Dubai-based siblings Youssef, Osama, and Lubna Hazem Al Herbawi have made a mark in the entrepreneurial world through their family business ViralDose. Founded in late 2022, ViralDose has become a prominent social media marketing and content creation agency in the region with a strong social presence. The trio, with diverse educational backgrounds, have set out to build a successful venture by acquiring new skills and scaling new heights of success.
Youssef, a 24-year-old biotechnology graduate, worked in the field for two years before experiencing a layoff. Osama, aged 21, has three years of experience as a content creator in the UAE and is also a business marketing dropout. Lubna, who is 19, is still pursuing her college degree while managing the agency. The decision to start the business in the UAE was influenced by the low initial investment required and the siblings’ strong understanding of the market due to their prior experience, making it an ideal location to begin their entrepreneurial journey.
Despite facing challenges since the launch of their business, the siblings have managed to overcome hurdles such as generating revenue without funding and working effectively as a team with minimal resources. Having worked with 90 clients over the past two years, ViralDose has helped companies go viral on social media organically, assisted entrepreneurs in building their personal brands, and generated more business through marketing efforts. The journey of building the brand from their bedroom has provided valuable learning experiences that have improved both the company and the personal capabilities of the founders.
The successful expansion of ViralDose into other countries like Oman and Saudi Arabia is a testament to the brand’s achievements in the UAE market. The siblings credit their success to the UAE’s business-friendly policies, including low startup costs, simple paperwork, and affordable trade licenses. The abundance of networking opportunities and support for new businesses in the UAE has also played a significant role in the growth of ViralDose. Working with family members has proven to be a beneficial choice for the siblings, as their strong relationship and mutual trust have provided a unique blend of personal and professional support.
The siblings’ collective confidence and trust in each other have been key motivators in their entrepreneurial journey, despite doubts from others about mixing family and business. Managing egos and maintaining transparency within the family dynamic has been crucial in ensuring a smooth and successful venture. The unique combination of being colleagues and friends with family members has added a layer of strength and support to the business, making the journey more manageable and rewarding for the siblings.
