Emirati sisters Qadreya and Maitha Al Awadhi have successfully turned their passion for healthy baby food into a thriving business called Bumblebee. Based in Dubai, Bumblebee offers freshly made, frozen food specifically designed for babies and toddlers aged six months to six years. The brand’s carefully crafted menu is developed by a pediatric nutritionist and a certified chef, focusing on locally sourced, organic ingredients whenever possible, along with hormone-free and grass-fed protein.

The idea for Bumblebee originated when Qadreya noticed a lack of nutritious meal options available for a friend’s weaning child. What began as a solo venture for Qadreya, who is 29 years old and a finance and accounting graduate, has evolved into a family-supported enterprise. One of Bumblebee’s standout innovations is the introduction of the world’s first bone broth cookies for children, created in partnership with The Broth Lab.

Qadreya credits her father, an entrepreneur, with significantly influencing her business skills. He taught her the importance of financial prudence, including lessons on investing in the stock market at the age of 16. She recalls an early challenge when she was tempted to overspend on high-end equipment for Bumblebee. “I got excited, and all I wanted to do was spend money on the biggest, most professional equipment, which my father reminded me against,” she stated, acknowledging his constant guidance that helped her avoid potential pitfalls.

Family involvement has been crucial since the inception of Bumblebee. Qadreya noted that various family members provided assistance, including financial guidance from her father, food texture advice from her mother, and social media management support from her sister Maitha. Maitha, who is 23 years old and also a finance and accounting graduate, joined the business while still in college. She played a key role in growing Bumblebee’s online presence from just 10 followers to over 5,000.

Qadreya explained that having a day job keeps her busy, prompting her sister to help represent Bumblebee at events and manage its social media. “With her being younger and more tech-savvy, I asked her to handle the social media page,” she said. The supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem in the UAE has also contributed to their success, with Qadreya highlighting government programs and market opportunities that have allowed Bumblebee to thrive.

As Bumblebee continues to innovate, it stands out as the first company to offer frozen baby food in Dubai, along with unique products like bone broth cookies. What started as a personal passion has grown into a family affair that blends innovation with tradition in the heart of the city.