Come spend 5 minutes exploring Dominique’s entrepreneurial journey in Abu Dhabi as the visionary founder of CityDrinks
CityDrinks.com, the city’s newest and most innovative delivery channel for licensed beverages has firmly cemented its position in Abu Dhabi. Ahead of their express 30-minute delivery service, we caught up with Dominique Szymura, the company’s founder and General Manager.
Spend 5 minutes learning all about his fascinating journey to the capital.
Can you share a bit about your journey starting a business in Abu Dhabi and your background?
My entrepreneurial journey has been anything but conventional. Born in Germany to Polish Parents, raised in Monaco, and educated in Switzerland and the United States, I’ve always had a knack for recognising opportunities and a drive to achieve success.
My background is quite diverse—I started with internships at esteemed financial institutions like Deutsche Bank and Credit Suisse, which gave me deep insights into finance and customer service. However, my passion for entrepreneurship truly ignited when I co-founded a watch trading business in Switzerland while still in university. From there, I ventured into the commodities market, set up a venture capital fund in Saudi Arabia, and even operated a gold and diamond mine in South America.
After years of global business pursuits, I decided to return to the UAE with my family and establish roots here. Recognising an untapped potential within the licensed beverage industry, I founded CityDrinks in 2023, the UAE’s first 100% online home delivery licensed beverage company. Within just a few months, our app garnered thousands of customers and downloads, cementing our place in the market and reinforcing my belief in the opportunities that Abu Dhabi has to offer.
What led to your decision to start a business in Abu Dhabi, and how has the experience been so far?
The decision to start CityDrinks in Abu Dhabi was largely driven by the city’s welcoming business environment and the substantial market size, which was perfectly aligned with our service offering.
The Abu Dhabi government was very supportive of our business concept, which made the launch process smoother. However, like any business, we faced challenges, particularly with regulatory and bureaucratic processes. The standard regulatory framework doesn’t always fit the intricate specifics of individual businesses, but we’ve navigated these challenges with the help of experienced legal advisors.
Overall, the experience has been positive. Abu Dhabi offers a dynamic and relationship-based business environment, which has been crucial for our growth. The F&B community here is particularly dedicated to crafting unique experiences and staying ahead of trends, which aligns well with our mission at CityDrinks.
How has being an entrepreneur in Abu Dhabi influenced your connection to the community and your sense of belonging?
Having lived in Dubai for the last eight years, I initially had limited exposure to Abu Dhabi. However, since moving here, I’ve grown to appreciate the city’s distinct vibe—it’s much more family-oriented and calm, yet it possesses great ambitions for the future. While I’m still settling in and discovering the city, being an entrepreneur here has allowed me to connect more deeply with the local community. Abu Dhabi has a way of making you feel at home, and the supportive nature of the people here has made my transition smoother.
Could you highlight someone in Abu Dhabi who has played a significant role in supporting your business journey, and what impact did they have?
The Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) in Abu Dhabi has played a pivotal role in supporting our business journey. I commend them for their efforts and their openness to discuss anything related to our business. The ability to work openly with a governmental department is something very unique and not as accessible in other countries. Their support has been instrumental in helping us navigate the local market and ensuring that we align with the city’s cultural and business values.
What do you appreciate most about conducting business in Abu Dhabi, and how does it contribute to your entrepreneurial journey?
One of the things I appreciate most about doing business in Abu Dhabi is the dynamic and welcoming environment. The F&B community here is incredibly dedicated, always striving to create unique experiences for customers and stay ahead of new trends.
Personally, I’ve found a few places that are at the top of my list, like The Library Bar at the Edition Hotel, Flamingo Room, Coya, and Sal at Jumeirah Saadiyat Hotel.
In Abu Dhabi, business is very much relations-based, which resonates with my approach to entrepreneurship. It’s about individuals coming together, putting their minds to a shared vision, and executing upon it. Additionally, the availability of information online in English makes it easier for entrepreneurs to get started, though having the right legal advisors, like BSA Ahmad Bin Hezeem & Associates who have been advising us from inception, is crucial for navigating the specifics and most importantly getting things done the right way.
What common misconception about starting a business in Abu Dhabi would you like to dispel based on your experience?
One common misconception is that Abu Dhabi is boring. In reality, there’s so much going on here all the time. The city is constantly buzzing with activities, events, and opportunities. Whether it’s in business or leisure, Abu Dhabi is far from dull. It’s a vibrant place that offers both a high quality of life and a dynamic business environment.
Share a memorable moment where you experienced the genuine hospitality and support of the Abu Dhabi community in your entrepreneurial endeavours.
A particularly memorable moment for me was when we started seeing the customer feedback on our services. We are very focused on the quality of service that we deliver, and seeing over 250 Google reviews with more than 90% being 5-star ratings was incredibly validating.
It showed us that our customers love what we are doing and that CityDrinks is here to stay. This outpouring of positive feedback is a testament to the genuine hospitality and support of the Abu Dhabi community, and it reinforces our commitment to continuing to innovate and serve our customers at the highest level.
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