Driven Minds: DubiCars’ Podcast Series Celebrating Automotive Entrepreneurs In The UAE

DubiCars, the UAE’s number 1 car marketplace, has launched an inspiring new podcast series titled Driven Minds, dedicated to spotlighting the journeys of the country’s most successful automotive entrepreneurs. The podcast takes audiences on a deep dive into the personal stories, challenges, and triumphs of the people driving the UAE’s thriving automotive sector.

Unlike traditional business podcasts, Driven Minds focuses on the people behind the dealerships and brands, giving listeners an inside look at how these leaders turned passion into success. Adding further weight is the fact that the show is hosted by Craig Stevens, CEO of DubiCars. With more than 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, Craig’s perspective, combined with the high calibre of guests, creates conversations rich with insights and industry knowledge rarely shared elsewhere.

Podcasts in the UAE: A Growing Industry

Podcasting is booming in the UAE. Surveys reveal that, back in 2019, around 1.4 million residents tuned in regularly, representing 16% of the adult population. By 2024, that number had surged to over 2.5 million listeners. Globally, the UAE ranks 31st in terms of interest in podcasts, despite being just 84th in population size. This is a clear indication that gaining insights and knowledge through podcasts has become a preferred medium for many residents.

Despite this growth, the number of automotive-focused podcasts remains minuscule. The few that exist largely center around news and market updates. What has been missing is a platform that goes deeper, revealing insider stories, entrepreneurial journeys, and industry-shaping insights. This is the gap that Driven Minds fills.

DubiCars’ Driven Minds Podcast

As the platform that connects hundreds of thousands of car buyers and sellers every month, DubiCars has a front-row view of how the UAE auto industry is evolving. With Driven Minds, the brand takes its role one step further, not just enabling transactions but also telling the stories of the people and businesses that make the industry thrive.

At its core, Driven Minds tells the stories of the UAE’s most successful automotive personalities. From modest beginnings and pivotal risks to innovative strategies and bold visions, each episode uncovers what it truly takes to succeed in one of the most competitive industries in the region. The podcast brings together founders, C-suite executives, and entrepreneurs who have not only built businesses but also redefined the auto industry in the UAE.

So far, six episodes have been released, collectively amassing over 75,000 views on YouTube alone. And this is just the beginning. With more episodes already lined up featuring new voices from across the automotive spectrum, Driven Minds is set to become the UAE’s go-to podcast for stories of grit, growth, and inspiration.

The Personalities Who Drive The Conversations

The first six episodes of Driven Minds spotlight some of the UAE’s most inspiring automotive leaders, each bringing a unique perspective on passion, perseverance, and building a business in one of the world’s most competitive markets:

Episode 1: Naz Chaudhry, Founder of Park Lane Motors

In the debut episode, Naz Chaudhry reveals how a lifelong passion for cars grew into one of the region’s most respected dealerships, Park Lane Motors.

From assembling a winning team to pushing through tough times, he shares raw insights into the realities of entrepreneurship. Naz also offers a creative glimpse into what he would build in the UAE’s auto scene if money were no object.

Episode 2: Luke Ferrara, CEO & Founder of Approved Automotive

Luke Ferrara’s journey is rooted in growing up surrounded by car deals and transforming that exposure into a premium dealership brand, Approved Automotive. 

He speaks candidly about the hustle, the heartbreaks, and the big vision behind turning a showroom into a lifestyle brand. His episode is a masterclass in resilience and ambition.

Episode 3: Talib Alrubai, Founder of Alba Cars

Talib Alrubai embodies the spirit of hustle. From trying out odd jobs in Dubai to building Alba Cars into a household name, his story is about spotting gaps in the market and trusting the right people. 

He reflects on risks taken, lessons learned, and his vision for the next chapter of automotive retail in the UAE.

Episode 4: Arthur Hughes, Founder of RMA Motors

Arthur Hughes’ love for cars began with collecting dealership magazines and helping choose a Ford Fiesta at just 14. That early passion evolved into a thriving business with his brothers, built on trust, transparency, and customer-first thinking. 

He unpacks the grit it took to grow RMA Motors into one of Dubai’s highest-rated dealerships, while sharing practical lessons for future entrepreneurs.

Episode 5: Sonny Bains, Co-Founder of Expat Motors

Sonny Bains’ story is one of trial, discipline, and determination. After moving to Dubai in 2014 and experimenting with side hustles, he co-founded Expat Motors,  a dealership tailored to British expats. 

He reflects on learning from mistakes, the power of reputation, and how clarity of purpose and transparency helped transform a passion project into a respected brand.

Episode 6: Pablo Paredes, General Manager of Kavak UAE

In Episode 6, Pablo Paredes shares his journey from Latin America to Dubai and the mindset that shaped his rapid growth across multiple markets. Pablo breaks down the similarities and differences between the UAE and Latin American automotive landscapes.

He also offers incredible insights into today’s fast-moving used car industry. The episode also delves into where he believes both the industry and Kavak UAE are headed in the years to come.

These episodes are just the foundation. As the series continues, Driven Minds will bring in even more founders and C-level executives from across the automotive spectrum, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives and stories

Beyond The Business

What makes Driven Minds stand out is its human-centered approach. While listeners gain insight into how these entrepreneurs built and scaled their businesses, the conversations also go deeper, uncovering the defining moments, personal values, and passions that shaped their journeys.

Topics covered include:

• Their early beginnings and how they broke into the auto industry.
• The pivotal decisions and challenges that defined their careers.
• Key moments that led to the founding of their current businesses.
• Their views on the automotive industry’s evolution in the UAE and beyond.
• Personal thoughts on cars, innovation, and customer trust, offering rare insights into how these leaders think and operate.

By blending professional milestones with personal reflections, the podcast paints a fuller picture of what it takes to succeed in the automotive business. For aspiring entrepreneurs and car enthusiasts alike, the series is equal parts motivational and educational.

Capturing The Spirit Of The UAE Auto Industry

The UAE is home to one of the most dynamic automotive markets in the world, and Driven Minds captures the energy, ambition, and entrepreneurial spirit behind it. Through these stories, DubiCars is not only showcasing its role as the country’s number 1 car marketplace but also positioning itself as a storyteller, connector, and thought leader in the industry.

By bringing together the most influential figures from the automotive landscape, Driven Minds aims to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs while giving car enthusiasts an exclusive look at the people who are redefining the business of cars in the UAE.

Where to Listen

Watch full episodes of Driven Minds on the DubiCars YouTube channel, or tune in to YouTube Music to enjoy the audio versions.

With six episodes already live and many more lined up, Driven Minds is only getting started. Stay tuned as Craig Stevens continues to sit down with the UAE’s brightest automotive minds, uncovering the stories, insights, and inspirations that are driving the industry forward.

If you’re interested in being a guest on an upcoming episode of Driven Minds, write to us at [email protected].

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