Zahid Ali Khan, a Dubai-based Pakistani expat, started his career as a machine operator earning Dh750 per month and now earns Dh600,000 in revenue per month. After retiring at 65, he started his own business, Gul Khan Restaurant, which now has three branches in Dubai and Sharjah. The Dubai branch alone serves up to 100kg of Chapli kebabs daily, generating nearly Dh150,000 in sales monthly. With a team of 40 employees, Zahid provides monthly salaries of more than Dh50,000, offering meals and accommodation to the staff.
Zahid’s son, Gulrez Khan, plays a crucial role in the restaurant’s success through digital marketing. Leveraging Google ads and social media, they attract new customers and handle online orders, delivering up to 200 parcels during weekdays. Dubai’s business-friendly environment and technological advancements have significantly boosted the restaurant’s revenue, allowing them to target tourists and expand their customer base globally. Zahid encourages others working in the UAE to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, emphasizing that it’s never too late to start a business.
Gul Khan Restaurant embraces a traditional truck art theme, offering authentic Peshawari cuisine to a diverse clientele in Dubai. Zahid plans to expand the business further by opening branches in every emirate of the UAE, with Abu Dhabi being their next target. Reflecting on his journey, Zahid admits that he regrets not starting the business sooner but believes that everything has its own time. With determination, courage, and proper planning, success is achievable in Dubai’s thriving business landscape. Zahid’s story serves as an inspiration for those looking to follow their dreams and make a mark in the entrepreneurial world.
