Author: ad_new

Driving Brand Awareness & Qualified Leads in the HoReCa Market – UAE & KSA

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Client Overview:

Harissons Sauces, a premium UK-based sauce brand, recently expanded its distribution to the UAE and Saudi Arabia. With a strong foothold in the UK, the brand was looking to create awareness and generate demand in the HoReCa (Hotels, Restaurants, and Catering) sector across the Middle East.

Objective:

As newcomers to the region, Harissons needed to quickly:

  • Build brand recognition within the right industry segment.
  • Reach decision-makers in hospitality and F&B.
  • Generate qualified leads for distributor partnerships and direct sales opportunities.

Our Approach:

Above Digital recommended Meta Ads (Facebook & Instagram), leveraging the platform’s:

  • Powerful targeting algorithm to identify professionals in HoReCa by job titles, industries, and interests.
  • Custom creative strategy that appealed to chefs, procurement heads, and F&B professionals.
  • Lead generation ads that simplified the user journey and encouraged inquiry submissions.

The Results:

The campaign successfully reached and engaged the exact audience Harissons wanted to connect with. As shown in the attached lead sheet:

  • Leads included Executive Chefs, F&B Directors, Procurement Managers, and C-suite Executives.
  • Businesses came from hotels, restaurants, catering companies, and hospitality groups.
  • Exceptional lead quality, thanks to the algorithm’s precision and performance-optimised creatives.
  • The client was extremely pleased with the outcome.

Expansion Opportunity

Impressed with the results in the UAE and KSA, Harissons Sauces extended our partnership to now include:

  • UK and European markets for ongoing B2B growth
  • Strategic support in growing brand visibility and distributor networks globally

Campaign Snapshot

  • Client: Harissons Sauces
  • Region: UAE & KSA
  • Industry: Food & Beverage (HoReCa)
  • Service: Paid Ads (Meta) – Awareness & Lead Generation
  • Outcome: Qualified leads, market expansion, client retention

Generating Business Chapter Growth Through Meta Ads & Smart Targeting

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Client Overview:

BNI (Business Network International) is the world’s largest referral networking organization. In 2023, BNI New Dubai partnered with Above Digital to help expand its presence by launching new chapters beyond Mall of the Emirates and across emerging business hubs in Dubai.

Objective:

  • Generate interest from business owners and decision-makers in the New Dubai region
  • Drive registrations for info sessions
  • Use digital ads to accelerate chapter formation and increase BNI’s visibility in untapped zones

Our Strategy:

We designed and executed a multi-faceted campaign focused on conversion and quality:

  • Custom landing page with a clear call to action for booking info sessions
  • Meta Ads (Facebook & Instagram) to tap into one of the most robust and cost-efficient platforms for B2B lead generation
  • Refined targeting by job title, location, and entrepreneurial interest
  • Multiple ad variations tested to identify top-performing creatives

Key Results:

  • 2,676 total leads generated between May 2023 and May 2024
  • Over 1,800 confirmed bookings for info sessions
  • Strong presence in Barsha, JVC, Motor City, JLT, Tecom, Al Qouz, and beyond
  • Most leads attributed to Meta Ads (IG/FB) via structured campaigns
  • Info session conversion rates improved due to structured follow-up and dedicated messaging

Lead Profile Insights

From the lead sheet:

  • Top Designations: Founder, Director, CEO, Managing Partner
  • Company Types: Accounting, Real Estate, Events, Coaching, Hospitality, Tech
  • Lead Intent: High – Over 1,200 leads expressed interest or asked for a follow-up
  • Booking Funnel Success: 70% of leads reached the booking or near-booking stage

Campaign Snapshot

  • Thanks to this campaign:
    • BNI New Dubai successfully launched multiple new chapters
    • The client was able to scale awareness and attract a quality pipeline of committed professionals
    • We’ve continued our collaboration into 2025 to optimise targeting, streamline messaging, and support new chapter formations

