From Pharmaceuticals to Fun: The Journey of Quiz Room Dubai Founders

From Pharmaceuticals to Fun: The Journey of Quiz Room Dubai Founders

For Mehdi, the transition from a successful career in pharmaceuticals to entrepreneurship was fueled by his adventurous spirit and desire to break free from routine. “I don’t like routine, and I’m a very curious person,” he explains. Launching Quiz Room was his way of embracing a new challenge, a journey that has been both thrilling and filled with ups and downs. Despite the hurdles, Mehdi finds joy in creating something fresh.

Simon, in contrast, hails from a deeply entrepreneurial background. With a family history in business, he recognized that a desk job wasn’t for him after trying various roles. After establishing his own event organization company, Simon sought new opportunities in Dubai, discovering that Quiz Room, a popular European concept, had yet to make its mark in Asia. Through thorough research, he and Mehdi identified the potential of introducing this franchise to the Middle East, leveraging Simon’s expertise in business development to shape their new venture.

Quiz Room Dubai adapts the European franchise model, incorporating local elements. Simon describes how they’ve introduced Arabic music quizzes to appeal to the Middle Eastern market and are continually developing new games tailored to regional tastes. This innovation helps differentiate Quiz Room from other entertainment options in Dubai.

Regarding pricing, Mehdi highlights their dynamic strategy, with higher rates on weekends and for smaller groups while maintaining affordability. “We keep our pricing very accessible. For instance, a kid can enjoy a one-hour quiz game for AED 100,” he states. Simon adds that their goal is to make Quiz Room welcoming for everyone, from families to corporate groups, which is integral to their growth strategy.

Early signs of interest have been promising, with marketing efforts ramping up two months prior to the launch, generating numerous inquiries. They anticipate team-building events will be a major draw, aiming to attract around 3,000 visitors each month.

Operationally, Simon mentions that their website will facilitate efficient staff management, with plans to hire about four people as they finalize their opening date.

Corporate functions and team-building events are expected to drive engagement in Dubai. Mehdi believes the unique concept of Quiz Room, combined with its strategic location in Al Quoz, will appeal to both companies and families. The venue, located in Goshi Warehouses City, is predicted to become a popular hangout spot as the weather cools.

Their marketing strategy focuses on META ads, interviews, and word-of-mouth promotion. Mehdi is confident that customer satisfaction will be crucial for success, encouraging repeat visits as patrons explore various themed quizzes, like the music quiz.

Collaboration with Tristan, the founder of Quiz Room, was instrumental in bringing the franchise to Dubai. Simon notes they traveled to France twice to discuss the concept before launching it, having thoroughly analyzed the market.

Opening the franchise, however, presented challenges. Simon cites three significant hurdles: importing equipment from France, finding the right location, and securing fit-out approvals. Despite these obstacles, the team remained determined and overcame them.

When selecting booking partners, Mehdi emphasizes their careful evaluation of various platforms, opting for the most profitable options. While they prefer direct bookings to avoid commission fees, they are also listed on platforms like Emirates Pass and The Face Card, as long as customers enjoy the Quiz Room experience.

A unique aspect of Quiz Room Dubai is the introduction of music quizzes, where players guess artists and song titles without needing to sing. This adds a fun twist, with participants able to choose music from their favorite decades.

Looking ahead, Mehdi reveals plans to launch a new game called “Taupe” (Mole), a social deduction game akin to Mafia or Werewolf, perfect for friends and team-building events.

While Mehdi’s academic achievements, including an Erasmus scholarship, showcase his passion for knowledge, he believes Quiz Room is about more than just testing intellect. “It’s not just about knowledge; it’s about having fun with your friends,” he emphasizes.

The founders have also forged strategic partnerships to expand their reach, including collaborations with Quiz Biz, which allows guests to earn free tickets to Quiz Room during Quiz Nights at 21 bars across Dubai, and McGettigan’s, where Quiz Room visitors can enjoy discounts at any branch.

With plans to partner with universities for a dedicated quiz event in 2025, Mehdi and Simon are excited about Quiz Room Dubai’s potential and look forward to growing the brand while delivering unique and enjoyable experiences.

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