Dirkjan Seret
The rest of Dirkjan's story is inside the speakeasy.
Bio, fun facts, conversation starters, and the best ways to connect.
About
Dirk Jan Seret is a Partner at Dufast International Trading LLC FZ, a Dubai-based producer and distributor of building fasteners that he grew into an international business before selling large portions of his shares in July 2025 (he remains on the board). He arrived in Dubai at 23 to set up a subsidiary for a large medical group, then after four years struck out on his own, simultaneously founding car, clothing, perfume, and fastener businesses. He now owns two restaurants and does consultancy and asset management alongside his board role. He joined EO's Dubai chapter in 2019, served a year on the board as Membership Chair, founded a triangular alliance between the South Africa, Dubai, and Netherlands chapters, and presently serves as global head of manufacturing under EO industry groups. He joined US East Bridge because his company is focused on the US market and he wanted the international interaction of a bridge chapter after many years active in Dubai.
Who You Should Meet
Your top suggested 1:1s, matched on complementary needs, shared ground, and proximity.
- Luke can help with what you're looking for: connections in the US manufacturing and import market
- You can help Luke with: connections for further international market expansion
- You're both in Dubai — this one can happen over coffee
- Nicholas can help with what you're looking for: connections in the US manufacturing and import market
- You can help Nicholas with: connections with import/export or building-products members
- Both building in manufacturing
- Prithvi can help with what you're looking for: connections in the US manufacturing and import market
- You can help Prithvi with: introductions to IT, telecom, or international trade operators
- Both building in logistics trade
- Victoria can help with what you're looking for: connections in the US manufacturing and import market
- You can help Victoria with: intros to other manufacturing or physical-product entrepreneurs
- Both building in manufacturing
- Antoni can help with what you're looking for: connections in the US manufacturing and import market
- You're both in Dubai — this one can happen over coffee
- Both building in hospitality events
On LinkedIn
Fun Facts
- Ran car, clothing, perfume, and fastener businesses simultaneously after leaving the medical group he moved to Dubai for
- Sold large portions of his fastener business, Dufast International, in July 2025 but remains on the board
- Owns two restaurants in Dubai
Conversation Starters
- Ask about growing Dufast into an international fastener business
- Ask about founding the South Africa–Dubai–Netherlands chapter alliance
- Ask about his move into restaurants and asset management
EO Leadership
- Membership Co-Chair - 2022/2023 - Local Leadership Position (Dubai chapter)