In this episode, Omar Shihab, founder of BOCA Dubai, takes us inside his journey of rethinking what a restaurant can stand for in a city known for rapid growth and high consumption. He shares the early shocks of entering the industry, from franchise struggles to the daily unpredictability of operations, and how those lessons shaped his people-first leadership style. Omar explains why integrity, transparency, and sustainability became BOCA’s guiding principles, leading to recognition with a Michelin Green Star. 

Omar focuses on using local ingredients in Dubai, treating staff well, and building a strong, self-reliant restaurant. He avoids fast trends and proves that sustainability is possible. BOCA is now a leading example of responsible homegrown hospitality in the UAE.

Find us online: 

Ashish Tulsian- LinkedIn 

Omar Shihab- LinkedIn