Client Review

Hear what Satyen Babla, Executive Director of BNI, had to say:

Campaign Snapshot

Industry: Business Networking
Region: New Dubai (Barsha onwards)
Channel: Meta Ads + Custom Landing Page
Goal: Lead Generation + Chapter Launch
Leads Generated: 2676
Bookings: 1800+
Outcome: Multiple new chapters launched

Powered by Above Digital | Performance Marketing for B2B Growth

What My Cycling Coach Nick Glover Taught Me About Leading a Team

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I’m really excited to share the latest episode of The Forward Thinking People Podcast with you, featuring my cycling coach who is also a business coach, Nick Glover.

I wanted to share something a bit personal today about my journey with Nick.

About a year ago, I found myself stuck. Despite cycling daily, I wasn’t getting stronger, and I’d get dropped on every ride. That’s when I reached out to Nick for help. What I didn’t expect was how much of the training wasn’t just about physical strength but mental strength too.

Success, both in cycling and business, is a matter of mindset—and Nick helped me truly understand that in a way I hadn’t before.

That’s when I found out that Nick wasn’t just a cycling coach; he also had a long history in business coaching.

I immediately thought he’d be perfect for the podcast. His ideas around hiring based on values really struck me.

As entrepreneurs, we all know how tough it is to get the right people, and Nick breaks down how to build teams that truly align with your company’s mission.

I’m really excited to share the latest episode of The Forward Thinking People Podcast with you, featuring my cycling coach who is also a business coach, Nick Glover.

If you’re in the coaching business, lead a team, or just want to better understand how values can drive success, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss. Nick’s experience will resonate with anyone in a leadership role, and his thoughts on coaching are pure gold.

When Nick took on the challenge of triple Everesting on Jebel Jais—an extraordinary feat of cycling that involves riding up and down Jebel Jais mountain 21 times, covering 1,000 km and 27,000 m of vertical —we all went to support him.

I’ll never forget it.

While I had always struggled to complete just one climb, that day, inspired by Nick’s determination, I managed to do two back-to-back. It was an unforgettable moment, one that shows how much we can achieve when we push beyond our mental limits.

Here’s a picture of Nick and me during that challenge.

Nick’s insights into hiring, team building, and how to coach others to success are invaluable, and this episode of the podcast is full of practical advice for business owners, coaches, and anyone leading a team.

Take a listen, and let me know what you think!

👉 Watch on YouTube
👉 Listen on Spotify
👉 Listen on Apple Podcasts

What I Learned from Dr. Joy’s Epic Growth – Namita Ramita on TFTP

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Join Namita Ramani in the latest episode of The Forward Thinking People Podcast with Dr. Joy Antony.

Back in 2014, we briefly worked with Dr. Joy Antony when he had just 2 clinics in Dubai. Fast forward to today, and he’s grown that number to 13 clinics, with a team of over 350 employees and 80+ dentists. On top of that, he’s launched another sub-brand with 2 more clinics. Pretty amazing, right?

Recently, when I reconnected with Dr. Joy for some marketing work, I was blown away by how much his business has expanded. So naturally, I invited him to join me on the podcast to share his incredible journey—and it’s packed with valuable insights.

In our conversation, Dr. Joy opens up about:

  • How he grew his practice from 1 clinic to 13, and why taking risks (even during tough times) was key to his success

  • The challenges he faced, from navigating the recession to managing a rapidly growing team

  • His leadership style and how he built a system-driven business that thrives even when he’s not involved in the day-to-day

  • How stopping his dental practice transformed his business

  • His approach to hiring, mentoring, and creating strong teams (I’m already planning to apply some of his strategies myself!)

  • The books that have shaped his mindset and helped him along the way

This episode is packed with practical advice and real-world stories for entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone interested in scaling their company while maintaining quality and balance.

Check it out on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts:

👉 Watch on YouTube
👉 Listen on Spotify
👉 Listen on Apple Podcasts

I learned a lot from Dr. Joy’s story, and I’m sure you will too. Can’t wait to hear what you think!

