BinHendi Enterprises is a highly-diversified, Dubai-based conglomerate established by Mohi-Din BinHendi in 1973. Over more than three decades, the company has grown to become one of the leading businesses in the UAE, and a major force in the growth of Dubai as a retailing, fashion and hospitality hub in the GCC.

BinHendi Enterprises has introduced more than 60 prestigious international brands to the UAE as well as developing a rapidly growing portfolio of proprietary dining concepts. BinHendi’s operations now encompass the GCC and India, employing more than 3,000 people.

WEALTH caught up with Mohi-Din BinHendi on the occasion of the inauguration of the 10th branch of Japengo Café by BinHendi hospitality on 10 November 2009 in The Dubai Mall. “The best decision I ever made was to diversify my business so my eggs are not all in the same basket!

"If you ask me what the most important elements for achieving success in business are, I would say that they are pursuing your goals, loving the business you do, and doing it with originality, style and with the right people.”

Asked about his approach to investments, Mr. BinHendi said, “It has to be the same as my business philosophy otherwise I would be pussyfooting my projects and I’m not in the habit of doing that. I do all my feasibility I find my weak points and get rid of them and dive in with a ‘brave heart’ type of approach. Business needs guts! If you start being hesitant you will never achieve anything.

“With age, guts come into existence. You can’t have business guts without experience.  I always tell my friends what looks good in Europe may not be good in Dubai or elsewhere in the Middle East.  Many people have made that mistake. They say, ‘Oh it’s doing very well in London, so it should do very well in Dubai.’ It’s not true!”

"My goal is to have a diversified portfolio of businesses, and to provide the people in my country with something much more than just a basic service. We always try to do things with quality, taste and style.”

A Business Administration graduate, Mohi-Din BinHendi was appointed Director General of the Department of Civil Aviation in June 1979 by special decree issued by the Ruler of Dubai, having previously served as Director of Airport Customs.

Together with Sheikh Ahmed Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Civil Aviation, he was responsible for the development of Dubai International Airport into the Middle East's busiest air terminal, the award-winning Dubai Duty Free Complex, the New Arrivals Terminal, Aviation Club, Aviation College and Dubai Air Cargo Terminal.

Gulf Business Awards picked Mr. BinHendi as the “Gulf Chief Executive of the Year” in 1994, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the growth of the civil aviation industry in Dubai, and more specifically for leading Dubai International Airport to global prominence.

He was accorded the 'Grand Decoration of Honour in Silver, for Services to the Republic of Austria' by the Austrian President in January 1995 and in January 1996, Mr. BinHendi was conferred the 'Honour of the Order of Merit of the Republic' with the title 'Cavalière' by the President of the Republic of Italy for the promotion and strengthening of cultural and commercial links between Italy and the UAE.

Mohi-Din BinHendi currently holds several notable positions, including Member of the Board of Governors at Dubai Aviation College; Member of the Board of Directors at Emirates Golf Club; and Chairman of the Aviation Advisory Committee at Dubai Men's College.

In addition to investments in the property, furnishing and oilfield supply sectors, he has expanded into hospitality, construction, real estate, fashion, jewellery and interior design.