Muhammad Binghatti at SEF: 'I started investing in grade six'

One of the world's wealthiest individuals, Jeff Bezos, had an early investor—his parents—who put $245,000 into Amazon. That investment reportedly saw a return of 12 million per cent. Binghatti used this example to highlight a fundamental truth: one can start from anywhere with any capital.

He said: “You can be partners with your siblings, parents, or friends. The important thing is to start somewhere and keep moving forward. I started investing when I was in grade six.”

Binghatti shared that one of his most challenging moments was selling his car to pay employee salaries. Another was a venture in the juice manufacturing industry, far removed from his real estate expertise.

“We expanded massively, but circumstances didn’t work in our favour. We couldn’t sell enough, and our expenses skyrocketed. For three years, I worked to find a buyer, and realized selling a juice factory is much harder than selling real estate. Eventually, I travelled to Saudi Arabia with samples in my bag and secured a deal.”

This experience taught him that entrepreneurs must know how to turn losses into opportunities. Quoting Nelson Mandela, Binghatti said, “I never lose. I either win or learn”. “I have understood that if you want to succeed, you must believe in God, work hard, and understand that failure is an essential part of the journey.”

‘Even a 5-year-old should recognise my brand’

When he started in real estate, Binghatti observed that branding is often associated with fashion, automobiles, or luxury goods. But why not real estate? This question drove him to redefine how properties are perceived.

“When you hear Ferrari, you think red. There’s a clear design DNA. But why hasn’t anyone done this in real estate? I wanted to create a brand so distinct that even a five-year-old could recognise it.”

The vision materialised through a strong architectural identity, integrating bold colours and unique designs that set Binghatti projects apart. “At Binghatti, we see ourselves as a brand first and a real estate developer second”, he opined.

Incubator of local talent

Supporting young local talent is at the core of Binghatti’s initiatives. His program for Emiratis has created significant opportunities. The company is now building its new headquarters, which will include a decicated centre for youth training and development.

In conclusion, he advised the youth to be patient and that strategic decision-making is key to long-term success in real estate. He believes success follows five simple steps: Try, Fail, Learn, Fix, and Try again.

Another interesting session that emphasised the importance of harnessing Emirati talent was  ‘Building a Local Brand That Resonates Globally’. Hala Al Gergawi, Founder and CEO of Tea Before Noon and Elevenish, and Soha Mikati, Cofounder of Elevenish, took the stage for a compelling panel discussion and shared their expertise in branding, storytelling, and market expansion. The duo explored how businesses can remain authentic while appealing to global audiences. They provided interesting insights for entrepreneurs looking to expand beyond borders and gave some valuable tips on retaining their unique local flavour in new markets.

Running till February 2, SEF 2025 is hosting over 300 of the world’s most notable industry leaders and innovators and more than 150 startups, promising an exciting lineup of over 250 activities, including workshops, masterclasses, interactive sessions, live classes, and artist showcases.

The event is being held at the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SRTIP) and is organised by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) under the theme “Where We Belong.”