Emil Bedretdinov (Emil E7) on Redefining Nightlife for a Global Audience
At first glance, nightlife may seem like it’s only about music, drinks, and late hours. For Emil Bedretdinov, however, it is something much bigger — an industry that blends art, design, storytelling, and human connection. As the founder and CEO of THE DNA GROUP, Bedretdinov has turned this vision into reality with projects like Papa Dubai and Papa Moscow, two venues that have quickly become known for their energy and atmosphere.
From Necessity to Passion
Bedretdinov’s story doesn’t start with glamour. At 15, he worked as a dishwasher to support himself. By 17, he was already handing out flyers, promoting clubs, and organizing his own parties. What began as a way to make ends meet soon became a lifelong passion.
Personal challenges also shaped his path. The illness and loss of his father forced him to grow independent at a young age. Sports, particularly football, gave him discipline and a sense of teamwork — qualities that later defined his approach to building businesses.
Building The DNA Group
Today, Bedretdinov leads a team of over 120 people across four countries. The company is headquartered in Dubai and operates with a simple mission: create hospitality concepts that deliver positive emotions while staying grounded in human values.
The group is not limited to building new projects from scratch. It also takes over struggling venues, reshaping them with new systems, design, and strategy. Papa Dubai and Papa Moscow are prime examples. Both venues were underperforming when Bedretdinov stepped in. Through a mix of structured operations, data-driven management, and creativity, they were transformed into successful destinations.
Lessons From the Industry
Bedretdinov has seen firsthand how hospitality has evolved. “It used to be just about entertainment,” he says. “Now it’s an ecosystem of food, design, music, art, and storytelling. Guests want to live an experience, not just visit a club.”
The shift has not been without challenges. Crises, rapid market changes, and building a team that shares the same vision are constant tests. His answer has been to focus on systems, analytics, and decisive action. For him, the main lesson is clear: sustainable success comes from long-term value, not short-term wins.
Recognition and Future Plans
His work has earned international attention. Bedretdinov has received titles including Hospitality Entrepreneur of the Year from Entrepreneur Middle East and has been named one of the UAE’s leading F&B entrepreneurs. Media outlets such as UAE Stories, CEO Weekly, and The American Reporter have profiled his work.
Looking ahead, THE DNA GROUP is preparing to launch two new concepts. One combines fine dining with immersive theater, while another introduces a new kind of “phygital” lounge — merging physical and digital elements to reshape nightlife in the region.
The long-term vision is bold: to build one of the most recognizable hospitality brands in the world, with a market capitalization of more than $1 billion.
A Personal Touch
Despite his busy schedule, Bedretdinov makes space for football, travel, history, and contemporary art. He views energy like capital, something that must be managed carefully through discipline, sports, and balance.
When asked what advice he would give to young people entering the field, his answer is simple: “Don’t chase quick wins. Build value, focus on relationships, and create systems that last. The results will follow.”
