From Street Cricket to Studio Lights
In a city defined by its transformation, few personal stories mirror Dubai’s evolution as closely as that of Anuraag Nair. From the nostalgic cricket pitches of 90s Bur Dubai to the polished photo studios of modern-day hospitality brands, Anuraag’s journey is a testament to grit, curiosity, and creativity — served with a pint of beer and a dash of humility.
At 31, Anuraag wears many hats — photographer, videographer, digital marketer, creative consultant — but at his core, he’s a storyteller. His medium just happens to be as visual as it is strategic.
A Childhood Rooted in Old Dubai
Raised in the old quarters of Bur Dubai, Anuraag’s formative years were spent among bustling souqs, narrow lanes, and a close-knit community of families who watched the emirate’s skyline rise around them. “There was something special about growing up here,” he says. “We didn’t have much in the way of luxury, but we had culture, stories, friendships — and lots of cricket.”
It was this mix of grounded upbringing and vibrant exposure that unknowingly planted the seeds for his future work. After completing his Master’s degree in Birmingham, UK, Anuraag returned to Dubai — not out of obligation, but out of purpose. “This city raised me. I wanted to contribute to its growth in my own way.”
Diving Into the World of F&B Marketing
That way, it turned out, was through F&B marketing — an arena that demands both creativity and commercial acumen. He started his career at a well-established marketing agency, quickly being assigned to manage digital campaigns for a portfolio of diverse restaurants. “I was thrown right into the deep end,” he laughs. “One day I was learning Facebook ad targeting, the next I was handling full-scale campaigns for clients with very real expectations.”
Over the next eight years, Anuraag worked across multiple marketing teams, both agency-side and in-house. His resume includes collaborations with Dubai’s most notable culinary brands: Jones the Grocer, Avli by tashas, tashas, Joud Cafe, Bombay Bungalow, Kaftan Turkish Cuisine, and Chin Chin, to name a few.
The Photographer Behind the Plate
But what makes Anuraag stand out in a saturated industry isn’t just the names he’s worked with — it’s the depth of his involvement. While many marketers stick to strategy or visuals, Anuraag blends both. He strategizes, shoots, edits, writes, and optimizes. “You could call me a creative generalist, but I prefer to think of it as being invested in every part of the brand story,” he says.
His love for photography emerged out of this very curiosity. “I was working on restaurant campaigns and constantly liaising with photographers. One day I thought — what if I could shoot this myself?” That thought turned into action. Anuraag picked up a camera, self-taught the craft through trial, error, and a whole lot of YouTube, and gradually started leading shoots of his own.
On the Covers and Behind the Commercials
Today, he specializes in food, product, interior, and corporate photography. His work has graced the cover of TimeOut, appeared in multiple double-page spreads in What’s On, and earned recognition across both digital and print platforms. He’s also led shoots for six major magazines, and even produced a one-hour documentary on Indian football — all while running commercials straight from his living room studio.
Where Art Meets Analytics
The balance of artistic quality and business thinking is rare — and that’s exactly what Anuraag offers. “It’s one thing to shoot a great photo. It’s another to understand how that image performs on Instagram, or how it drives delivery orders on a third-party aggregator,” he says.
In a world where content creation is often separated from strategy, Anuraag bridges the gap with a uniquely integrated approach. Whether it’s building a mood board for a brand launch, directing a video shoot, or optimizing Instagram ads for conversions, his work consistently aligns with the bigger picture: results.
A Personality That Clicks
And yet, for all his success, he’s refreshingly unpretentious. “I’m an Arsenal fan, I love beer, and if you ask me about cricket — I’ll probably talk your ear off,” he jokes. It’s this blend of professionalism and personality that makes clients feel like they’re working with a partner, not just a service provider.
That personality shines through in his online presence as well. His Instagram is a mix of perfectly plated dishes, behind-the-scenes footage, travel snaps, and the occasional self-deprecating meme. His LinkedIn profile, meanwhile, reflects his dual identity as a creative and a marketer — polished, but never robotic.
Curiosity as a Compass
What drives him? “Curiosity,” he says without hesitation. “I’m always asking questions. Why does this angle work? Why did that ad get a better click-through rate? Why do people engage with one reel but not another? That mindset keeps me evolving.”
His work in Dubai’s F&B space has also helped him witness the broader shifts in consumer behavior — from the rise of delivery-first models to the emphasis on sustainability and homegrown concepts. “Ten years ago, content was a luxury for restaurants. Today, it’s a necessity,” he notes. “But more than that, it’s about the right kind of content. Pretty doesn’t always perform. Relatable does.”
Looking Ahead: A Voice for the Underdogs
Looking ahead, Anuraag is focused on deepening his impact. He’s currently developing a content-led platform that helps independent restaurants navigate digital storytelling more effectively. “Not every restaurant can afford a big agency, but every brand deserves a voice,” he says.
Despite the accolades and magazine covers, Anuraag still sees himself as a student of the craft. “The moment you think you’ve mastered it, you’ve lost it. This industry changes too fast. You have to keep learning.”
A Frame of Mind
His favorite quote sums it up perfectly: “Life develops from the negatives.” It’s a nod to his photography roots, yes, but also to a broader life philosophy — that growth often emerges from challenges, and that every frame, even the imperfect ones, tells a story worth sharing.