Petar Milenkovic Interview
Petar Milenkovic’s journey from the hospitality sector to becoming one of the GCC’s leading entrepreneurs is a story of vision, resilience, and unwavering determination. Over the past two decades, he has built a reputation for turning challenges into opportunities arising from managing venues in Dubai to leading MIS Investment LLC and MISPAYWAY, two powerhouse companies redefining ethical investing and digital finance. Guided by strong moral values and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Milenkovic continues to inspire a new generation of leaders with his belief that integrity, discipline, and faith are the true foundations of success.
A Journey of Growth and Grit
We started the interview by asking, “Petar, your journey from hospitality to leading a top investment company in the GCC is remarkable. How did your early experiences in hospitality shape your leadership and entrepreneurial mindset today?”
Petar Milenkovic replied, “The journey was both challenging and rewarding. At a young age, I entered the hospitality industry with limited experience but a clear vision of what I wanted to achieve. The hospitality sector taught me how to manage diverse people and situations effectively, while also helping me build a strong professional network that later became instrumental when I launched my own business. I was fortunate to learn under the guidance of exceptional leaders, including Mr. Samer Sibai, one of the most accomplished managers in the GCC, and Mr. Mohamed Al Habtoor, whose insights into business and leadership have been invaluable. Their mentorship and example have played a pivotal role in shaping my professional values and the person I am today.”
Vision, Mentorship, and the Power of Patience
The Arab Today: You’ve spent over two decades mastering diverse fields like finance, banking, and business development. What were some of the defining challenges during your transition from hospitality management to high-level corporate leadership?
Petar Milenkovic replied, “For me vision is everything. With a clear goal, there are no limits to what you can achieve. Whether in hospitality or corporate leadership, success ultimately comes down to people — understanding them, leading them, and growing with them. The transition from hospitality to high-level business management wasn’t easy, but it taught me that good mentors are the cornerstone of every new chapter. Patience, consistency, and a willingness to learn and listen every single day have been my greatest assets. When those qualities align with a strong vision, success becomes not a question of ‘if,’ but ‘when’.”
Building MIS Investment
The Arab Today: MIS Investment focuses on ethical investing and global impact. What inspired you to create a company with such a strong moral foundation, and how do you ensure ethics and profitability coexist in your ventures?
Petar Milenkovic replied, “MIS stands for Milenkovic & Sons—a tribute to my father and the values he instilled in me. He taught me that if you keep your word and live by strong moral principles, respect and success will naturally follow. That philosophy became the foundation of MIS Investment. For us, client satisfaction always comes first, and within the company, we operate as one family built on mutual respect, trust, and unity. We face challenges together and celebrate successes together. When the family is strong, the company thrives. Ethical investing isn’t just part of our strategy; it’s part of our identity. We believe that integrity and profitability are not opposites—they strengthen each other. By maintaining transparency, choosing responsible projects, and focusing on long-term impact rather than short-term gain, we ensure that every venture we undertake reflects both moral purpose and sustainable growth.”
Redefining the Future of Finance with MISPayway
The Arab Today: As the CEO of MISPAYWAY, you’re leading in the digital finance and payments space. What’s your vision for the company’s role in shaping the future of financial technology in the GCC and beyond?
Petar Milenkovic replied, “We all understand that digitalization is not the future—it’s the present. The financial world is evolving rapidly, and at MISPayway, we made a conscious decision not just to adapt, but to lead that change. MISPayway is a pioneer in online payments and digital banking, offering our clients fast, secure transactions and the ability to operate seamlessly across more than 107 countries and 52 currencies. Our vision is to redefine the financial experience—to make cross-border payments as simple, transparent, and efficient as local transactions. We aim to position MISPayway as a trusted bridge between traditional banking and the digital economy. I strongly believe that with continued innovation and regulatory collaboration, especially from governments across the GCC and beyond, we can create a more inclusive, technology-driven financial ecosystem those benefits both businesses and individuals alike.”
Turning Setbacks into Stepping Stones for Success
The Arab Today: You often emphasize resilience and learning from setbacks. Could you share a particular moment when a failure or loss turned into one of your greatest lessons in business?
Petar Milenkovic replied, “Failure and loss are inevitable parts of every entrepreneur’s journey. What truly matters is how you respond to them. When you fall, you have to stand up, dust yourself off, and move forward with even greater faith and determination. For me, 2020 and the COVID-19 crisis were defining moments. Like many others, I faced significant challenges, including major personal investments that were lost due to the global situation. It was an extremely difficult period, but it also became one of my greatest lessons. I emerged from it wiser, more disciplined, and with a deeper understanding of risk, adaptability, and leadership. Every setback carries within it the opportunity to grow, and I’ve learned to treat every fall as a valuable step toward future success.”
The Discipline of Success
The Arab Today: Many young entrepreneurs struggle with consistency and long-term vision. What core principles or daily habits have helped you maintain focus, drive, and growth across different industries for 20 years?
Petar Milenkovic replied, “I believe success is built on simple but powerful daily habits. I often tell young entrepreneurs to try my formula for just 30 days, and I guarantee their lives will change for the better. Pray to God, go to the gym, and learn something new every day. These three actions keep your mind, body, and spirit aligned. Consistency in these habits builds discipline, and discipline creates success. If we improve ourselves by just one percent each day, by the end of the year we are 365 percent better. That’s the foundation of my approach—continuous growth, faith, and perseverance. Over the past two decades and across multiple industries, these principles have kept me grounded, focused, and always moving forward. And be humble always.”
The Future of MIS Investment and MISPayway
Lastly we asked, “Looking ahead, what are your biggest goals for MIS Investment and MISPAYWAY in the next five years—and how do you envision contributing to the broader economic and entrepreneurial ecosystem of the region?”
“At MIS Investment and MISPayway, we don’t just have plans—we have a vision. And we’re fully confident that this vision will become reality. Over the next five years, our focus is on expanding our footprint globally while strengthening our role in shaping the digital and investment landscape of the region. However, one lesson life has taught me is that true success doesn’t need to be announced—it needs to be built. I believe in working quietly and letting results speak for themselves. Our goal is to create sustainable growth, empower entrepreneurs, and contribute meaningfully to the regional economy through innovation, integrity, and collaboration. So, stay tuned—we prefer to act first and let the world admire the results once the work is done.” Petar Milenkovic concluded
Connect with Petar Milenkovic on LinkedIn
For more information visit MISPayway
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