Emil Bedretdinov (Emil E7): Redefining Hospitality Through The DNA GROUP

Who is Emil Bedretdinov?

Emil Bedretdinov, also known as Emil E7, is an entrepreneur who built his career from the ground up. Today, he is best known as the founder and CEO of THE DNA GROUP, an international hospitality holding headquartered in Dubai. But his story begins far from glamorous boardrooms or bustling nightclubs.

At just 15, Emil Bedretdinov’s first job was washing dishes at IKEA. It was hard, simple work, but it gave him his first exposure to the world of service. By the time he turned 17, he was already promoting nightclubs, distributing flyers, and even organizing his own events. With borrowed money and the courage to take risks, he staged his first large party, which turned out to be a success. That moment set him on a path toward hospitality, an industry he would eventually transform with his vision and leadership.

The early passing of his father shaped much of his determination. Taking responsibility at a young age gave Emil Bedretdinov resilience and the drive to build his own opportunities. What began as financial necessity quickly turned into passion. Nightlife, with its energy, creativity, and constant teamwork, became not just a job but a calling.

Building THE DNA GROUP

In 2007, Emil Bedretdinov founded THE DNA GROUP. Starting small, the company grew into an international hospitality holding employing more than 120 people across four countries. Headquartered in Dubai, the group is focused on creating and managing innovative hospitality concepts for global markets.

Unlike traditional operators, Emil Bedretdinov built THE DNA GROUP around two main strengths: creating original concepts from scratch and reviving underperforming venues. His team doesn’t just manage nightlife destinations; they take struggling businesses, redesign them, and transform them into thriving spaces.

Two of the most recognized examples are Papa Dubai and Papa Moscow. When Bedretdinov entered into partnerships for these projects, both venues were struggling to find their place in competitive markets. Through strategic rebranding, updated design, curated programming, and a focus on consistency, he repositioned them as leading nightlife destinations. Today, they represent not only the success of THE DNA GROUP but also Bedretdinov’s belief that vision and structure can turn setbacks into opportunities.

Over the course of his career, Emil Bedretdinov has been involved in more than 800 projects. These range from boutique events to collaborations with international celebrities and media networks. Each one has added to the company’s expertise, proving its ability to adapt across cultures and audiences.

A Philosophy Shaped by Experience

Emil Bedretdinov’s management style reflects the way he came up in the industry. He didn’t enter hospitality from the top; he learned it from the ground up. That experience convinced him that hospitality is one of the most complex industries in the world, requiring knowledge of logistics, branding, production, direct service, and project management all at once.

To manage this complexity, Bedretdinov developed a philosophy built on systems and structure. “Long-term value creation matters more than short-term profit,” he often says. “Only systems scale — not luck.” His approach emphasizes using analytics, building the right teams, and maintaining processes that can withstand constant change.

For Bedretdinov, hospitality is no longer just about entertainment. It is about experiences that connect people. Modern nightlife integrates gastronomy, design, art, and music into something much larger than a single evening out. Guests don’t just want food or music; they want moments that leave a lasting impression.

Recognition in the Industry

The results of this philosophy are clear, and Emil Bedretdinov has been recognized across the hospitality industry. His awards include:

• Hospitality Entrepreneur of the Year by Entrepreneur Middle East
• Emirates’ Best F&B Entrepreneur
• UAE’s Best Hospitality Group CEO

His work has also been featured in publications such as UAE Stories, CEO Weekly, and The American Reporter.

Yet despite the recognition, Bedretdinov insists that awards are not the ultimate measure of success. For him, the true achievements are satisfied guests, motivated employees, and strong partnerships.

Current Projects and Future Vision

Looking ahead, THE DNA GROUP is pursuing new projects designed to push the boundaries of hospitality. One upcoming concept will merge fine dining with immersive theater, combining cuisine and performance into a single integrated experience. Another project will launch as a “phygital lounge,” a space that blends physical hospitality with digital technology, redefining what a nightlife venue can be.

In the short term, expansion into markets such as Dubai and Riyadh is a priority. The long-term goal is more ambitious: to build a hospitality group with a market capitalization above $1 billion, recognized globally for its innovation and consistency.

A Life Beyond Business

Although his career demands much of his time, Emil Bedretdinov emphasizes the importance of balance. He believes that business performance improves when health and family come first. “Balance isn’t about equal time,” he explains. “It’s about harmony.”

He treats energy like capital, something to be managed carefully. Sports, structure, and continuous learning help him sustain focus in a fast-paced industry. Away from business, Emil Bedretdinov enjoys football, travel, history, and contemporary art — pursuits that he says often spark new ideas for hospitality concepts.

Conclusion

From his first job as a dishwasher to his role today as the CEO of THE DNA GROUP, Emil Bedretdinov has built a career on resilience, discipline, and the belief that hospitality is ultimately about people. His journey reflects both the challenges and opportunities of an industry that is always changing, but one that continues to inspire him.

As Emil Bedretdinov looks ahead to new projects and global expansion, his story offers a reminder that success in hospitality does not come from luck or trends but from systems, vision, and the ability to create experiences that last.