From boardrooms to the best cigar shop nominee, this is a story of passion, risk, and an unbreakable love for the leaf.
In this special episode of Habano del Podcasto, we sit down with Ra’ed Saqfelhait and Abdo Koudmani, two gentlemen who did what most only dream of — they left behind successful corporate careers to chase their true calling. Their passion wasn’t in spreadsheets and strategy meetings, it was in the ritual of a perfectly aged cigar, the silent conversations carried through swirling smoke, and the deep-rooted culture that cigars embody.
So, they took the leap. They walked away from comfort and stability to build something extraordinary—not just a cigar shop, but a sanctuary for true aficionados. Today, they are The Passionados, the minds behind The LeafMaster, one of Dubai’s most iconic cigar institutions.
And now, they’ve taken it even further. Their brand-new store in the Rosewood Hotel, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi isn’t just another cigar shop — it’s an experience. A place where the entire store is a humidor, designed to keep every cigar at absolute peak perfection. At the heart of it lies The Limitada Room, a vault of rare, exclusive, and limited-edition cigars for those who truly understand the craft.
And the world has taken notice. The LeafMaster is now a finalist for the PCA "Best of the Leaf – Best Cigar Shop" Award, putting Dubai on the map as a global destination for cigar lovers, and we are all rooting for them!
🎙️ Inside This Episode:
* The inspiring journey of The Passionados – how Ra’ed & Abdo turned their dream into reality
* The rise of The LeafMaster – and what makes their new shop so unique
* Tasting & reviewing some of the world’s finest cigars
* The art of cigar craftsmanship – techniques, traditions, and secrets from the masters
* Why Dubai has become a hotspot for cigar culture
* An exclusive first look at The LeafMaster’s upcoming cigar book & their PCA Award nomination
🔥 This episode isn’t just about cigars — it’s about passion, reinvention, and legacy.
So grab your finest stick, settle in, and join us for a conversation with two gentlemen who redefined Dubai’s cigar culture—The Passionados themselves.
🎧 Subscribe, rate, and share with your fellow aficionados!
Special thanks to our esteemed guests, Ra'ed Saqfelhait and Abdo Koudmani from The Leaf Master for joining us!
📍 The Leaf Master Dubai: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XpU7WVvf76LX4yL49
📍 The Leaf Master Abu Dhabi: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fomWkSAo1XAAhHYP7
🔗 The Leaf Master: https://www.instagram.com/theleafmastercigarsdubai/