Farah Alkhateeb didn’t plan to become an entrepreneur. Like many expats, she came to Dubai for opportunity—but ended up building something bigger than herself. After eight years in business development, Farah saw a problem no one was solving: how to recycle efficiently in a city obsessed with convenience.
That personal pain point became the spark behind eGreenBadge—an AI-powered app that helps users recycle better, earn rewards, and track sustainability.
In this episode of Revenue Without Borders, Farah and I dive into what it really takes to go from corporate comfort to startup chaos—and why creativity is the fuel for both survival and growth.
🌍 The Dubai Pivot: From 9-5 to Founder Life
Farah moved to Dubai in 2015 and started climbing the corporate ladder. But it wasn’t until 2022 that she had what she calls a “creative breakthrough.” Tired of struggling to recycle cardboard boxes and delivery packaging, she began to imagine a better system—one powered by convenience, AI, and community rewards.
“I didn’t want to start a business just to say I did. I was obsessed with solving this one problem.”
📲 What is eGreenBadge?
eGreenBadge is more than a recycling app. It allows Dubai residents to scan their recyclables using AI, locate the nearest drop-off points, and earn rewards for doing the right thing.
Behind the scenes, the system also collects ESG data for governments and businesses—creating a circular economy at scale.
🧠 The Real Edge? Creativity
One of the most powerful takeaways from Farah’s story is how she used her background as a writer, painter, and marketer to build systems, craft brand messaging, and pivot around obstacles.
Farah’s creativity didn’t just show up in the product—it showed up in the way she networked, pitched, persisted, and created the energy around her idea.
“Your startup is a mirror. If you’re flexible and creative, it will reflect that—even if it’s a recycling system.”
🧘♀️ Mindset, Breathwork & Creating Space
We also talked about the inner work:
Daily journaling to track thoughts and decision-making
Naming each year (2024 is her “year of alignment”)
Practicing breathwork to clear emotional blockages
Using cognitive behavioral therapy to uncover limiting beliefs
These aren't just wellness trends—they're tools that keep her aligned and grounded while running a tech company in one of the fastest-moving cities in the world.
✈️ Thinking of Moving to Dubai to Start a Business?
Farah shares 3 powerful pieces of advice:
Start with yourself — don’t come to Dubai expecting it to “save” your business idea. Come with clarity and self-trust.
Network like it’s your job — attend free events, introduce yourself, and be bold. That’s how she landed key partnerships.
Stay open to feedback — even criticism can reveal blind spots that help you level up.
🎧 Listen to the full episode:
