Inspiring Path: Meraj Qurieshi's Journey

I'm Meraj, and I’m proud to be the founder of 365 Adventures, a Destination Management Company that started with just two friends and a dream back in 2016. Today, we’re thrilled to be recognized as one of the leading travel partners in the Middle East, operating in Qatar, UAE, KSA, and Oman. From day tours to team-building activities, we offer a wide range of travel services, and we are particularly proud of our award-winning sustainable tourism practices—a commitment that earned us the Sustainable Company Award from the Qatar Green Building Council. Our mission is to connect adventurers with local guides and experts, offering authentic, culturally rich experiences throughout the Arabian Peninsula.

Our star product, Keshta, embodies the heart of Arabian culture. This Bedouin-style picnic is more than just a picnic—it's an indigenous experience that brings people together. Set in the deserts, wadis, or mountains of the Middle East, Keshta immerses you in tradition, from the hand-woven sadu fabric to the gahwa cups that tell a story of heritage and togetherness. Whether you're with family, friends, or on a solo journey, Keshta invites you to experience cosy conversations around a bonfire, savouring the essence of Arab culture.

As an adventurer and nature lover, my passion for exploring the outdoors naturally evolved into a career when I saw a gap in the market for truly authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences. I’ve always believed that the beauty of a country goes beyond the usual tourist spots—it’s in the hidden gems, the untouched landscapes, and the stories waiting to be discovered. The idea of showing people these untapped charms really sparked something in me. When you see that look of pure awe on someone's face as they experience something entirely new, it’s absolutely priceless.

There was a defining moment during one of my personal adventures when I realized just how much potential there was to offer these experiences to others. I was hiking through a remote area, surrounded by stunning scenery that very few people ever get to see, and I thought, “This is something people need to experience.” It was then that I decided to take the leap and start a business dedicated to offering those unforgettable, immersive experiences.

The driving force behind this decision wasn’t just my love for nature—it was also the desire to share that passion with others. Seeing the world through the eyes of someone experiencing it for the first time is magical, and I wanted to create a platform that would make those moments possible. My career path has been guided by a belief in authentic, responsible tourism, where we connect people to local cultures, history, and the natural world in a way that leaves a lasting impact.

I’ve also been influenced by the adventurers and guides I’ve met along the way—people who dedicate their lives to showcasing the beauty of their surroundings. They taught me that there’s a special joy in helping others discover the wonders of the world, and that’s exactly what inspired me to build a business around it.

One of the biggest obstacles we faced as a travel company was the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought global travel to a standstill. For a business like ours, that thrives on in-person experiences and international tourism, it was a challenging time. Travel bans and restrictions meant we had to pause operations almost overnight. However, we're a team that’s no stranger to challenges, and we always have a backup plan in mind. With some faith and a proactive team, we quickly pivoted our focus. We spent that time refining our internal processes, strengthening partnerships, and planning new experiences for when travel resumed.

What kept us going during those tough times was our shared belief in the importance of what we do—connecting travelers to the rich cultures and landscapes of the Middle East. Our passion for creating unforgettable adventures gave us the resilience to push through. It was our loyal team and the trust we've built with our clients that helped us come out stronger on the other side, ready to welcome the world back when the borders opened up again.

At 365 Adventures, what truly sets us apart is our commitment to creating tailored experiences for each of our guests. We are all about the customer, and our goal is to turn their travel dreams into reality. Whether it's a corporate team looking for a unique team-building retreat, a group of friends craving a desert safari, or an adventurous solo traveler wanting an offbeat cultural experience, our answer is always, "Say no more, we got you." We believe in going beyond the usual tourist routes and crafting personalized journeys that reflect each traveller’s vision.

Our ability to offer fully customizable experiences, paired with our deep local knowledge, has been a key driver of our success. We continuously innovate by blending cultural authenticity with modern comforts, and our focus on sustainability and accessible tourism further enhances the value we provide. From working with local guides to developing eco-conscious tours, these unique elements have allowed us to stand out in a crowded market and build lasting relationships with our customers.

Our team operates with a clear hierarchy, where team leads manage smaller groups that focus on specific areas like client relations, product development, and quality assurance. Each team member has a defined role, ensuring that every aspect of our operations is handled with precision. We embrace a cross-functional structure, encouraging collaboration across departments like marketing, sales, and product teams. This ensures seamless execution and alignment on every project. To maintain transparency and efficiency, we prioritize open communication through daily stand-ups and weekly meetings, which help track progress and keep everyone aligned.

We follow a decentralized structure, where decision-making is distributed among team leads, encouraging input and innovation from everyone. This fosters a collaborative environment that values diverse ideas and solutions. I also believe in maintaining an approachable and friendly atmosphere, which is key to promoting trust and creativity. It's important that every member feels heard and supported, which ultimately leads to better problem-solving and stronger team dynamics. Approximately 40-50% of our team works remotely, as we value our employees' well-being and comfort. Our philosophy is simple: “When our people thrive, our business thrives.”

Our leadership philosophy is rooted in empowerment and autonomy. We trust our team leads to make decisions and encourage team members to take ownership of their work. This sense of autonomy drives engagement and fosters a culture of accountability. We believe in continuous learning, promoting both personal and professional growth, and regularly invest in training and development opportunities for our team. Additionally, we emphasize work-life balance—ensuring that flexibility and comfort for our employees are integral to their productivity and creativity.

In our organization, decision-making is a team effort where everyone’s input matters. I believe that bringing everyone to the table leads to more creative and well-rounded decisions. Whether it’s something big or just part of the daily workflow, I like to involve team leads and key members to ensure we’re getting diverse perspectives from across the business. This not only leads to better outcomes but also gives everyone a sense of ownership in what we do.

One of our core principles is that empowering people helps them grow. When you encourage team members to take initiative and share their ideas, it builds their confidence and shapes them into better decision-makers. It’s all about giving them the tools and trust to step up, which makes for a more engaged and dynamic team.

Our biggest achievement is the journey itself—starting this company from absolutely nothing, just two guys with a passion for adventure, trying to build a home-grown business. We had no guarantees, just a love for exploring and a belief in what we were doing. Fast forward to today, and we’ve grown into one of the leading Destination Management Companies in the region. It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come, and we couldn’t be more proud of what we’ve built.

This achievement means so much more than just business growth—it’s about creating something that connects people to the beauty and culture of this region. It’s about building a community of travellers who experience the magic of these landscapes, and supporting local guides and businesses along the way. Watching our company grow has been rewarding, but seeing the impact it’s had on the community and the people we work with is what truly makes it all worth it.

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