Dubai, UAE: In the fast-paced world of digital marketing and entrepreneurship, few names resonate as strongly as Mahdi Shafiei. The Iranian-Emirati innovator has carved a niche as a trailblazer, seamlessly merging creativity, business acumen, and mentorship to inspire the next generation of leaders in the GCC.
Born in Dubai in the early 1990s, Shafiei demonstrated an entrepreneurial spark from a young age. After completing his education at The Sheffield Private School, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communication (Advertising) from Canadian University Dubai in 2016. Even before graduating, his ambition was evident, and he was already shaping his path toward building businesses that would leave a lasting impact.
Trifid Media: A Digital Powerhouse
In 2018, Shafiei founded Trifid Media, a social media and digital marketing agency that would quickly become a benchmark for innovation in the region. Known for its creative campaigns on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, Trifid Media has delivered over 10 billion views and USD 100 million in media sales under Shafiei’s leadership. Today, the agency operates across six GCC countries and employs nearly 200 professionals, many of whom are Gen Z, reflecting his commitment to empowering young talent.
Diversifying Ventures: Tri Space and Trifid Network
Never one to rest on his laurels, Shafiei expanded into real estate with Tri Space in 2023, achieving USD 25 million in property sales in its first year. In 2024, he launched Trifid Network, a digital product incubator aiming to launch 100 innovative products by 2026, further cementing his role as a visionary in both the digital and physical business landscapes.
Mentorship and Content Creation
Shafiei is not just an entrepreneur but also a mentor and content creator. Active on LinkedIn, TikTok, and Instagram, he shares insights on entrepreneurship, personal growth, and leadership, advocating for action over over-planning and encouraging young professionals to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success.
A Philosophy of Passion and Ownership
Central to Shafiei’s philosophy is work-life harmony and treating business as a passion rather than a chore. He fosters an ownership culture within his companies, offering equity to young team members and promoting bold, resilient leadership.
Recognition and Impact
Shafiei’s work has been recognized widely, with features in Gulf News highlighting his innovative approach and impact on the GCC’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. His leadership style, focused on youth empowerment and disruptive marketing strategies, continues to influence both aspiring and established business leaders.
Mahdi Shafiei exemplifies the modern entrepreneur—visionary, fearless, and dedicated to shaping the future while empowering the next generation to lead with confidence.
