From $500 to Nine Restaurants: Ethiopian-Born Sara Aradi’s Rise in Dubai’s Culinary World











Sara Aradi: The Architect of a Culinary Dynasty

As of August 2025, more than three decades have passed since a young Sara Aradi took a leap of faith that would redefine her destiny. Now 53, she stands as one of the UAE’s most influential culinary entrepreneurs—a titan whose story resonates from her native Ethiopia to the heart of the Gulf. Her chain of nine Al Habasha restaurants is more than a business; it is a cultural landmark, a testament to the resilience, ingenuity, and ambition she carried with her from home.

The First Chapter: A $500 Gamble in a Bygone Dubai

The year was 1993. The Dubai that greeted 21-year-old Sara was a very different city—smaller, slower, and bound by a close-knit sense of community. She arrived with just $500 in her pocket, a sum that represented every cent she owned and a monumental risk for a young woman alone in a foreign land. Her only other assets were invisible but invaluable: a fierce determination and a clear vision for a better life. That vision would become the cornerstone of an empire.

From Bollywood VHS Tapes to Seed Capital

Sara’s dream of opening a restaurant was crystal clear, but financing it required ingenuity. Where others might have sought loans or investors, she built her own path.

She spotted a booming demand in Ethiopia for Bollywood films—a cultural wave she could ride. Acting as a micro-importer, she began shipping VHS tapes of blockbuster Indian movies home, bringing the charisma of Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan to eager Ethiopian audiences. Her shop became such a trusted source that the Indian ambassador in Ethiopia personally awaited her shipments.

The venture taught her everything—supply chains, market demand, customer service—and as technology shifted, she adapted. VHS tapes gave way to CDs; the stock expanded to mobile phones and branded sunglasses. Every dirham earned was set aside, not for luxury, but to fund the dream that had fueled her since arrival.

The Birth of Al Habasha

By 1999, years of disciplined saving and relentless work brought her to the moment she had envisioned. Encouraged by friends who adored her home cooking, Sara took the plunge and opened her first Al Habasha restaurant in Dubai’s bustling Naif area.

It was modest at first, but the food spoke for itself. Authentic flavors and generous hospitality drew in Ethiopians longing for a taste of home and curious residents eager to explore new cuisine. Word spread quickly. Soon, diners traveled from other emirates just to eat at Al Habasha.

A second branch in Frij Murar followed, and the numbers were remarkable—over Dh100,000 in monthly revenue. Her first Mercedes ML was not just a car; it was a symbol of how far grit and vision could take her.

An Empire Across the Emirates

From that single Naif restaurant, Sara built a culinary empire. Today, Al Habasha spans nine thriving locations across Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah.

The brand has grown beyond its roots as a cultural haven for Ethiopians. Emiratis and expatriates from all backgrounds now seek out its communal platters, rich stews, and injera bread. Sara has not just built restaurants—she has introduced the soul of Ethiopian dining to an international audience.

The Philosophy of a Self-Made Icon

Reflecting on her journey, Sara speaks with pride and clarity.

“I came to Dubai as a single woman and became a millionaire. Most people wait for money—but I worked hard to change my life. Starting at zero, I now own nine restaurants, and that makes me proud.”

She credits the UAE for providing a safe and supportive environment for entrepreneurs.

“If you work hard and follow the rules, nobody will touch you. The UAE government supports you.”

Having spent more of her life in the Emirates than in Ethiopia, she now calls it her native country—a place where $500, determination, and an unshakable vision transformed a young immigrant into the architect of a culinary dynasty.