My name is Ishwor Prasad Upadhyaya, and my story begins in Siddhalek Rural Municipality, Parewatar, Dhading, where I was born on November 30, 1981. I came from a middle-class family, growing up in a modest mud house with a metal roof. My father, Suwarna Prasad Upadhyaya, served as a Police Hawaldar, and his earnings barely sustained our family. I studied at a local government school, where the path to education wasn’t easy. The school was a 30-minute walk from home, and with no school bag, I carried my books, notebooks, and stationery in my hands. Life was simple, yet challenging. To earn a little money, I sold organic fruits to people and even offered some to my teachers. In those days, every small gesture counted.

Hard work was my companion from an early age. Some of my wealthier classmates, reluctant to complete their assignments, entrusted me with their homework. In return, they treated me to fish and other delicacies — rare indulgences that I savored with gratitude. After completing my Higher Secondary education in Dhading, I moved to Kathmandu to pursue further studies at RR Campus. But city life brought its own set of hardships. Money was scarce, and there were days when I couldnot afford a proper meal. The sight of tempting food would stir a deep longing, but I pushed forward, determined to carve a better future for myself. It was during my college days in Kathmandu that fate led me to meet my wife. Coming from a poor family, I had few privileges, but our love grew strong. With deep affection and understanding, I managed to convince her family for a “magi bibaha” — a marriage founded purely on love and trust. We had no money to start our lives together, but our bond carried us through every challenge we faced.

One memory that stands out vividly is from our wedding day. I had asked my father for a belt to wear for the occasion. He gently reminded me that as a Brahmin family, we did not wear leather belts, as they were made from living animals. Even in moments of joy, tradition and values remained deeply rooted in our lives. Every step of my journey has been a testament to perseverance and resilience. From those long walks to school to the bustling streets of Kathmandu, each experience shaped me into who I am today. This is not just my past; it is the foundation of my purpose and the driving force behind every dream I dare to chase.

After our marriage, my wife and I continued our studies. She pursued her bachelor’s degree at Manamohan Memorial College, but unfortunately, I couldn’t complete mine. I had to leave at the very beginning of my bachelor’s journey to focus on other responsibilities. We received a valuable suggestion from one of my wife’s friends, who was married to a British Army soldier, to open a grocery shop. Inspired by this idea, we started the Ambika Store in 2004, located in Sorhakhutte, Kathmandu, near Garden Hotel. For seven to eight years, we poured our hearts and energy into running the business.

Every day, I would wake up at 4 AM and work tirelessly until midnight or even 1 AM. To keep the shop stocked, I bought vegetables from Kalimati Vegetable Market, often using one of the four cycles I had purchased for transportation. I vividly remember the day one of my cycles got stolen there — a small but painful loss amidst the daily grind. Running the store demanded constant attention. I prioritized the needs of my customers, often skipping meals and barely finding time to eat properly. The shop offered everything from rice to alcohol, and I hired two staff members to help manage the growing demand. Over time, I developed a sharp business sense, understanding that whatever we kept for sale would eventually be bought. One of my proudest achievements was building a thriving water delivery service. What began with just two water jars grew into selling 250 to 300 jars daily. The profit margins were remarkable, more than doubling our investment. I used my cycles to transport the water jars, competing with motorbikes at the time .

The years we spent running Ambika Store were filled with lessons, struggles, and triumphs. Those long days and nights shaped me into a relentless worker, driven by the belief that hard work and dedication could turn even the smallest ventures into something meaningful.

Business thrived in those days, growing from a small grocery store into a wholesale shop. The scale of operations expanded rapidly — I remember selling an entire truck of rice every week. No matter how busy I was, customers always came first. Even if I was in the middle of a meal, I would leave my food behind to ensure timely deliveries. Humility and respect were values I held close. I never let success make me arrogant. Instead, I made it a point to treat everyone with kindness and maintain open communication, knowing that building relationships was just as important as making sales. The business brought not only financial stability but also life-changing opportunities. From its earnings, I was able to purchase land and provide my daughter with a quality education, enrolling her in a reputable Montessori school. Those achievements were more than just milestones; they were symbols of the hard work and dedication that shaped my journey.

After continuing my business in Nepal, a new opportunity arose in 2012 when my co-brother-in-law, who worked in Dubai, came across a “to-let” sign for a restaurant called Sagarmatha Restaurant. With hope and determination, I decided to embark on a new journey. I traveled to Dubai with a chef, and my younger brother-in-law joined me from Iraq to help set up the venture. I remember we were the third Nepalese team to run a restaurant business in the UAE at that time. The initial phase was incredibly challenging. The restaurant was small, yet the demand was overwhelming. I wore many hats — cleaning tables, conversing with customers, and ensuring everyone felt welcomed. Often, I would not eat until the work was done, as the business kept me constantly on my feet. Fridays were the only day off for most people back then, making it our busiest day. Ramadan presented unique challenges. As per regulations, we had to close the restaurant during fasting hours. To keep the business afloat, I discreetly served customers from the backdoor, where crowds would gather, eager for our food. The rush was relentless — I still recall clearing plates the moment customers took their last bite to make room for the next wave of diners. The demand was so high that at times, I could not even fulfill every order. Yet, through the hustle and hardship, the experience taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of relentless dedication. The journey was far from easy, but every moment shaped me and strengthened my resolve.

