Nadia Babiak
The Vision Behind Desert Rose, Qatar’s Ukrainian Gem
Nadiia Babiak, a pioneering entrepreneur from Ukraine, has built a remarkable reputation in Qatar’s competitive hospitality sector. Her restaurant, Desert Rose, is not only the first in Qatar to offer authentic Ukrainian cuisine, but it also seamlessly fuses Middle Eastern flavours with traditional dishes, creating a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Located in the iconic Souq Waqif, Desert Rose has become a standout symbol of multiculturalism and innovation in the culinary world.
Nadiia’s Culinary Journey: Blending Ukrainian Flavors with Middle Eastern Traditions
Nadiia’s journey began when she first moved to Qatar, spending her early years absorbing the local culture and identifying a unique market niche that few others had recognised. “I realised there were unmet needs in the market, particularly in terms of bringing Ukrainian cuisine to Qatar,” she explains.
Driven by her passion and confidence in her abilities, she set out to create Desert Rose, a restaurant that not only caters to food lovers but also taps into the growing demand for cultural diversity in the region. At the heart of Desert Rose’s success lies Nadiia’s commitment to blending the flavours of her homeland with the rich culinary traditions of the Middle East.
Signature dishes such as Ukrainian Borshcht, Chicken Kiev, and the famous Varennuku dumplings sit alongside Arabic staples like Muthabal and Chicken Biryani, creating a menu that reflects her vision of cultural harmony through food. “Our goal is to give our guests an unforgettable experience, combining the warmth of Middle Eastern hospitality with the authenticity of Ukrainian cuisine,” she says.
While the restaurant has enjoyed significant success, Nadiia admits that the journey of an entrepreneur is not without its challenges. “Working with people is always the hardest part, no matter where you are,” she remarks, highlighting the importance of strong leadership and consistent quality.
To ensure that high standards are maintained, Nadiia and her team conduct regular quality checks and refresh the menu frequently, always looking for ways to innovate and improve. “In the hospitality industry, trust is everything. Losing a client’s trust can happen very quickly, so we make sure to stay on top of every detail,” she adds.
As a public figure, Nadiia’s personal brand has also played a significant role in Desert Rose’s growth. “My brand instills trust, and the restaurant reinforces that trust by delivering exceptional products and services,” she notes. Her dedication to her craft is evident, but over the years, she has also learned the importance of delegation.
Nadiia’s New Horizons: Expanding Desert Rose and Embracing New Opportunities
“Five years ago, I would have tried to do everything myself, but now I understand that teamwork is crucial for success,” she reflects. With Desert Rose now a well-established name in Qatar, Nadiia is eager to explore new horizons. Her eyes are set on expansion, with plans to bring the restaurant’s unique blend of Ukrainian and Middle Eastern cuisine to Saudi Arabia.
This ambitious goal is grounded in her belief that with the right market research and a clear understanding of what makes her business unique, success is attainable anywhere. “The key is to not replicate existing concepts but to find what makes your offering different and relevant to the local community,” she advises.
In addition to its regular menu, Desert Rose also celebrates special occasions such as Easter and Christmas with tailored dishes, helping the Ukrainian expatriate community in Qatar maintain their cultural traditions even when far from home. This thoughtful approach to menu design is one of the reasons why Desert Rose has earned a loyal following among both locals and expatriates alike.
Nadiia’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to her resilience and adaptability. “I have seen a nation committed to becoming a global leader, and I firmly believe that we too can achieve greatness,” she says, reflecting on Qatar’s rapid development. As Desert Rose continues to thrive and expand, Nadiia’s vision remains as clear as ever: to bring people together through the universal language of food, offering a taste of Ukraine in the heart of the Middle East.
