Resilient teams are the backbone of UAE startups. With 80% of startups failing within two years and nearly half citing team issues as the cause, building strong, adaptable teams is essential. This article explores how leading UAE startups - like Careem, Fetchr, and Lock&Stock - overcame challenges through effective leadership, local market understanding, and smart use of technology.
Resilient teams not only tackle challenges but also drive long-term growth. Read on to learn actionable strategies from UAE’s top startups.
Careem's rise as a unicorn offers a masterclass in managing diverse teams and tailoring strategies to local markets. Before Uber acquired the company, Careem had established itself in 15 countries across the Middle East and North Africa [6].
The key to Careem’s success lay in recognising that a single approach wouldn’t work for all markets. Instead of enforcing a rigid, standardised model, the company empowered its local teams to design solutions that fit their unique environments. For example, in Egypt, where cash is king, the team introduced cash payments, which accounted for nearly 90% of transactions [5]. Meanwhile, in Pakistan, they added rickshaw bookings and voice-command features to align with regional commuting habits [5].
Careem also focused on operational efficiency, incorporating AI-driven chatbots to cut customer service costs by nearly 40%. This allowed team members to shift their attention to more strategic tasks [5]. A standout moment came in 2016 when Dubai's Road and Transport Authority (RTA) partnered with Careem, making it the exclusive app for booking the city’s 9,841 taxis and 4,700 limousines [6].
"Dubai's attitude has always been, 'let's try to make the impossible, possible.'" - Noor Sweid, Managing Partner and Founder of Global Ventures [6]
This blend of local adaptability and technological innovation set the stage for robust crisis management, as highlighted in the next example.
Lock&Stock offers a fascinating look at purpose-driven management. The app encourages users to disconnect from social media and adopt healthier habits, addressing screen addiction that affects 400 million people globally [9]. The company’s internal team-building philosophy reflects this mission, using gamification to engage and motivate employees. Just as the app rewards users with in-game characters, XP points, and weekly competitions [9], the team applies similar strategies to foster a dynamic and engaged workforce.
In February 2024, founders Craig and Ian Fernandes demonstrated their team’s flexibility by transforming SecureMyScholarship.com into an ed-tech platform. This pivot not only addressed student-scholarship interactions but also stayed true to their mission of solving impactful challenges [8]. With 72 million children worldwide lacking access to primary education [9], the company’s focus on meaningful work resonates strongly with Gen-Z team members, who often prioritise purpose over traditional perks.
Lock&Stock's story shows how purpose, combined with innovative engagement strategies, can inspire a remote workforce to achieve remarkable results.
From the case studies examined, several strategies stood out as essential for building team resilience in UAE startups. These strategies illustrate how businesses can transform challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth [2].
One recurring theme was technology as a crisis buffer. Startups leaned on AI-powered tools and automation to maintain stability during tough times, showing how technology can safeguard operations in uncertain conditions [4].
Another key factor was cultural adaptability. By tapping into local knowledge and swiftly adjusting to external shifts, businesses were better equipped to handle disruptions, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a significant impact on UAE companies [4].
Purpose-driven leadership also emerged as a cornerstone of resilience. Leaders who focused on rebuilding confidence within their teams and aligning efforts with a larger mission often created stronger, more sustainable business models. As Amr Abodraiaa aptly said, "The Global South is a hub of innovation and resilience" where entrepreneurs discover "cost-effective, innovative solutions that can be built at scale" [2].
These methods provide a strong foundation for UAE founders looking to navigate challenges and build resilient teams.
Based on these resilience strategies, UAE founders can adopt several actionable approaches to strengthen their teams and operations. This aligns with the fact that 95% of UAE businesses recognise the importance of reassessing their operations to establish stronger foundations [4].
Drawing from examples like Careem, Fetchr, and Lock&Stock, here are some practical steps:
Building resilient teams requires structured support, shared learning experiences, and access to reliable resources. Founder Connects addresses these needs by offering a platform designed specifically for UAE startup founders, helping them strengthen their teams and navigate challenges effectively.
Research highlights the pressures faced by entrepreneurs: 72% experience mental health struggles, and 55% of MENA startup founders report stress tied to investment challenges [16]. These pressures can lead to feelings of isolation and strain team dynamics. Founder Connects creates a supportive environment where founders can share experiences, learn from peers, and access expert advice. Two standout features of this platform are its mastermind sessions and its comprehensive toolkit for team development.
One of the core offerings of Founder Connects is its monthly, virtual mastermind sessions called "Founder Squads" [25, 26]. These 90-minute sessions bring founders together to focus on problem-solving and strategic planning. Guided by a structured framework, participants share updates, set goals, and collaborate on solutions. This setup encourages accountability, celebrates progress, and helps founders address challenges before they escalate.
