From Mother's Rs 8,000 Loan to Building UAE Tech Firm: Indian Expat's Inspiring Journey

Anas Abdul Latheef, an Indian expatriate in the UAE, traces his success not to business milestones but to a humble loan from his mother over a decade ago. In 2014, Latheef borrowed Dh350 (approximately $95) from his mother to purchase an official tender document, a crucial step for his fledgling startup, Hash Include, which was bidding for a government project.

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Looking back, that Dh350 was probably the best investment my mother ever made.

"Looking back, that Dh350 was probably the best investment my mother ever made," Latheef told Gulf News. This seemingly small amount became the catalyst for his entrepreneurial journey in the Emirates, a country he felt drawn to since childhood for its opportunities and ambition.

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I always knew I wanted to come back and build my future here.

Latheef returned to Dubai in 2008, determined to build a career. He started as a software engineer, learning the demanding work culture of the UAE. He recalled a project for the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority where his team delivered an event platform within an impossible one-week deadline. "There is no room for excuses. You either deliver or you do not," he said, reflecting on what he sees as the UAE's strong emphasis on execution.

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There is no room for excuses. You either deliver or you do not.

Building his tech company, Hash Include, presented challenges, especially as a small firm competing against larger players. Earning trust was difficult, and Latheef had to develop skills beyond software development, learning to "communicate value and build strong business relationships." Despite his career in technology, Latheef identifies people as his biggest inspiration, underscoring the human element in business success.

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We were a small company competing against larger players, and earning trust was never easy.