A Career Rooted in Values
Every successful professional has a story of inspiration, and for Natalia Rybak, an international consultant and investor now based in Dubai, that story begins with her father. A self-made businessman and founder of a leading pharmaceutical company in Russia, he taught her lessons that remain the foundation of her professional and personal life.
“Honesty, self-belief, and the courage to explore my full potential were the values my father passed on to me,” she recalls. His determination and resilience influenced not just her outlook but also her career path. His advice to never fear setbacks because they can lift you to greater heights continues to guide her as she builds her career across multiple industries.
With his encouragement, Natalia pursued Computer Science, International Economics, and later a Master’s degree in Marketing from the UK. This international education gave her the skills and perspective to thrive in consulting, business development, and investment.
Choosing the Right Path
Finding the right industry is rarely straightforward. For Natalia, it was a journey of self-discovery shaped by her interests and experiences. “You can only know whether a decision is right or wrong with time,” she says. Her consistent curiosity about innovation, IT, and communication led her naturally into consulting, where she now focuses on helping clients navigate investments, solve financial challenges, and grow their wealth.
In addition to consulting, she actively invests personally and supports her family’s large pharmaceutical chain of over 865 pharmacies. This diverse experience allows her to combine corporate knowledge with entrepreneurial practice, particularly in Dubai’s fast-evolving market.
Achievements Beyond Numbers
When asked about her biggest achievement, Natalia Rybak doesn’t highlight wealth or business deals. Instead, she emphasizes self-discovery. “My biggest achievement is realizing who I truly am and developing genuine self-respect,” she explains.
This shift enabled her to stop doubting herself, communicate her strengths clearly, and set healthier boundaries. As a result, she now builds stronger relationships, makes better decisions, and provides more effective guidance to clients. For her, personal growth has been the key to professional success.
Overcoming Early Challenges
Natalia’s journey began when she moved to the UK to study a rewarding but difficult transition. “The real challenge was building a career after my studies. I had to adjust to new hiring practices, build a network from scratch, and adapt to life far from home,” she recalls.
Staying Resilient Through Challenges
To stay motivated, Natalia relies on a mix of physical, mental, and creative practices. She practices yoga with a personal teacher twice a week, strength trains to maintain discipline, and plays tennis to sharpen strategic thinking. She also turns to art and travel to reset her perspective.
“Setbacks are inevitable, but tools like these help me stay calm and make constructive choices,” she says. Her approach reflects her belief that setbacks can be transformed into opportunities for growth a principle she lives by.
Redefining Success
Over the years, Natalia’s definition of success has evolved. In her early career, she chased milestones and financial achievements. Today, she defines success as a balance between personal wellbeing, meaningful work, and a sense of purpose.
“I consider myself successful because I’m fundamentally fulfilled. True success requires integrating achievement with wellbeing,” she notes.
Dubai’s Rise as an Investment Hub
Natalia’s career path has aligned closely with Dubai’s rapid transformation into a global investment hub. She highlights five key reasons why the emirate is attracting unprecedented attention from investors worldwide.
1. Tax Benefits
Dubai’s tax regime is one of its strongest draws. With zero personal income tax, no capital gains tax, and tax-free dividends, investors can maximize returns. The corporate tax rate remains competitive at 9% above AED 375,000 in profit, with Free Zone exemptions offering even more advantages.
Additionally, there are no wealth or inheritance taxes, and with over 140 double-taxation treaties, Dubai provides a clear path for long-term wealth planning. For investors seeking efficient cross-border strategies, this environment is unmatched.
2. Visa Benefits for Investors
Residency options in Dubai are designed to attract and retain global talent. From two-year renewable Investor Visas to long-term Golden Visas offering 10 years of residency, the UAE ensures stability for both individuals and their families.
These visas simplify business ownership, allow 100% foreign ownership in Free Zones, and ease processes like opening bank accounts and securing Emirates IDs. For UK investors, this means the opportunity to establish both a home and business base in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.
3. Advanced Infrastructure
Dubai is known for its cutting-edge infrastructure. Its world-class airports, modern ports, and advanced road networks connect businesses globally. The city’s commitment to smart technology like AI-driven services and one of the world’s best 5G networks makes it an innovation hub.
Projects like Dubai South and Expo City further demonstrate the emirate’s focus on sustainable, future-ready infrastructure, creating fertile ground for businesses across sectors.
4. Favorable Regulatory Environment
The UAE’s legal framework offers clarity, protection, and flexibility for international investors. More than 40 Free Zones provide full ownership, tax exemptions, and simplified processes. Foreign investors are treated on equal footing with locals, with laws guaranteeing security and protection against expropriation.
For UK businesses familiar with common law systems, Dubai’s DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) offers an additional layer of reassurance with its internationally recognized regulatory standards.
5. Networking and Opportunities
Dubai thrives on relationships. International conferences such as GITEX Global and the World Entrepreneur Summit attract industry leaders, investors, and innovators. Business councils, coworking hubs, and professional associations provide platforms for meaningful connections.
Natalia emphasizes the importance of this culture of collaboration: “In Dubai, networking with the right people opens doors to opportunities that can completely change your trajectory.”
Building a Lasting Legacy
For Natalia, Dubai is not just a place of business but also a place to build a legacy. She hopes to inspire others through her example mentoring colleagues, creating sustainable projects, and proving that business can be a force for good.
“In both consulting and the pharmaceutical industry, I want my work to contribute to sustainable, people-centered growth,” she explains. “I want to be remembered not only for achievements but for the values and care I passed on to others.”
Short Bio
Natalia Rybak is an international expert in marketing, business development, and consulting, with experience across Russia, the UK, and the UAE. She has contributed to her family’s pharmaceutical business in Russia, launched a startup in Dubai, and invested in the real estate sector. Over more than a decade at Siemens, she has led complex industrial and digital transformation projects, including pioneering mining solutions and high-profile infrastructure initiatives such as the FIFA World Cup 2018.
Natalia holds an MSc in Marketing from the University of East Anglia (UK) and bachelor’s degrees in Engineering and International Economics. She also holds certifications in Business Coaching, Project Management, and Digitalization in Business. Today, she focuses on consulting, investment, and building sustainable businesses in Dubai. You can follow her on LinkedIn or on Instagram.