For Careem co-founder Mudassir Sheikha, the secret to building a successful startup isn't found in flashy marketing, but in tackling the most difficult challenges within a region. Serving as a judge for the upcoming KT+150 list, which honors UAE’s top young innovators, Sheikha emphasizes that the most significant opportunities are always hidden behind the toughest obstacles. He encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to look beyond surface-level growth and focus on creating genuine value that integrates into a customer’s daily routine. To him, true success is measured by how effectively a product simplifies lives and solves real-world friction, rather than by heavy discounting or loud announcements.

Sheikha’s own journey with Careem is a testament to this mindset. When he started in 2012, many believed the Middle East would only ever be a consumer of global technology, but he knew the regional talent was ready if someone just dared to build for it. By focusing on local pain points—like inefficient address systems and payment hurdles—he helped transform Careem from a ride-hailing service into an "Everything App." By staying disciplined and prioritizing the needs of his users, he proved that a company born from a local vision could scale into a globally competitive powerhouse.