After the success of Sagarmatha Restaurant, I felt inspired to take another step forward and opened Fulbari Restaurant, which has been doing well. Building on that momentum, I also established Fulbari Beauty Saloon with the aim of creating more employment opportunities and giving my wife a platform to grow. It was not just about expanding the business — it was about empowering her to carve out her own name and contribute to our shared dream of serving more people. The journey continues, with aspirations to open even more businesses in the future.

My path started humbly. I came from a small village to study and build a life in Kathmandu. I never took money or property from my family or father. The only financial support I received was a loan of 1 lakh Nepalese rupees to start my first business — a loan I have already repaid to my elder brother. To this day, I have never taken out another loan or borrowed money from anyone else. I carried a deep fear of debt, and while that kept me cautious, I sometimes wonder how much further I could have reached had I been willing to take financial risks. Even so, through relentless hard work and dedication, I have built a net worth that now stands in the millions, with properties both in Nepal and the UAE.

My efforts have not gone unnoticed. For my contributions to business and property development, the Government of the UAE awarded me and my family the prestigious Golden Visa — a recognition I hold with great pride. What makes my achievements even more meaningful is that they were earned solely through honest means. I never once engaged in illegal activities or shortcuts; everything I’ve built came from my own perseverance and integrity. One of my greatest joys is knowing that my hard work has paved the way for my daughters to receive a quality education. My eldest daughter studies at the University of Wollongong in Dubai, where the annual tuition fee is 35 lakh Nepalese rupees, while my younger daughter attends GEMS School in Dubai. Being able to provide for their education is a source of immense pride and fulfillment. There’s an old saying: “Collecting drop by drop of water can turn into an ocean.” I have lived by this philosophy. Every small step, every sacrifice, every long night of hard work has contributed to the life I have built today. When I look back on my journey, I feel honored — not just by the milestones I have reached, but by the path I took to get there.

My journey began in Nepal, starting from a humble grocery store and growing into a business that now involves my entire family in the UAE. I left Nepal because the situation had become difficult — from local goons to various political parties, threats and demands for ransom were constant. During the time of the Maoist insurgency, my maila daju was actively involved with the Maoist political party. He was intelligent, brave, and stood firmly for his beliefs, ultimately becoming a martyr in Poush 2055. I believe that if he were alive today, he would have risen to a ministerial or higher position in the party.

Despite these hardships, I never let go of my sense of responsibility toward Nepal. I have contributed to charitable efforts in over 33 districts across the country through various institutions and organizations. My connection to my homeland remained strong, even after moving abroad. I became involved in the Nepal Business Council in the UAE and currently serve as the Senior Advisor of Dhading Samaj in Nepal.

One of my greatest sources of pride is the employment opportunities I have provided for Nepalese people. Through my businesses, many individuals have been able to support their families, build homes, and even move to Western countries for better prospects. Some of them have become TikTok stars, while others have bought land in Kathmandu. I still have staff who have worked with me for over 12 to 13 years — a testament to the value I place on their well-being. I believe that happy staff offer the best hospitality, which is why I always ensure timely salary payments and greet them with a smile. To me, my staff are my gods. I have always conducted my business with integrity, ensuring compliance with tax and VAT regulations in both Nepal and the UAE. Transparency and honesty are the cornerstones of everything I do. I firmly believe that my achievements are a blessing from God, and it is my duty to give back to society. As part of that commitment, I have begun teaching my daughters about business, hoping to pass on the values that have guided me throughout my life. 

Dubai is a remarkable place, and I firmly believe that Nepal should make its mark on the global stage. We Nepalese have the potential to expand our businesses, represent our nation proudly, and pave the way for further progress and success.

For those considering coming to the UAE, whether as tourists or for business, my advice is simple: this is a land of immense opportunity. Dubai offers exceptional safety, security, and a well-structured system supported by a responsible government. The political stability here creates a thriving environment where talent is recognized, and dreams can flourish. As a global hub, your skills and ideas can shine brighter, and investments here hold the promise of substantial returns. Acquiring property, for example, can be a transformative decision — it holds the potential to turn you into a millionaire, even a billionaire.

I always welcome anyone who wishes to connect with me; I am more than happy to offer guidance and share my experiences. For those seeking work in Dubai, I want to offer a word of advice: this is a place for the hardworking and determined. If you have a strong sense of responsibility towards your family and believe in yourself, you can achieve incredible things here. Opportunities abound, especially in the hospitality sector, with Dubai hosting numerous multinational hotel and restaurant chains. Those with a solid educational background in hospitality will find doors open to them.

However, this place is not for the lazy, nor for those who cheat their way through work or fail to value time. If you are unwilling to put in the effort, then Dubai might not be the right destination for you. Dubai rewards dedication, integrity, and passion. For those who possess these qualities, the sky’s the limit.