Sometimes in life you make decisions that change everything. For me, that decision was to move to Dubai and open my own beauty salon. But this move would never have been possible without the incredible support of Mariam and the team at SETUPCO. In this post, I want to share my story - how I found my way from Austria to Dubai and why it was the best decision of my life.

A dream that began in Austria

I am originally from Austria and always had the dream of running my own business there - especially a beauty salon. I have been working in the industry for years, gaining experience and continuing my education. But it was still always difficult to find the right framework conditions to take the big step and actually open my own business. The bureaucratic hurdles, the high costs and the competition in Austria often seemed insurmountable.

The first contact with SETUPCO - and Mariam

Everything changed when I came across SETUPCO. I had heard from other entrepreneurs that Dubai was an up-and-coming place to open a business, especially in the beauty and wellness industry. But the thought of moving to a foreign country on my own and setting up a business seemed overwhelming at first.

Through a recommendation, I came into contact with SETUPCO, a company that specializes in setting up and supporting companies in Dubai. From the very first conversation with Mariam, I felt that I was in good hands. Not only did Mariam immediately understand my vision and goals, but she also made me feel that everything was feasible. She explained the whole process to me - from registering my business, to the bureaucratic steps, to how I could get my residency permit in Dubai.

From Austria to Dubai - a smooth transition

Mariam and the SETUPCO team took away all my worries and doubts. They took care of all the bureaucratic paperwork, organized the necessary documents and ensured that the move went smoothly. I was able to concentrate fully on the creative planning of my beauty salon while Mariam took care of the legal and organizational details.

She not only supported me with my visa application, but also helped me to develop a suitable business model that perfectly matched the requirements of the Dubai market. Every step was clear and transparent and I felt confident and well advised at all times.

The opening of my beauty salon in Dubai

Thanks to Mariam's tireless support, I was able to open my beauty salon in one of Dubai's trendiest areas within a few months.

Challenges and growth - My path in Dubai

Of course, the path was not always easy. There are always challenges, especially when you start a business in a foreign country. New cultural circumstances, different laws and regulations and, of course, the fact that you are living in a completely new environment present you with challenges that you may not have considered before.

But even in these moments, Mariam from SETUPCO was always by my side. Her knowledge of local business practices and her contacts helped me to overcome challenges quickly. I remember the moment when it came to setting up my beauty salon and I had difficulties getting certain permits in time. Mariam immediately got involved, contacted all the relevant authorities and solved the problem within a few days. This effort was priceless for me, because it not only gave me the security I needed, but also showed me that I could rely on her at all times.

Mariam also helped me quickly find my way around Dubai on a personal level. She gave me valuable tips on how to find my way around the city, helped me find an apartment and even introduced me to some people from her network who worked in the same industry. I never felt alone or lost - on the contrary, I was part of a supportive and inspiring community from the very beginning.

A life full of opportunities

Dubai has proven to be the perfect environment for me to grow both professionally and personally. The city offers a fascinating mix of modernity and tradition, luxury and authenticity. In my beauty salon, I receive clients from all over the world and every encounter is enriching.

The openness and international flair of Dubai are indescribable. I have met so many inspiring people who are all realizing their own dreams and visions in this city. And best of all, the success stories of others motivate me every day to keep going and keep developing my business.

What I would recommend to other entrepreneurs

For anyone thinking of moving to Dubai and starting a business there, I can only say: don't let fear or uncertainty hold you back. Of course, there are many questions and challenges that arise along the way, but with the right support - as I experienced from Mariam and SETUPCO - anything is possible.

The SETUPCO team was not only a business help, but also a crucial factor for my personal well-being in Dubai. They helped me find my way in a completely new market and made me feel like I was never alone. Mariam in particular always listened to my questions and concerns, and her experience helped me in countless situations.

So my biggest advice to other entrepreneurs is: seek support, get advice and trust that with the right preparation and the right team, anything is possible. Dubai is a place full of opportunities and if you have the courage to take the plunge, you won't regret it.

A look into the future

My beauty salon is thriving and I am already planning to expand my business further. Thanks to the stable economic situation in Dubai and the ongoing investments in various sectors, I see many more years of growth ahead of me. I dream of maybe even opening a second branch in the future and expanding my services.

Without Mariam's support and SETUPCO's expertise, none of this would have been possible. Not only did they help me take the first step, but they were a constant support throughout the process. I will always be grateful to them for that.

The best decision of my life

Looking back on my journey today, I can only say that moving to Dubai and opening my own beauty salon was the best decision of my life. The support of SETUPCO and especially Mariam has brought me to where I am today - a proud entrepreneur in one of the most exciting cities in the world.

I am so grateful to have taken this path and I hope that my story will inspire other people to follow their dreams. Because one thing is for sure: with the right team by your side, there are no limits to what you can achieve.