Emil bedretdinov

Emil Bedretdinov, also known as Emil E7, is a hospitality entrepreneur and business executive. He is the founder and CEO of The DNA Group, an international hospitality company, and is best known for establishing the Papa dining and nightlife venues in Moscow and Dubai.^[1] These venues are recognized for blending upscale dining, entertainment, and technology.

Early life and education

Bedretdinov began working in the hospitality industry as a teenager. At the age of 15, he started as a dishwasher at an IKEA restaurant, and by 17, he had launched his first entrepreneurial venture organizing parties and community events.^[2] Details about his formal education are not publicly documented.

Career

In 2006, Bedretdinov founded The DNA Group, a hospitality management and development company. Under his leadership, the group launched the “Papa” series of high-concept lounge-restaurants. The first venue, Papa Moscow, opened in 2020, followed by Papa Dubai in 2021 at the V Hotel in Dubai’s Al Habtoor City.^[3]

Each location combines multiple themed bars, restaurants, and live entertainment spaces, offering diverse nightlife experiences under one roof. Bedretdinov emphasizes that each venue reflects local culture while maintaining a consistent global brand. His approach integrates art, music, and technology, including artificial intelligence systems to personalize guest experiences. Papa Dubai attracted more than 250,000 visitors in its first year, cementing its place as one of Dubai’s leading nightlife destinations.

Today, Bedretdinov manages a team of over 180 employees across multiple locations and continues to explore expansion opportunities for The DNA Group in other international markets.

Awards and recognition

In 2025, Bedretdinov was named Hospitality Entrepreneur of the Year at the Leaders in E-Business Awards in Dubai. He was also honored at the UAE’s Next MasterMind Awards in the same year for his contributions to the hospitality industry and leadership at The DNA Group.^[4]

Personal life

Bedretdinov is based in Dubai, where he oversees his businesses. He occasionally shares insights into his work and philosophy on social media, but additional details about his personal life are not widely publicized.

References

External Links

[1] ttps://ceoweekly.com/exploring-investment-opportunities-with-emil-e7-bedretdinov-in-hospitality/

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

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

[4] ttps://www.entrepreneur.com/en-ae/leadership/the-recap-leaders-in-e-business-awards-2025/492332#:~:text=Image

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