"None of us is as smart as all of us." – Ken Blanchard [14]
These sessions provide founders with actionable advice from peers who have faced similar hurdles. Tina, Co-Founder of WSS, shared her experience:
"The best part is seeing how other founders tackle similar challenges. Their insights have been valuable. Since joining, we've found new strategies that have helped us solve problems faster and more effectively by 30%. It's like having a supportive network that continuously fuels our growth." [15]
This 30% improvement in problem-solving speed not only boosts efficiency but also strengthens team cohesion, enabling founders to act proactively.
In addition to mastermind groups, Founder Connects offers a robust toolkit aimed at improving leadership and team management skills. This includes live talks, workshops, and expert consultations tailored to the UAE market. Members gain access to a curated network of experts and investors, opening doors to mentorship and strategic advice. Exclusive events and networking opportunities further help founders connect with talent, advisors, and potential partners.
Mohammad, Co-Founder of The Middle Frame, highlighted the platform's value:
"For founders, going solo is the hardest thing. This community fills that gap, offering a tribe to learn and grow with. It's a no-brainer!" [15]
Founder Connects provides affordable access to these resources, with plans starting at AED 219 per month (billed semi-annually) or AED 365 monthly [15]. Compared to the cost of individual consulting, this is a practical option for startups. These services echo the resilience strategies employed by companies like Careem and Fetchr, proving the importance of strong team support in fast-paced environments. As Mazen, Co-Founder of AIME, explained:
"As an entrepreneur, the journey can feel solitary at times. This community has become my go-to support system." [15]
This kind of networked support is essential for maintaining team morale and making well-informed decisions about hiring, team structure, and fostering a positive work culture.
The experiences of Careem, Fetchr, Hulexo, and Lock&Stock highlight one critical truth: resilient teams are the cornerstone of long-lasting success in the UAE's ever-evolving business landscape. These companies didn’t just navigate challenges - they thrived by focusing on team building, flexibility, and a forward-thinking approach instead of relying on short-term solutions. Their achievements clearly demonstrate how strong teams contribute to both financial and operational stability.
Research shows that high-performing teams can boost performance by 20–25% [3], a crucial advantage in a competitive market like the UAE, where the non-oil sector grew by 5.9% in 2023 [1]. This kind of adaptability allowed these startups to pivot effectively and tackle external challenges head-on. As discussed earlier, even the most brilliant strategies often fall short without the collective strength of a well-aligned team.
Operating in a multicultural market like the UAE offers both opportunities and challenges. Diverse teams, for instance, can enhance performance by up to 50% [3], making cultural adaptability and inclusive hiring practices essential for success. Startups that embrace this diversity often find themselves better equipped to innovate and grow.
Another key takeaway from these case studies is the importance of sound financial planning. Companies that prioritised cash flow management, developed contingency strategies, and diversified their revenue streams were better positioned to handle economic uncertainties. This echoes the advice of HSBC’s Daniel Howlett, who stated, “It is vital that the UAE private sector pushes ahead with efforts to make their businesses more agile and more resilient” [4].
For UAE founders, the path to sustainable growth lies in nurturing team capabilities, fostering a culture of innovation, and building strong support networks. Empowered teams can lead to up to 6% higher net profits [3], proving that investments in mentorship, peer networks, and team development are not just beneficial - they’re essential for thriving in the UAE’s startup ecosystem.
Building strong teams is essential for the success of startups in the UAE. Start by focusing on establishing a company culture that emphasises teamwork, adaptability, and a commitment to learning. Promote open communication and create an environment where diverse ideas are welcomed, as this can spark innovation and effective problem-solving.
Another key area is investing in your employees' growth. Offer opportunities for training, mentorship, and skill development to boost morale and foster loyalty within your team. At the same time, ensure your startup is grounded in thorough market research and has clear operational processes in place. This helps avoid common mistakes like underestimating market demand or neglecting legal requirements.
By taking these steps, startups can better navigate challenges and thrive in the UAE's competitive and ever-evolving business environment.
Careem took on challenges unique to the UAE by introducing a super app that caters to a variety of consumer needs. To address local payment preferences, they also formed strategic partnerships aimed at improving payment solutions. Fetchr tackled the issue of non-standardised addresses head-on by using GPS technology, streamlining deliveries and making the process far more efficient. Meanwhile, Lock&Stock carved out a niche by incentivising students to stay off their phones, effectively connecting with younger audiences and boosting brand visibility through well-executed PR campaigns.
AI technology is transforming how UAE startups build strong and efficient teams by taking over repetitive tasks, allowing teams to dedicate their energy to more strategic goals. For instance, AI-powered tools help simplify workflows, manage resources more effectively, and support better decision-making - key advantages for startups navigating a fast-moving and competitive market.
Another game-changer is predictive insights provided by AI through advanced analytics. These insights help startups anticipate market shifts and understand customer preferences, enabling them to adjust strategies ahead of time. This proactive approach not only supports long-term growth but also boosts resilience. Moreover, integrating AI into areas like finance and customer service has delivered clear benefits, such as minimising errors and improving service quality, making operations smoother and more efficient for UAE startups.
