Dubai success story: From delivery rider to real estate millionaire
Gift Solomon relocated to the UAE to pursue greater opportunities and now successfully manages a company valued at more than Dh15 million
Dubai: When Gift Solomon arrived in Dubai in 2015 at the age of 23, she had only one desire: To secure a job so that her family in Nigeria could survive. She soon realized that finding a job in Dubai would be far more difficult than she had anticipated.
Undeterred, Solomon waited for an opportunity.
For three months, she lived in a Dubai far from the fairytale descriptions she'd heard. Every day, she commuted from Sharjah to Dubai for job hunting. Despite hiring an agent to ease the transition into her new environment, luck seemed elusive. “Despite my efforts, I couldn’t land a position,” she admitted.
Her family never knew about her struggles, as Solomon didn’t want them to experience the harsh realities of life in a foreign country. In her heart, she believed her patience would pay off.
The first break:
Following a proactive strategy, Solomon persistently networked with friends and acquaintances. Finally, her efforts paid off. She landed a job at Freedom Pizza in Dubai Marina as a waitress, earning AED 2,500 per month. Though not satisfied with the opportunity, she saw it as a foot in the door into Dubai's job market.
From waitress to delivery rider
Soon, she noticed that delivery riders were making more money than the waiters serving clients in the restaurants. Curious to explore this option, Solomon reached out to her employers, who were ready to give her the chance. She learned to ride a bike at a driving school. Once licensed and trained, Solomon transitioned from waitress to delivery rider.
Her determination, coupled with her employer's belief in her, opened a new avenue, which would become another stepping stone in her career.
The beginning of an entrepreneurial journey
For almost two years, Solomon worked as a delivery rider, earning AED 3,200 per month. In the meantime, she embraced Dubai’s vibrant lifestyle. Through social media, she shared her experiences and pictures from various destinations, attracting inquiries from people interested in Dubai’s travel options.
One day, a client she accompanied on a city tour gave her AED 1,000 for her services as a guide. Solomon realized it was time to make a new move. What started as a side gig soon evolved into Dubai Gateway Travels, a tourism company catering to fellow Nigerians and Africans eager to explore the Emirates.
Stepping into the Real Estate industry
Solomon’s entry into the tourism industry opened doors to real estate. Real estate agents from Nigeria and other parts of Africa began seeking her assistance in gathering information about properties and taking potential clients on tours. Recognizing the opportunity, Solomon learned the ropes of the real estate trade and by April 2024, she founded Gliffy Real Estate.
In a short time, she closed several deals, including an impressive sale of seven units in just 42 hours. “That was one of my biggest achievements,” Gift beamed, marking a major milestone in her journey.
“We are doing millions of dirhams in transactions every month,” she shared proudly. Her clientele now includes investors from the US, India, Europe, and Russia.
The promise of Dubai
Today, Solomon owns a company worth AED 15 million. Her transformation from a waitress to a real estate magnate is a story of self-belief and faith in the system she worked within.
Many people fail not because they lack talent or ambition, but because the system they’re in lacks the resilience to support growth. Solomon’s journey shows that when provided with a supportive environment, success becomes attainable.
The power of hardwork
Having said that, it was ultimately Solomon's hard work that led to his success. As the saying goes, if you lack intelligence, hard work can still help you beat the odds; however, without diligence, no amount of intelligence will make a difference.
Solomon’s story is a testament to how cities like Dubai provide opportunities for those who are willing to put in the effort and seize their potential
Looking ahead: Scaling new heights
As she looks toward the future, Solomon is determined to further scale her business in the competitive Dubai real estate market.
“We have our eyes set on even greater heights,” she said, embodying the resilience and ambition that define Dubai’s spirit.
Credit: Khaleej Times