It was a shared love of travel and food that led Shafeena Yusuff Ali to set up her business Tablez, which, in addition to developing its own homegrown brands (Peppermill and Bloomsbury’s among them), brings internationally renowned food concepts to the region. “I was determined to bring the tastes and experiences of the culinary world to the GCC and India. It has been a very fruitful journey these last six years with Tablez growing rapidly and having concepts like Famous Dave’s, Genghis Grill and Sugar Factory in our portfolio.”

Professionally, Shafeena says her biggest achievement so far is her customers. “Every time they recommended the restaurant to someone, I am successful; every time a guest comes back, the team has achieved what they set out to do; and every time a satisfied diner leaves my restaurant having been given good food and great service, is an achievement for me.”