FIVE Holdings Founder and Executive Chairman Kabir Mulchandani on Becoming a Billionaire Entrepreneur The company's founder attributes its success to a bold, disruptive vision that combines luxury hospitality with eco-conscious entertainment.

When Kabir Mulchandani founded FIVE Holdings in 2017, he wasn't looking to follow the traditional hospitality playbook. Instead, he saw a gap in the market that combined high-energy, musically driven immersive entertainment with sustainable luxury hospitality in a way that no one else had done before.

Today, that vision has turned FIVE Holdings into a multi-billion-dollar empire, establishing it as a one-of-a-kind destination described as the 'Disneyland for adults'.

Mulchandani's formula for success is deceptively simple. A disruptive approach, a focus on sustainability, and a commitment to sharing success with his employees. "What we've been able to do exceptionally well is create an entertainment-driven hospitality experience that is both immersive and eco-conscious," he explains.

Staying true to its fearless and innovative approach, FIVE Holdings continues to carve out new market opportunities. Its 'Global Sustainable Entertainment Ecosystem' has propelled the brand to astronomical success, striking a chord with Gen Z and Millennials, who, coincidently, make up the majority of its guests.

Its portfolio includes landmark properties such as FIVE Palm Jumeirah, FIVE Jumeirah Village, and FIVE LUXE in Dubai, as well as FIVE Zurich in Switzerland. A merger last year also secured Destino Five Ibiza, and El Hotel Pacha in Spain, and the legendary Pacha Ibiza nightclub within FIVE's portfolio.

The brand also expanded beyond hotels and real estate, introducing FIVE MODE and The Pacha Collection fashion lines, Toy Room clubs, WooMoon Storytellers, and even its own private record label, FIVE Music. And then there's FLY FIVE, a bespoke jet experience that takes FIVE's signature experiences sky-high.

With over 3,000 employees and more than 1,700 rooms across some of the world's most iconic destinations, FIVE Holdings has become synonymous with a distinct, high-octane lifestyle.

FIVE's financial performance tells a compelling story of its success. Year-to-date revenue for the year ended 31 December 2024 stood at AED 2,165 million, with an EBITDA of AED 766 million. Its occupancy rate stood at an impressive 86.55% for the same period.

But Mulchandani emphasises that success is not just about revenue but about people. With the implementation of FIVE's Long-Term Incentive Programme, employees at all levels, from frontline staff to leadership, share in the company's growth. "I believe this will give them a sense of ownership and belonging within the company," he explains.

This commitment to shared success, sustainability, and well-being is a guiding principle that extends beyond business strategy and financial performance into a more holistic, purpose-driven approach for Mulchandani. With a strong focus on a healthy lifestyle, sustainability, and philanthropy, he explains, "I am able to find calmness and solutions. I am in my zone. I don't think I've felt this good, centred, and focused."

What started as a bold idea in 2017 rapidly evolved into a global phenomenon with a cult-like following, all fuelled by Mulchandani's vision, grit and drive. At a time when the hospitality industry was dominated by established giants with massive market share, the key to success was finding an untapped space and making it his own.

"Nobody was in this space," Mulchandani reflects. "The way we designed our hotel, with a lot of homegrown F&B, was always for entertainment. But I don't think even we anticipated how strong our story could become."

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