The Lemonade Effect: Turning Lockdowns into Opportunities

When life hands you lemons, it’s time to whip up a refreshing glass of lemonade, or in the case of Ilman Shazhaev, a whole business empire. Stuck in Dubai during those chaotic COVID-19 lockdowns, Shazhaev noticed something peculiar: instead of crumbling under pressure, the bustling metropolis was morphing into a paradise for entrepreneurs. And he wasn’t about to let a little worldwide pandemic stop his game.

Dubai: The Business Utopia

According to Shazhaev, Dubai is like that friend who keeps reminding you that there are no shortcuts in life—pure, straightforward, and sometimes painfully honest. The regulations here work flawlessly. No amount of money or connections can save you if you decide to break the rules; every deal is treated equally, making it a playground for fair play. It’s almost refreshing!

Tax Benefits for Tech Ventures

Another cherry on top of this business sundae? Taxes—specifically, the absence thereof for IT-related enterprises. Shazhaev couldn’t contain his excitement when he noted how this friendly fiscal environment is luring tech companies left and right. “It’s like a non-stop party for businesses in the digitized landscape!” he exclaimed. And who wouldn’t want to dance at a tax-free bash?

The Struggles of a Multicultural Marketplace

Of course, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows for Shazhaev. Navigating a multicultural marketplace is like being thrown into a salsa class without any prior experience. Initially, communication was as tangled as holiday lights after a year of storage. However, the experienced businessman powered through, comparing his early trade trips in Dubai to some of his other operations across China, Indonesia, and Russia. “No bureaucratic mess here,” he chuckles, and who can blame him?

The Evolution of a Business Mindset

At first, adapting to the local business scene was akin to learning a new dance—the local rhythm took getting used to. Yet, as the deals started rolling in, the groove became familiar. “After the first few deals, I was on beat, and business became much easier,” said Shazhaev, demonstrating that persistence is the real name of the game.

Growing Ventures: OneBoost and Farcana Metaverse

Currently, Shazhaev is the proud runner of OneBoost, a digital asset management company operational in the UAE since 2019. But that’s not all—he also launched the hip and happening Farcana Metaverse right in the heart of Dubai. Talk about a dynamic duo!

The Future Looks Bright

Shazhaev’s journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability in the face of unprecedented challenges. Dubai has indeed transformed his lemons into a refreshing entrepreneurial experience that others may only dream of. The lesson remains—sometimes getting stuck isn’t a setback, but the beginning of a sweet new adventure.