Steve Harvey, the well-known American comedian, TV host, and actor, is a familiar face not just in the UAE but globally. Recognised for his roles on shows like 'Family Feud' and 'The Steve Harvey Show,' he has garnered popularity in the UAE. Recently, Steve Harvey organised the world's first 'Open Fire Food Festival' in Abu Dhabi, showcasing his affection for food and the capital city. The two-day festival, held on 24 and 25 February, featured delicious cuisine, celebrity chefs, music, live entertainment, and much more. Connector had the opportunity to chat with Steve Harvey, gaining insights into his journey, the festival, his fondness for the UAE, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Steve Harvey is a frequent visitor in the UAE and a co-founder of Melt Middle East, an events and consulting company. Besides this, he has been a part of various UAE initiatives, including the 2020 tourism online campaign 'When Steve Meets East'. He attended the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix in 2018 and spoke at the Sharjah International Book Fair in 2019. Now, in 2024, Steve Harvey launched the world's first Open Fire Food Festival in Abu Dhabi.
Steve Harvey Shares His Love For UAE And Abu Dhabi
Sharing more about this and talking about love for Abu Dhabi, Steve Harvey said, "You know, it was a vision I had, being a dreamer myself. So, it's nothing new to me. I truly believe in the dream. My vision was to draw more attention to this region and allow more people to experience what I've discovered here. I also aim to bring people together to focus on our commonalities rather than our differences. It's essential because constant focus on differences hinders global unity. We all share some basic similarities, everyone desires happiness, success, and a better life for their children. Let's emphasise that. For me, Abu Dhabi embodies these ideals."
The first edition of Open Fire Food Festival was a massive hit, and in his conversation with Connector, Steve Harvey confirmed that this food festival will now be an annual thing. He added, "This event will become an annual tradition. Although it's the first time, it's just the beginning. Trust me, next year, it will be three times bigger. It is just the start, and mark my words, it's going to be huge."
Steve Harvey Talks About Trying New Things Without Any Fear
Despite Steve Harvey's remarkable achievements in the entertainment and food industry, he has never stopped trying new things. Despite his fair share of challenges, he maintains a resilient spirit and embraces failures as part of his journey to success. Talking about this motivation to keep working and trying new things, Steve Harvey said, "I've overcome my fear of failure because I recognise it as a natural part of the journey to success. I'm open to trying new things because I believe being the first, the best, or the only, can lead to success. The Open Fire Food Festival in Abu Dhabi is the first of its kind, making it unique and the best. I'm not afraid to reinvent myself because change is inevitable, and I embrace it without hesitation."
Steve Harvey Opens Up On Facing Challenges
We all face our own challenges, and Steve Harvey is no exception. Reflecting on his journey and determination, he expressed, "One thing I've learnt is that quitting guarantees failure. So giving up is never an option for me. When times get tough and things seem down, I know I have to strive. Everyone encounters obstacles and setbacks; it's part of life. Knowing that, I keep pushing forward. I can't afford to quit because success may be closer than it appears. So, I stick to the fight even when faced with adversity. That's the mindset I live by."
Message For Young Entrepreneurs And Entertainers Out There
In his closing remarks, Steve Harvey shared a powerful message for aspiring young talent, stating, "Here's the thing: if it's in your heart, if it's in your imagination, that's what God has destined for you. He places everything he has for you in your imagination. So once he gets in there, you can't listen to outsiders. Despite the naysayers, you have to pursue your dream relentlessly. I've faced plenty of critics, but I've learnt not to let them dictate my path. You see, I've never encountered a hater who was surpassing my success. Never. So, regardless of what the haters say, I remain focused on my goals and so should you."