In this episode of In the ARENA, I am joined by Ahmad Haffar, The Voice of Dubai. Kicked out of school at the age of 15, Ahmad knew his future was filled with success and used his love of music to create a reputation as one of the most talented sonic branding artists in the UAE.

The importance of self-confidence

How to be successful in sonic branding

Talent is cultivated through pain

Ahmad was born and raised in Lebanon, with a love for music from a young age. Kicked out of music school at the age of 13 and then again at 15, Ahmad knew that he was destined to succeed in the music industry. Known as the Voice of Dubai and the voice behind many brands, Ahmad has built a reputation as bringing unique, creative ideas to help others grow their businesses. 

00:00 Introduction

02:57 Why Ahmad was kicked out of school

06:10 The importance of self-confidence

14:59 Ahmad’s entrepreneurial journey

19:44 The love of Ferrari

23:40 Sonic Branding

26:00 How Ahmad built his business

32:10 “I took a hunting rifle to a client meeting”

36:13 Ahmad’s production house

42:44 Ahmad’s music school

47:00 The Voice of Dubai

51:48 The secret to sonic branding

56:26 Relationships

58:52 The accident that put Ahmad in a coma

1:06:30 How Ahmad discovers talent

1:14:26 The importance of value

1:18:40 “You can’t stop a genius”

1: 22:47 Why respect is important to Ahmad

1:30:55 Heartbreak and music

1:42:33 “It’s all about love”

1:48:00 Make money through doing what you love

1:53:20 The key takeaway from Ahmad