From Cycling Buddies to Business Insights: Namita Ramani with Anthony Guss on TFTP

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Hi! This is Namita Ramani, I’m excited to share the latest episode of The Forward Thinking People Podcast with you!

I met Anthony Guss during an early morning cycle ride, and we quickly became friends.

Little did I know, behind the bike helmet was a man with an extraordinary story—a 41-year journey in business, a former Olympian skier, and a man who grew his family company into a global success.

Anthony didn’t always plan to join the family business. After studying marketing, he had other dreams, but life had a different path for him. His father convinced him to step into the company, and instead of just following in his footsteps, Anthony transformed it—expanding globally, working with luxury hotels, and establishing a reputation for quality.

In our conversation, Anthony shares his incredible insights on:

  • Building a business that lasts 41 years

  • How he navigated through challenges and international markets

  • Finding the right clients in the competitive hospitality industry

  • The role resilience plays in both sports and business

  • His unique perspective on money—it’s not about sitting on piles of cash, but about the chase for the next opportunity

  • Finding the right clients in the competitive hospitality industry

  • The role resilience plays in both sports and business

  • His unique perspective on money—it’s not about sitting on piles of cash, but about the chase for the next opportunity

This episode is packed with wisdom for anyone in business, especially entrepreneurs looking to scale, find the right clients, or simply hear an inspiring story of grit and growth.

Don’t miss this one! Hit play, and let me know what you think.

PS: Both me and Anthony ride in the community and are part of Team Boon. Basically, Boon Cafe sponsors us with free coffees, of course as long as we wear the boon jerseys… 

PPS: Every Friday we have a cake ride with team Boon. After the ride someone usually sponsors a cake and we enjoy it with our coffee. Anthony started this initiative after being inspired by a cake ride he happened to attend one of the evenings. This has become the most popular ride in the community, and sometimes we have about 40+ cyclists in a day. We split into 2 and sometimes 3 groups for safety reasons. 

PPS: Here is a little glimpse of us riding together. Enjoying the cake after a fast Boon ride. 

Can you spot me and Anthony in this picture? 🙂

namita ramani with anthony

Namita Ramani in Conversation with Magdalena on How She Survived Cancer and Built a Unique Business

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A few months ago, at a Female Fusion networking event, I had a brief but unforgettable encounter with someone remarkable—Magdalena Orzehovska. As often happens at networking events, we moved from one conversation to the next, but in those fleeting five minutes, Magdalena’s story struck a chord with me.

She spoke with such sincerity about her journey—about surviving cancer, finding solace in something as simple yet profound as olive oil, and then taking a bold leap into entrepreneurship to become the only olive oil sommelier and consultant in the UAE. Her words were filled with strength, courage, and a passion that was impossible to ignore. Even as our conversation was cut short, I knew I had to hear more from her, and I think you’ll want to as well.

I’m thrilled to announce that Magdalena is the guest on our latest podcast episode, going live this Monday morning! She dives deep into her inspiring story, sharing how she turned a life-altering diagnosis into a thriving business, crafting a path driven by knowledge, resilience, and a desire to make a difference.

Tune in to hear Magdalena’s incredible journey:

🎧 Listen on Spotify
🍏 Listen on Apple Podcasts
📺 Watch on YouTube

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a lover of unique stories, or someone looking for a spark of inspiration, this episode is not to be missed. Magdalena’s journey is a powerful reminder that sometimes life’s greatest challenges can lead us to our most profound opportunities.

Grab your favourite cup of coffee, settle in, and prepare to be inspired!

P.S. If Magdalena’s story resonates with you, don’t forget to share it with friends and colleagues who might need a dose of motivation this week!

The Rise of Cycle Hub with Sam Sayadan and Namita Ramani on TFTP

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Are you ready for a podcast episode that mixes hearty laughs with essential business insights? This week, we dive into a story that’s all about passion, pedal power, and the pursuit of a thriving community.

