The BND is more than a barbershop — it’s a lifestyle hub rooted in culture, identity, and sharp grooming. Founded by Waleed AlAmeri, an Abu Dhabi native and pilot for the National Airline of the UAE, BND reflects the same precision and pride he brings to the skies. Growing up with a love for aviation and a deep respect for presentation, Waleed understood early on that style is power — and that every detail matters.
His passion for barbering grew alongside his career, inspired by clean fades, evolving trends, and the sense of confidence a fresh cut brings. But what really sparked BND was his vision of a modern-day majlis — a space where men could connect, feel at home, and embrace grooming as a cultural ritual. With BND, Waleed blends Emirati hospitality with street-style energy, creating a space that feels both elevated and grounded.
For Waleed, customer experience goes beyond the service — it’s about creating a culture of belonging, listening to feedback, and continuously evolving while staying true to tradition.
KHAMSA sat down with Waleed to talk roots, razor fades, and the culture that fuels BND.
All images courtesy of The BND.
١. Barber Next Door is more than a grooming spot — it feels like a vibe. What made you want to turn a simple haircut into something deeper, something rooted in community?
At Barber Next Door, we believe that barbering is more than just a service—it’s an experience, a connection, and a culture.
In today’s fast-paced business world, many brands focus purely on transactions, but we see barbering as something far deeper.
Historically, barbers were more than just hairstylists—they were caretakers of the community, even serving as surgeons who healed and provided remedies. Today, that same sense of care and trust still exists but in a different form. A barber is your guy—the one you see weekly or bi-weekly, the one who completely transforms not just your look, but your mood and confidence in an instant.
Beyond the cut, a barber is also a therapist, a friend, and a trusted confidant. No matter how tough your week has been, you walk into the shop, sit in that chair, and for that moment, it’s your space to relax, recharge, and leave feeling like the best version of yourself. That’s why we built Barber Next Door—to create a space that feels like home, where every client is family, and every visit is more than just a haircut—it’s an experience.
٢. You’re bringing that authentic Emirati hospitality into the world of grooming. What does that look like in real life — and why was it important for you to preserve that tradition?
Authentic Emirati hospitality is at the heart of everything we do. As our late founding father, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, once said:
We should preserve our traditions and national heritage, as it is our identity and the source of our pride.
With that in mind, it is essential for us to showcase who we are and what we represent as Emiratis, while also embracing the diverse community that calls the UAE home. The UAE is a melting pot of over 200 nationalities, and we’ve taken the essence of our heritage and infused it with an urban blend of Western and Eastern influences to create a space that feels welcoming and familiar to all.
For me, hospitality is personal. I’ve always envisioned The BND as more than just a barbershop—it’s a space that mirrors how we greet people in our homes: with an open door, a warm welcome, and a place to connect. Whether it’s through a fresh cut, a cup of coffee, or just good conversation, we want every guest to feel like family—because that’s what true Emirati hospitality is all about.
٣. The BND is all about blending old-school values with modern culture. What’s one thing from your childhood or heritage that still shows up in the way you do business today?
We take pride in blending old-school values with modern culture, and one of the biggest influences from my childhood that still shapes the way we do business today is the Emirati tradition of hospitality.
In my home, we were taught from a very young age to serve coffee and dates to every guest who visited. Generosity and an open-door culture—having a majlis where family, friends, and neighbours could gather—were deeply instilled in us, and this tradition remains a cornerstone of our culture in the UAE. It’s about welcoming people, whether they’re from around the world or just down the street and making them feel at home.
That same philosophy lives on at The BND. Every client or member is welcomed as family, and our doors are always open—whether you’re coming in for a haircut, spa services, or simply to say hello and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while catching up with friends.
It’s more than just grooming; it’s about creating a space where people can connect, unwind, and feel at home, just as we’ve done for generations in our own homes.
٤. There’s a real “give back” energy to your brand. In a world that’s all about speed and trends, how do you keep things meaningful?
We stay true to our foundations and constantly remind ourselves why we started and what our mission, vision, and goals are for the brand. In a world that moves fast and follows fleeting trends, we stay grounded by always going back to our core brand pillars—the things that make us authentic and unique in an industry where so many looks and feels the same.
Rather than just following trends, we focus on creating our own, staying true to ourselves, and most importantly, listening to our clients. Real feedback helps us continuously improve and evolve while maintaining the essence of what makes The BND special.
Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest impact.
Building real connections with our clients allows us to dig deeper and implement meaningful changes within our shop—whether it’s offering birthday discounts, launching loyalty programs, discounting our in-store products to occasionally offering a free service as a gesture of appreciation. For us, it’s about more than just grooming—it’s about building a community, creating an experience, and making sure every client feels valued.
٥. If The BND was a person, how would you describe him? What would he wear, listen to, and stand for?
He’d have the latest iPhone but drive an old-school Nissan Patrol Super Safari. Wear a Kandora with a fresh pair of Nike Air Jordan 1s, effortlessly mixing heritage with street style. You’d find him setting up a majlis-style camp in the desert, sipping on Gahwa with close friends, all while vibing to Hip-Hop and RnB.
If The BND was a person, he’d be the perfect blend of tradition and modern culture—a true reflection of me and what we stand for as a brand.
At his core, The BND is about genuine connections, community, and culture. In today’s fast-paced world, where everything moves quickly, The BND values real conversations, strong networks, and staying true to his roots.
He’s the bridge between the old and the new—honoring tradition while embracing the ever-evolving world around him.
