Episode 57: Sal Ghaznavi, former CFO at Careem (Uber)

In this episode, I meet Sal Ghaznavi, an executive with 18 years of cross-sectoral work experience, spanning across the UAE, Ireland, Bermuda, and Pakistan, with experience working within FinTech and tech startups.

Sal has held key finance and commercial leadership positions at Careem (Uber) - the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan’s first and largest unicorn, operating in the ride-hailing, food and grocery delivery, and digital payments space.

Sal shares valuable insights into the business environment and opportunities in the Middle East, particularly in the UAE. He highlights the region's high smartphone and internet penetration rates, the approachable regulators, and the government's focus on making the UAE a leader in various industries. Sal also discusses the safety and security of living in the UAE, the cost of living, and the growth potential for businesses.

He advises individuals interested in working in the UAE to network, conduct thorough research, and understand the cultural dynamics of the region.

For FinTech companies looking to expand into the UAE, Sal emphasises the importance of having 'boots on the ground', building relationships, and understanding the regulatory landscape.

You can find out more and connect with Sal via his LinkedIn profile.

Takeaways

• The UAE offers tremendous growth opportunities for businesses, with a welcoming and approachable regulatory environment.

• The region has high smartphone and internet penetration rates, making it conducive for internet-based companies.

• Living in the UAE is safe and secure, with a diverse and multicultural environment.

• For individuals interested in working in the UAE, it is important to network, do thorough research, and understand the cultural dynamics of the region.

• Fintech companies looking to expand into the UAE should have boots on the ground, build relationships, and understand the regulatory landscape.

Chapters

• 00:00 Remote Recording and Audio Quality
• 01:49 Sal's Background and Experience in the Middle East and Europe
• 04:46 Tech Startups and Super Apps in the Middle East
• 09:42 Living in the UAE: Safety, Diversity, and Growth Opportunities
• 14:18 The Cost of Living in Dubai
• 18:25 Finding Job Opportunities in the UAE
• 20:46 Advice for Moving to the UAE
• 24:28 Expanding Fintech into the GCC Market
• 28:48 Approaching the GCC Market as a Supplier or Vendor
• 31:53 Sal Ghaznavi's Move to London and Opportunities in the Fintech Industry
• 32:35 Contacting Sal Ghaznavi on LinkedIn

Keywords

UAE, Careem, Uber, Middle East, Europe, business expansion, fintech, opportunities, safety, security, cost of living, growth potential, networking, relationships, regulatory landscape