Emil Bedretdinov

Emil Bedretdinov (also known as Emil E7) is a hospitality entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of THE DNA GROUP, an international hospitality holding company headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He is known for developing nightlife and restaurant concepts, including Papa Dubai and Papa Moscow.^[1]

Early life and education

Emil Bedretdinov began working at age 15 as a dishwasher at IKEA to support his family following his father's illness. By age 17, he was promoting nightclubs and organizing events, eventually founding his first promotional group.^[2]

He attended the State University of Management, graduating with a degree in Advertising. In 2021, he completed a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program.^[3]

Career

Early ventures (2007-2015)

Emil Bedretdinov founded several companies in the hospitality and events sector:

ElitE7Jet (2007)
Emil E7 Events (2013)
Shakti by Emil E7 (2016)
E7.DIGITAL (2020)^[4]

THE DNA GROUP

In 2007, Bedretdinov established THE DNA GROUP as an international hospitality holding company. The company focuses on creating hospitality concepts and operating partnerships with existing venues. As of 2025, the group operates across four countries with approximately 127 employees.^[5]

The company's business model includes both developing new concepts and restructuring underperforming venues. THE DNA GROUP has been involved in over 800 projects since its founding.^[6]

Papa Dubai and Papa Moscow

Bedretdinov's flagship projects include Papa Dubai and Papa Moscow, nightclub and restaurant venues that operate under THE DNA GROUP. Both venues were existing properties that underwent restructuring under Bedretdinov's operational management.^[7]

Papa Dubai transitioned from a Nikkei cuisine concept to a globally inspired menu, with operations designed to seamlessly shift from dining to nightlife service.^[8]

Recognition

Bedretdinov has received several industry awards, including:

Hospitality Entrepreneur of the Year by Entrepreneur Middle East^[9]
Emirates' Best F&B Entrepreneur
UAE's Best Hospitality Group CEO

His work has been featured in publications including UAE Stories, CEO Weekly, and The American Reporter.^[10]

External links

Company website
Emil Bedretdinov on Facebook
Emil Bedretdinov on Instagram
Emil Bedretdinov on Twitter

[1] ttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm17571306/

[2] ttps://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/news/indnewswire/emil-bedretdinov-founder-dna-group-1262044397.html

[3] ttps://boldjourney.com/meet-emil-bedretdinov/

[4] ttps://techbullion.com/from-papa-to-powerhouse-how-emil-bedretdinov-emil-e7-is-rewriting-global-hospitality/

[5] ttps://uaestories.com/emil-bedretdinov-global-hospitality/

[6] ttps://www.theamericanreporter.com/from-vision-to-reality-emil-bedretdinovs-blueprint-for-global-hospitality-success/

[7] ttps://vocal.media/motivation/emil-bedretdinov-emil-e7-and-the-business-of-experience-in-hospitality

[8] ttps://dubaipeople.ae/2023/02/22/papa-dubai-interview-with-natalya-freys-and-emil-bedretdinov/

[9] ttps://www.entrepreneur.com/en-ae/leadership/the-recap-leaders-in-e-business-awards-2025/492332

[10] ttps://www.bignewsnetwork.com/news/278553409/emil-bedretdinov-emil-e7-on-redefining-nightlife-for-a-global-audience

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