Capitalizing On Your Skills Is The Best Way To Bring Success To Your Business

January 21, 2019

Three Characteristics for Any Business to Succeed: Idea, Passion, and Skill

With these three elements, you can create a viable business model and attain success.

The UAE has ranked first globally for the fourth consecutive year in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Report 2024/2025, recognized as the best place for entrepreneurship among 56 economies assessed. The country’s business-friendly environment makes it an ideal location for entrepreneurs to capitalize on their unique skills and expertise.

Apollo Perelini – A Perfect Example

Background

Apollo Perelini is a former dual-code international rugby union and rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s and 2000s. During the 1991 Rugby Union World Cup, he played for Western Samoa and gained the nickname “Terminator” for his fierce, hard-hitting tackling technique.

Professional Career

In 1995, he played rugby league for Samoa in the Rugby League World Cup, making him the first Samoan to play in World Cups in both codes. Perelini played for St Helens, scoring a try in the 1996 Challenge Cup Final, and was named at prop in the 1996 Super League Dream Team.

Transition to the UAE

In 2010, Apollo delivered the first of the skills academy programmes in Dubai, in response to the need for quality rugby skills development. Since that time, he hasn’t looked back.

Apollo Perelini Rugby Skills Academy (APRSA)

How It Started

Apollo’s time as Director of Rugby and later as Director of Sport at Repton School Dubai allowed him to recognize the significant learning ability of young children. What began as programmes for high school-aged players was successfully adapted for younger age groups.

According to Perelini:

“My background in skills coaching, development and training professionally and internationally in both rugby league and union formed the basis of starting up such an academy.”

The Academy’s Goals and Programs

Goal

The goal of APRSA is to provide a structured and engaging environment that maximizes the learning experience of players and coaches. The carefully designed programmes are proven effective at “locking in” skill-sets early, by focusing on correct technique.

What Makes APRSA Different

“The main point of difference between us and a club or school is the players get to focus on their individual rugby skills at the academy. Whereas club rugby is more team focused, we feel that we can up-skill a player at any level who can then contribute to their team as a better player.”

Academy Programs

Carefully designed to develop good rugby skill techniques in a structured and engaging environment, for all ages and abilities.
Programs include developing fundamental rugby skills (technical, perceptual & tactical) for school-aged rugby players of all levels.

Passion at the Forefront

As earlier mentioned, APRSA didn’t just come about because of the efforts of Apollo alone. His passion was at the forefront of bringing his ideas into tangible results. Working with passion has seen APRSA rise as an industry leader in the UAE in a short space of time.

According to Apollo:

“I was fortunate enough to be coached by fantastic coaches while growing up in the New Zealand rugby system. At the Academy we try our best to carry on that legacy of investing and developing great players on and off the pitch.”

Community Recognition

“The coaches are friendly and enthusiastic, always approaching training sessions with energy & passion for the game – which rubs off on the boys. The atmosphere and quality of coaching makes for a great combination.”

The Academy Serves Two Purposes

1. Sharing Skills and Passion

It gives Apollo the platform to share his rugby skills, ideas, and passion with a vast number of audiences.

“We create pathways for players looking to head back to their home countries whether it is for rugby clubs, schools or universities.”

2. Entrepreneurial Inspiration

The academy acts as a fantastic model for anyone who is seriously considering becoming an entrepreneur, especially those with a professional athletic or sports background.

Apollo has risen from being a successful rugby player to being a successful entrepreneur, showing that by utilizing his passion, skills, and ideas, he can carve out a lucrative business career for himself.

Why This Model Works

1. Idea – Identified Real Market Need

Apollo delivered the first skills academy programmes in Dubai in response to the need for quality rugby skills development. He recognized a gap in the market that no one else was filling.

2. Passion – Sustained Commitment

Research shows that 70% of mentored small businesses survive beyond five years—double the survival rate of non-mentored ones. Apollo’s passion for rugby and coaching sustained his commitment through challenges.

3. Skill – Professional Expertise

Apollo Perelini played at the highest levels of both rugby codes internationally, providing him with unmatched expertise to share. His professional experience gave him credibility and knowledge to build a successful academy.

UAE’s Supportive Business Environment

The UAE’s entrepreneurial environment continues to flourish, supported by business-friendly policies, government initiatives, and a competitive investment climate.

Key Advantages

• Streamlined business regulations and fast company registration

• Full foreign ownership in many sectors

• Free zones with tax exemptions and operational autonomy

Entrepreneurial Culture

67% of adults either know an entrepreneur or feel confident in their abilities to launch a venture.

Government Investment

The UAE’s $8.7 billion investment under the Projects of the 50 initiative boosts innovation and SME growth.

Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

• Leverage Your Professional Background: Use your expertise like Apollo did.

• Identify Market Gaps: Find unmet needs and innovate.

• Build on Your Reputation: Let your achievements build trust.

• Adapt and Expand: Evolve your model as the market changes.

• Seek Mentorship: Guidance accelerates your growth.

Other Success Stories in UAE

A new generation of Emiratis is turning their hobbies into successful businesses, using digital tools to reach global audiences.

Examples

• Shahad Alzarooni – Sugar and Spice cookie brand

• Sara – Wedding skincare line

• Lost Boys – Streetwear brand

• Nasser Al Jeaidi – Food content creator

Starting Your Business in Dubai

Three Essential Characteristics

1. Idea

• Identify a problem you can solve

• Ensure market demand exists

• Validate your concept with customers

• Research competition and differentiation

2. Passion

• Genuine enthusiasm

• Long-term commitment

• Resilience through challenges

• Continuous learning mindset

3. Skill

• Professional expertise

• Relevant qualifications or experience

• Ability to deliver quality service or product

• Commitment to excellence

Business Setup Steps

Obtain the necessary approvals and licenses:

• Initial approval from the Department of Economic Development (DED)

• UAE trade license

• Approvals from other government bodies if required

Practical Steps to Success

1. Identify your unique skills

2. Research market demand

3. Develop your business model

4. Obtain proper licensing

5. Build your network

6. Deliver consistent quality

Government Support Programs

Available Programs

• Dubai Future Accelerators

• Hub71 Abu Dhabi

• Free Zone benefits and incentives

• Golden Visa for investors and entrepreneurs

• SME development initiatives

The Golden Visa Program, offering long-term residency to investors and skilled professionals, reflects the UAE’s commitment to attracting and retaining talent.

Closing

Apollo Perelini’s journey from international rugby star to successful entrepreneur proves that with Idea, Passion, and Skill, anyone can build a thriving business in the UAE.

The UAE ranks first globally for entrepreneurship, offering the ideal environment for professionals, creators, and experts to turn their ideas into reality.

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