Join Namita Ramani at The Forward Thinking Podcast as Sam Sayadan, the co-founder of The Cycle Hub, takes us through his entrepreneurial journey in our latest episode: “From Passion to Enterprise: The Rise of Cycle Hub with Sam Sayadan.”

Here’s what you’ll find in this episode:

  • Humor in the Face of Challenges: Explore how Sam’s lighthearted approach, including a unique SOP for when products are out of stock, helps navigate the ups and downs of business.

  • Real-Time Business Lessons: Sam doesn’t just share successes; he opens up about the real situations and solutions that have shaped Cycle Hub.

  • Building Community: It’s not just about bikes; it’s about fostering a network of cycling enthusiasts and making an impact that goes beyond business.

Curious how laughter and resilience can fuel business growth and community bonds? Click below to listen now:

This episode isn’t just another business tutorial; it’s a glimpse into how embracing the lighter side of leadership can make a real difference. Tune in for your dose of inspiration coupled with a good chuckle!

Thank you for joining in and sharing this journey with me. If Sam’s story inspires you or brings a smile to your face, please share and subscribe to our podcast, and drop us a comment with your thoughts!

Ride on, (As we say it on Zwift ;))

sam

PS: Here is a little story from myside. I started cycling in the year 2016.

While I was still understanding the sport and exploring it, I had visited Cycle hub to checkout the Specialized bike.

Sam was there himself, showing me around and we instantly became friends.

We planned a small mountain bike ride together and we had such a blast. Sam had a lot of more hair then! 😉

Sam I hope you don’t mind me

sharing 🙂

I am confident you will enjoy our conversation. Tune in and share your feedback

Btw, I recently changed my bike and guess which one I got finally?

Namita Ramani Discussing The Inspiring Journey of Zoga’s Founder, Kamelia Salimi on The Forward Thinking People Podcast

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It’s Namita! I hope you’re enjoying my emails and have had a chance to check out our podcast. 😊

I have to admit, running a podcast is no small feat! From getting guests to agree to share their stories, to researching, crafting the right questions, and ensuring each episode reaches you—it’s a labor of love.

If you’ve ever dreamed of starting your own podcast, feel free to reach out. I’d be more than happy to share exactly how you can launch one of your own!

Now, I’m thrilled to announce that our latest episode is live! 🎉

This time, we’re featuring Kamelia Salimi, the founder of Zoga.

This episode is particularly special to me because, when I lived in South Ridge—right where Zoga’s first branch is—I was one of their yoga students. I used to dream about managing them as a client, and now, it’s come true—we handle their lead generation!

Kamelia’s journey of building Zoga is fascinating and full of unique insights, making her an ideal guest for our podcast.

In ‘Building a Profitable Yoga Studio: Kamelia Salimi’s Entrepreneurial Journey with Zoga’, Kamelia reveals:

  • The Journey: From humble beginnings to running two successful branches.

  • Challenges and Triumphs: The real struggles behind Zoga’s growth.

  • Unique Insights: A thought-provoking discussion on psychedelic retreats and their impact.

Click below to dive into the full episode and be inspired by Kamelia’s story.

👉Apple Podcasts I Spotify I YouTube 

Enjoy the episode!

Your support means the world to me. Please like and subscribe to our YouTube channel, and feel free to drop a question if you have one.

Thank you for being a part of this journey.

To your success,

N.

Learn the Networking Secret with me – Namita Ramani with Phil Bedford on TFTP

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Do you ever feel like networking is a chore? Or perhaps you’re unsure how to turn those casual connections into meaningful business relationships. I know I’ve been there.

I’m thrilled to share this episode of The Forward Thinking People podcast with you. Our latest guest, Phil Bedford, is a master at transforming networking into a superpower. His journey from a spontaneous visit to Dubai to becoming a networking guru is full of valuable lessons.

