‘Dubai is not a city, Dubai is an idea’: Why entrepreneur Sharad Agarwal never left after arriving in 1989

Dubai: When Sharad Agarwal arrived in Dubai in 1989, he thought he would stay for just two years. But as most people realise once they land in the city … it grows on you.

In Agarwal’s case, he grew with the city. From the time when the World Trade Centre was the only recognisable landmark along Sheikh Zayed Road, to today’s towering skyline, Agarwal has grown his business buoyed by the progress of the city.

“So the story is that, in 1995 I happened to be on vacation in the US and in New York there was a very big Internet World Show happening. At that time, the internet had not yet come to the UAE, that happened in 1996. There were 300 exhibitors talking about the future of internet and after spending a full day there, I decided that I was going to come back to Dubai, leave the corporate life, which was a pretty comfortable job, and become an entrepreneur,” Agarwal told Emirates 24|7.

That decision would place him at the centre of the technological revolution that was about to take place.

By setting up the first ever company offering internet services, Agarwal eventually helped create 'internet services' as a new category of business activity within the Dubai Economic Department.

“We’ve been pioneers in many ways,” he said.

But its not always easy pickings, especially if you are the first to do something. Over the years, Agarwal’s business has seen many challenges – from the dot-com bubble bursting in 2000, to the 2008 financial crisis, the COVID-19 outbreak and the recent geopolitical tensions in the region.

Yet he says the city’s resilience is what kept reinforcing his belief in it.

“I am a big believer in the Dubai story, so I don’t get fazed,” he said.

“I truly believe that Dubai is not a city, Dubai is an idea. Other cities in the world – New York, London, Paris, Tokyo … they all aspire to become Dubai when they grow up,” he said.

For Agarwal, much of that comes down to leadership and execution.

“After living in Dubai I firmly believe one man can change the destiny of a nation,” he said.

Recounting the many initiatives launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Agarwal spoke about how the execution of big ideas helps businesses like his.

“There are a lot of leaders in the world who dream big and talk big, but they fail to implement. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed sets deadlines that many might think are unrealistic, but he makes them happen,” he said.

Agarwal believes that same mindset shaped his own entrepreneurial journey.

“Either you are a leader or a follower, so we take the risk – Dubai doesn’t just reward the risks you take, it rewards them exponentially. It loves people who are bold, who go against the grain and who are pioneers in the field,” he said.

Today, his work has moved beyond websites and into artificial intelligence.

One of his recent projects involves AI systems helping organisations process large volumes of business documentation in minutes instead of months. Another venture, RatedG.ai, focuses on AI-generated films from creators across the world. He also launched Blue Whale AI Academy, an education platform designed to raise awareness on the most helpful AI tools people can use.

“You have to keep learning it’s not an option, it's mandatory,” he said.

His journey in Dubai has been of growth – professionally and personally. His two children have grown up in the UAE, his wife runs her own business, and over the years, the family has gotten accustomed to the ‘Dubai life’, making it very hard to adjust anywhere else in the world.

“The infrastructure, lifestyle, F&B, events — you won’t get that anywhere in the world. It has been a wholesome existence for our family,” he said.

What also makes the need to travel less appealing is how the world seems to want to come to Dubai.

“I believe Dubai is the centre of gravity – everything comes here, we don’t have to go anywhere,” he said

Even after nearly four decades in Dubai, Agarwal says the pace of change in the city is still something that surprises many.

“Even when I go for a holiday, I come back and there is a new road, a new restaurant,” he said.

This constant forward momentum is why he believes Dubai is able to overcome challenges.

“Dubai always bounces back stronger. Because of the resolve, because of the resilience. And one thing that I have seen is that Dubai loves audacity. People who can think big, dream big and deliver on time. That is the definition of Dubai.”