Dubai Diplomat Transforms into Sugar-Free Bakery Entrepreneur

Feb 16, 2026

74 min

Feb 16, 2026 01:30

My Business: Meet Dubai entrepreneur who left diplomacy career to become baker

## From Diplomacy to Desserts

Maria Galabova, once a diplomat for the Bulgarian government, has traded her political career for a new venture in Dubai. She founded Keto Kartel, a bakery specializing in sugar-free desserts, after a personal health crisis during the pandemic.

## A New Beginning

Galabova's journey from diplomacy to baking was driven by a desire to create healthier dessert options. Her husband's severe illness with Covid-19 and her father-in-law's surgery prompted her to rethink their family's diet. Finding a lack of satisfactory sugar-free products in the market, she began experimenting with recipes at home.

## Building Keto Kartel

What started as a home project quickly gained traction among friends and family. Galabova, with no prior professional cooking experience, spent years perfecting her recipes. She eventually enlisted European pastry chefs to refine her creations, leading to the opening of her boutique café in 2024.

## Emphasizing Transparency

Keto Kartel stands out for its commitment to transparency and quality. Customers can observe the baking process, and all ingredients undergo rigorous testing. Despite initial skepticism, the bakery has attracted a loyal customer base who appreciate the indulgent yet healthy offerings.

## Future Plans

Looking ahead, Galabova plans to expand her business with a larger production facility in Dubai and another in Bulgaria. She aims to diversify her product line to include vegan, vegetarian, and children's options, as well as protein snacks. While franchise opportunities are on the horizon, she remains cautious about choosing the right partners.

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