As the founder of Addmind Group, one of the most recognisable names in hospitality and nightlife across the Middle East, Tony Habre has spent years quietly and consistently redefining what it means to create a hospitality experience today. Shaping destinations that don’t just attract guests but leave lasting impressions.
From the very beginning, Tony’s vision was never about a single brand or a single moment. It was about building something that lasts, a company capable of creating concepts with real longevity, the kind that becomes woven into the cultural fabric of a city. And in Dubai, a city that has itself become a global benchmark for hospitality and design, Addmind has grown alongside it, matching the ambition of its surroundings at every turn.
Beyond Addmind, Tony has extended his entrepreneurial reach into investment and business development through AlphaMind, partnering with ADMO Lifestyle Holding to support future-driven ventures and scale his vision nationally and internationally. It is the natural evolution of a founder who has never been content to stand still. Bold in his decisions, honest in his leadership, and deeply committed to the long game, Tony Habre is the kind of entrepreneur who doesn’t just spot opportunities; he shapes industries. We sat down with him to talk about the journey, the challenges, and what it truly takes to build something that endures.
Tony, Addmind has become one of the most recognisable names in hospitality and nightlife in the region. What was the original vision when you first started the group?
To own a company that will last and not be just one brand or venue. I wanted a company that would create brands that would sustain long-term and become well-known.
Suteki
You’ve built concepts that combine luxury, entertainment, and experience. What do you think makes a venue truly unforgettable today?
It’s not one element. It starts with the team’s positive energy, combined with exceptional food, great music, beautiful design, and innovative branding.
How has the hospitality industry in Dubai and the Middle East evolved since the launch of Addmind?
Evolved almost feels too small a word for what has happened. In many ways, the growth of Dubai’s hospitality industry mirrors the growth of the city itself: ambitious, fast-moving, and constantly raising the standard. Today, the industry is recognised as one of the best in the world. Internationally, people reference ‘Dubai restaurants’ and ‘Dubai design’ as benchmarks in their own right, and the city has earned genuine respect on the global hospitality scene.
AlphaMind represents a different side of your entrepreneurial journey. What inspired you to expand into investment and business development?
We were looking for a partner to help our growth nationally and internationally, and focused on a partner with financial experience and acumen. ADMO Lifestyle Holding (a joint venture between Alpha Dhabi Holding and MonteRock Intl) was the perfect partner for this.
Suteki
When you evaluate a new business opportunity, what are the key qualities you look for before investing?
Location is one of the key requirements. Then it is about ensuring you know how to marry the concept to the location; they need to be the right fit. Restaurants, lounges and clubs have different needs. One size won’t fit all; it is essential to match the right location with the right brand.
Building successful brands requires strong teams. What is your approach to leadership and company culture?
Leadership is something you have, but you have to learn to master it. I’ve always been close and honest with my team. I always want to work with people as passionate as I am and have the same love for the company. To get to that, you need to be open. But still know where the line is and when it is necessary to make the difficult decisions.
Iris
In such competitive industries, how do you continue to innovate while maintaining the identity of your brands?
This has been one of the toughest things. Brands face similar challenges in other industries, such as fashion, as trends evolve. The key is to stay young and fresh in your head, and to be open to change if needed. Be brave enough to take bold decisions to turn a brand around when needed. Know your problems, don’t hide behind them. Be self-aware.
What has been one of the biggest challenges you faced throughout your career, and what did it teach you?
To lead objectively and always prioritise the long-term growth of the company over individual interests. Especially during challenging moments, strong leadership comes from making decisions that protect the vision, the team, and the future of the business.
Son of a Fish
Looking ahead, what trends do you believe will shape the future of hospitality, entertainment, and lifestyle businesses?
Continuous evolution, hospitality is growing all over the world. It is about staying relevant. At the end of the day, we always need to remember the essence at its core: service and thinking of the guest first.
For young entrepreneurs who dream of building impactful brands like Addmind and AlphaMind, what advice would you give them today?
They must know what they are getting themselves into. It is a full-fledged commitment to build any business. Ultimately, your level of commitment is what will determine how far you go.
By Lea Nouhra
