t give up,” said Nadia.

Just before the Covid-19 pandemic hit, she decided to establish her own business, Drip Burgers, in Mall of the Emirates. Nadia recognised Dubai as a cultural melting pot with a lack of homegrown burger brands that catered to its diverse population. Her venture has greatly benefited from the support provided by Dubai SME, reflecting the UAE’s encouragement of local businesses. “I believe in creating brands that offer more than just products—they’re about experiences, community, and lifestyle. With Drip Catering Services, we focus on providing nutritious, farm-to-table meals for corporate wellness initiatives. Drip Burgers, on the other hand, is a tribute to the 90s era and basketball culture, catering to a younger audience looking for great food and a cool hangout vibe, said Nadia. 

The couple attribute their success to the UAE, which has been instrumental in their entrepreneurial journey.  “The UAE’s vibrant economy, supportive infrastructure for startups, and diverse, health-conscious population provided the ideal environment to launch and grow my ventures. The diverse population has been a huge plus, as well as the city’s ever-growing nature, which means that you can be a maker of change. The government’s focus on innovation, wellness, and sustainability also aligns perfectly with my business ethos,” said Nadi.

Endorsing a similar view, Mohamed added: “Dubai’s global connectivity and opportunities to participate in high-profile events have been invaluable for brand exposure and growth. The possibilities are endless. The government also supports locals, through many schemes, such as Dubai SME and others which encourage UAE nationals to start up businesses of their own. We were able to use this opportunity to benefit the growth of our business.” she added.

The couple — who met through mutual friends working for their family business in events — share their love for sports and basketball, which brought them closer over time. Mohamed shared his transformative experience at the Dubai World Cup: “I attended the event to support Nadia and found myself unexpectedly behind the counter, helping amidst the chaos. Surprisingly, everything felt natural, like being ‘in the zone’ in sports. This revelation sparked my passion for serving people and my active involvement in DRIP grew from there.” 

Mohamed, known as Lateef, is a 33-year-old local basketball star who currently plays for the UAE National Team and Shabab Al Ahli. The son of legendary basketball player Abdullateef Albreiki, Mohamed was raised in the UAE and comes from a long line of basketball players.  

Abdullateef Albreiki, a legend in the UAE and GCC, led his team to national victory in the 1990s, securing the UAE’s first-ever GCC Cup. Following in his father’s footsteps, Mohamed, along with his brothers, helped secure the UAE’s second-ever club-level victory in 2016. 

Mohamed holds a master’s degree in finance and is currently pursuing a PhD. He has achieved significant success at both the club and national levels. “Mohamed is the backbone of the business, ensuring our finances are always in order. Along the way, he discovered a passion for customer service, thriving on interactions with our customers and the energy of the business. His dedication and ability to connect with people have been instrumental in Drip Burgers’ growth,” said Nadia. “Initially, I started Drip Burgers as a venture with a friend, but we eventually parted ways. Within a year, my husband joined me in the business. It was his first real hands-on experience in running a business—learning the ins and outs of operations, F&B, and customer service. As he became more involved, he began to see how his background in finance could be applied to streamline and strengthen the business,” she added.

Nadia and Mohamed’s journey is not just about creating successful brands but also about transforming personal passions into professional milestones. 

Tips for young couples starting a venture together:

• Stay patient; building a business takes time and resilience.

• Don’t be afraid to innovate and take calculated risks.

• Define clear roles and responsibilities.

• Leverage each other’s strengths.

• Communication is key.

• Balance work and personal life.

• Stay patient and resilient.

• Surround yourselves with mentors and a strong network.