Moldova-born entrepreneur Marianna Bulbuc broke the rules of the business world to become its top female voice in the United Arab Emirates.

“I want to be a government lobbyist,” Marianna Bulbuc told Dubai officials. “Come back with your father or husband,” they replied. She didn’t just come back.

Driven by passion and relentless determination, Marianna, now 36 years old, forged a path through a system built for men, opening doors for women and building a multimillion-dollar company from scratch.

“There were a lot of frustrations and tears. I even cried in the bathroom,” she now recalls. “But that only made me want it more. I kept trying.” Never give up, she says.

Now recognized as one of the UAE’s most influential networkers, Marianna has received prestigious honors, including the Women Leaders in the Middle East Award by Royal Decree (2023) and Forbes’ Movers and Shakers: People to Watch (2022).

Honored by Dubai’s Royal Family, she now leads Bizzmosis, a firm that helps businesses navigate UAE laws, from regulations and restructuring to permits and approvals. Marianna leads a team of about a hundred people. Bizzmosis Group and the other investment companies she co-owns are valued at tens of millions of US dollars.

Her portfolio includes global giants like Netflix, Amazon, Coca-Cola, Uber, Careem, Bentley, Procter & Gamble, Zoho Books, and thousands more. Marianna also helps connect global investors with women-led impact businesses, acting as a bridge between the Middle East, Europe, and emerging markets.

Her life motto? “One life. Live it. And only do what inspires you.”

Her story begins with the strength and unity of the family. She recalls how her family’s house burned down. “We didn’t lose our spirit,” she said “Instead, it brought us closer.” That experience taught her early on the power of resilience and meeting life’s obstacles with dignity and determination.

From a young age, Marianna was curious. She loved the art of communication and wanted to understand how people connect and how those connections shape the world of business.

“As my mom would say, if you know things, you work smarter, not harder, and you reach further.” At school, she actively engaged in European Union-supported youth projects. These experiences gave her a taste of making an impact and the thrill of celebrating real results.

Throughout university, Marianna stayed proactive, competing in numerous events, with debate as her favorite. “I’m stubborn and I like to convince people, but debate isn’t about proving you’re right. It’s about understanding how others see things and showing them a different perspective. That was my first real lesson in diplomacy and communication.”

She learned to find common ground with people different from herself. A skill that continues to shape her approach to business and life.

Marianna began a master’s in finance in Romania but found it too technical and narrow. She returned to Moldova to study political economy, focusing on government budgets and taxation. 

“That knowledge is the backbone of my work today,” she says. Understanding how budgets and policies function makes negotiating with officials much easier, an insight crucial for navigating the UAE’s complex legal landscape.

After being away for many years, Bulbuc is now rediscovering her homeland. The talent, the hunger for growth among the youth. 

Moldova, once known mainly for its wines and hospitality, is now emerging as a global player in cutting-edge fields like robotics, space technologies, and various tech sectors such as EdTech, MedTech, and FinTech. “Our young specialists are not only skilled but also creative and innovative.”

This strong connection to her homeland, paired with a solid educational foundation, laid the groundwork for Marianna’s next big step. In 2010, seeking new challenges and broader horizons, she started a new chapter in Dubai. There, she began as a flight attendant, gaining valuable experience in a multicultural environment while sharpening her communication skills.

“It was not easy at first,” Marianna shares. “Opportunities for women in business felt challenging and uncertain when I first came to Dubai. But things have changed a lot since then.” 

In her view, Dubai is now safe and supportive, with many opportunities for women to lead. “We have women ministers, special parking places for women, and thousands of projects supporting women entrepreneurs, more than those for men.”

After moving to Dubai, Marianna shifted from being a flight attendant to managing business development at a company specializing in company formation and government services. But soon, she decided to start her own business. 

When she approached the government to become a lobbyist, she was met with rejection. “They told me I needed my father, brother, or husband’s permission. But none of them were here, and I’m not married. I was told, simply, that as a woman, I couldn’t run this kind of business.”

Frustrated but stubborn, Marianna knocked on door after door, fighting the outdated system. 

“There were many moments of tears and doubts. Crying alone in the bathroom. But I kept pushing.” After months, she got approval, though her company was initially named “Business Men Services.”

It took another eight months and relentless persistence to change the name and gain real recognition. Through this struggle, Marianna realized she could create change by showing the government the real needs of women and entrepreneurs in Dubai. She launched a groundbreaking project: the E-Trade license, allowing women on spouse visas to work from home without a physical office, a lifeline for many stuck between career and family.

“This fight showed me that stubbornness and resilience can break even the toughest barriers,” Bulbuc says.

At the heart of Marianna’s leadership is the belief in building strong relationships and genuinely caring for her team. “You don’t build a company alone, but you build it with people who feel seen and valued,” she says. For her, success isn’t just about numbers; it’s about building trust and respect and creating a space where team members feel they belong, not just for what they do, but for who they are.

Marianna’s journey proves: if you truly care, don’t quit. It’s not just about surviving hard times. It’s about pursuing what ignites your spirit, no matter the obstacles. “Keep going, keep trying.”