Beyond Borders

Introduction

My name is Gabriel John Rimando, and I welcome you to embark on a journey—my journey—filled with determination, resilience, and entrepreneurial triumph. Born and raised in the Philippines, I migrated to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) sixteen years ago, carrying dreams of a better life. For the first eight years, I worked tirelessly as an overseas Filipino worker, experiencing firsthand the realities of life as an expatriate in a foreign land.

But as the years passed, I realized that my dreams were evolving. No longer was I content with merely surviving. I yearned to thrive, to create something of my own, to seize the reigns of my destiny and make a lasting impact. This yearning led me down a new path, a path that transformed me from a diligent worker to an audacious entrepreneur.

The motivation to write this book comes from deep within my heart. I aim to inspire and equip future entrepreneurs with the knowledge and insights I have gathered over the years. I want to share the triumphs and tribulations of my journey, to provide a realistic perspective on what it takes to make the bold transition from worker to entrepreneur.

Over the past eight years, I have not only established successful businesses in the UAE but also expanded my ventures beyond its borders, reaching the vibrant landscapes of Qatar, Bahrain, and back home to the Philippines. I navigated the diverse cultural, legal, and economic environments of these countries, each journey offering unique experiences and valuable lessons.

In this book, I have distilled the essence of my entrepreneurial journey across these nations, aiming to provide you with a wealth of knowledge and insights. From understanding different business landscapes to crafting a winning business plan, managing finances, navigating international marketing, and building effective teams across cultural boundaries—you will find it all here.

I am an ordinary individual who dared to take extraordinary steps. My journey tells you that entrepreneurship is not the privilege of a chosen few. It's an opportunity open to anyone bold enough to take risks, resilient enough to withstand setbacks, and tenacious enough to keep moving forward.

So, here's to you—the dreamers, the aspiring entrepreneurs, and all those who believe in the power of an idea. This book is my story, my journey from the bylanes of the Philippines to the high-rises of Dubai, from the markets of Qatar to the shores of Bahrain. It is a testament to dreaming big and working tirelessly to turn those dreams into reality. May my story inspire you to take that first step on your own entrepreneurial journey.

Let's begin.