Phil arrived in Dubai in 1998 to visit a friend and got a job opportunity. Alongside his job, he pursued his passion for salsa dancing and became a salsa teacher. Little did he know, this passion would become his secret weapon in building powerful business networks. Today, he is a leading expert in relationship marketing, referral marketing, and business networking, helping countless businesses in Dubai and beyond achieve spectacular growth.

Why This Episode is a Must-Listen:

Have you ever wondered how you can leverage everyday interactions to build a powerful business network? In this episode, you’ll uncover:

  • The unique strategies Phil used to turn casual encounters into meaningful business relationships.

  • The one mindset shift that can transform your networking efforts overnight.

  • How Phil’s approach emphasizes genuine relationships and a balanced lifestyle for success.

Phil’s journey is a testament to the power of strategic networking and its impact on your business growth. This episode is packed with insights that could change the way you view networking forever.

Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting, Phil’s journey will inspire you to rethink your approach to networking and see it as a powerful tool for personal and professional growth.

Subscribe Now:

Apple Podcasts I Spotify I YouTube 

Don’t miss out on this incredible episode. Tune in to The Forward Thinking People podcast and let Phil Bedford’s story transform your perspective on networking.

To your success,

N

PS: In 2016 my sales coach and dear friend, Ramez Helou introduced me to Phil, and Phil invited me to join his course. It was too expensive for me to afford then in terms of time and money. I also didn’t understand the power of the network then.

At the time, as I was into digital marketing I believed in getting instant return for the money spent. So I invested in our ads instead which gave us instant new business… however, in hindsight, I wish I had done it!

I have managed to build my network now but it has taken me all these years to build. Imagine if I had done it then, I am sure the business would have benefited much more.

I believe advertising is a mix of everything. You need to do it all to see the results! Or maybe not all, but quite a few things… 🙂

Would you agree?

Namita Ramani in conversation with The Cycling Entrepreneur: Why Wolfi Bet on Dubai’s Sand to Build a Bike Empire!

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Hello 

Across the table on the second episode of The Forward Thinking People podcast is a man who saw potential, while others saw only challenges. He arrived in Dubai from Blackforest, Germany, with a passion for cycling and a dream to foster a community around it.

Through sheer determination, he built a cycle superstore that became the heart of a thriving cycling culture in the city. Wolfgang Hohhman’s A.K.A. Wolfi’s relentless pursuit of his passion transformed Dubai into a cycling destination.

This is a very special episode for me as I bought my first bike from Mr. Wolfi himself!

Here I am when I went to pick up my 1st bike at Wolfie’s Bike Shop in 2016. Mr. Wolfi himself sold it to me.

namita ramani with Wolfi

He was so passionate about the sport that his love for cycling kind of overflowed on me, and I think this is what he must be doing for all his customers! 🙂

He made me fall in love with Cycling. 🙂

During the interview, he got emotional as he shared stories about the struggles and challenges he faced when he opened the business and what he did to overcome them.

He also shares details on his unplanned exit from the business and how he attracted this opportunity.

Don’t miss this one 🙂

Bringing season 2 of my podcast back after a brief break gave my team and me the opportunity to dive deep into Dubai’s business world and pick out shining jewels to guide and inspire our collective entrepreneurial journey.

In Season 2, you can expect in-depth interviews that provide exclusive insights from top entrepreneurs shaping Dubai’s business landscape. The episodes will feature fresh perspectives and offer engaging conversations filled with actionable insights and innovative ideas.

Wolfi’s story about creating a legacy and inspiring a community is one of the many compelling stories I am excited to share with you on The Forward Thinking podcast.

How to Subscribe:

Apple Podcasts I Spotify I YouTube Channel

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or simply someone interested in the dynamic world of business, I am confident that The Forward Thinking podcast will bring you invaluable insights and inspiration.

Subscribe now and ensure you never miss an episode!

In the words of Wolfgang Hohhman, let’s try another day!

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