Three Hours of Sleep, One Bigger Dream

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

A 22-year-old Bahraini entrepreneur has turned a simple idea into a growing home-based business while balancing university life, building his brand Waraqatna around his passion for stuffed grape leaves.

Entrepreneur Ali Aldakheel said his journey began with a clear intention: to become financially independent, ease the pressure on his family, and gain real-world experience before graduation. What started as ambition quickly developed into a demanding routine that runs alongside his studies.

His day begins before sunrise, when he prepares orders for Waraqatna before heading to university. Between lectures, assignments, and exams, he manages operations and returns home later to continue working late into the night.

“There were days I slept only three hours before going to university,” he said.

The early months were particularly challenging, with slow sales and limited growth leaving him uncertain about continuing. Balancing academic pressure with an emerging business tested his patience and commitment.

“After months without seeing clear progress, I felt discouraged,” Aldakheel said. “But I kept going and reminded myself that success takes patience and consistency.”

Beyond business results, Aldakheel says the most meaningful motivation came from small acts of kindness from customers and his family’s continuous support. “Sometimes customers offered water, food, or small gestures of kindness,” he said. “Those moments stayed with me.”

Now still at the beginning of his journey, he believes many young entrepreneurs underestimate the time and effort required to build something sustainable. He encourages others to stay patient and trust the process rather than expecting immediate success.

For Aldakheel, Waraqatna is still growing but so is he, shaped by long days, short nights, and the determination to build something of his own.