Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
The video features an interview with Ra’ed Saqfelhait who discusses his journey in the cigar industry, the success of his business in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and his efforts to promote global connectivity within the cigar community.
Business Success and Innovation:
The Leaf Master Tobacco Trading LLC, based in Dubai, was awarded "Best of the Leaf" for 2025 and 2026, a recognition he attributes to his dedicated team. The company has become a top importer for high-end, functional art pieces like humidors, maintaining a long-standing relationship with the artists.
The World Cigar Show Dubai:
The speaker spearheaded the "World Cigar Show" in Dubai to bridge access gaps for people in Asia, the Middle East, and the GCC who struggle to attend traditional trade shows in the U.S. or Europe due to visa constraints. The inaugural show last November was a success with over 60 exhibitors, and the next event is scheduled for November 10th and 11th in Dubai.
Market Growth and Environment in the UAE:
Dubai is described as a cigar-friendly hub with an excellent taxation and bonded system that facilitates the re-export of cigars. Interest in premium tobacco is growing rapidly as consumers shift away from other tobacco products. Ra’ed notes the UAE is a diverse, safe, and open-minded society where people of different nationalities and beliefs are welcome.
Personal Journey and Collaboration:
The speaker transitioned into the cigar business in 2017 after trying non-Cuban cigars for the first time while working in New York. He highlights the instrumental support of his wife, who helped strategize the business, and his partner, Abdul Ghani Koudmanim, whose background in AI complements his own financial and emotional approach.
The video features an interview with Ra’ed Saqfelhait who discusses his journey in the cigar industry, the success of his business in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and his efforts to promote global connectivity within the cigar community.
Business Success and Innovation:
The Leaf Master Tobacco Trading LLC, based in Dubai, was awarded "Best of the Leaf" for 2025 and 2026, a recognition he attributes to his dedicated team. The company has become a top importer for high-end, functional art pieces like humidors, maintaining a long-standing relationship with the artists.
The World Cigar Show Dubai:
The speaker spearheaded the "World Cigar Show" in Dubai to bridge access gaps for people in Asia, the Middle East, and the GCC who struggle to attend traditional trade shows in the U.S. or Europe due to visa constraints. The inaugural show last November was a success with over 60 exhibitors, and the next event is scheduled for November 10th and 11th in Dubai.
Market Growth and Environment in the UAE:
Dubai is described as a cigar-friendly hub with an excellent taxation and bonded system that facilitates the re-export of cigars. Interest in premium tobacco is growing rapidly as consumers shift away from other tobacco products. Ra’ed notes the UAE is a diverse, safe, and open-minded society where people of different nationalities and beliefs are welcome.
Personal Journey and Collaboration:
The speaker transitioned into the cigar business in 2017 after trying non-Cuban cigars for the first time while working in New York. He highlights the instrumental support of his wife, who helped strategize the business, and his partner, Abdul Ghani Koudmanim, whose background in AI complements his own financial and emotional approach.
