Real Talk Dubai

In Episode 23 of Real Talk Dubai, Rizwan Kassim, Founder & CEO of RIKAS Hospitality Group, sits down with George Hojeige, Group CEO of Virtuzone, for an in-depth conversation on Dubai’s fast-growing hospitality industry and what it takes to build successful restaurant concepts in one of the world’s most competitive markets. From building standout dining destinations to creating memorable guest...

In this episode of Real Talk Dubai, Maria Morris, Founder of Maria Morris Global, sits down with host George Hojeige to share her journey in Dubai’s real estate industry. She discusses building a boutique, female-founded luxury brokerage in the UAE and the vision behind creating a client-focused approach to high-end property. Maria also shares insights into how the Dubai property market is evolvin...

In this episode of Real Talk Dubai, Jad Antoun, Co‑Founder and CEO of Huspy, sits down with host George Hojeige to share his journey from launching a startup to leading one of the region’s fastest-growing proptech companies. Jad reflects on key turning points in his career, the most difficult challenges in scaling a business, and lessons learned along the way. He also talks about common misconcept...

 In this episode of Real Talk Dubai, Omar Chaoui, Founder of Magana, sits down with host George Hojeige to discuss the inspiration and ambition behind creating limited edition mechanical timepieces that make a statement that matters. Omar shares the journey of launching Magana, the philosophy behind designing watches that reflect meaning and style, and the challenges of building a brand from the U...

Dubai’s contracting industry is evolving rapidly, but leading a contracting business requires more than technical expertise. Every project comes with tight deadlines, cashflow pressures, and complex execution challenges. In this episode of Real Talk Dubai, Rafael Khanoyan, CEO of Al RYUM Group, sits down with host George Hojeige to share his journey from his first project to building a successful...

Dubai’s legal profession is evolving rapidly, but leading a law firm requires more than legal expertise. Every decision comes with responsibility, pressure, and the need to uphold strong values. In this episode of Real Talk Dubai, Charles DerSahakian, Managing Partner at CVML, sits down with host George Hojeige to share his journey from his legal background to managing a successful law firm. Charl...

Dubai’s high-end fit-out sector is booming, but creating exceptional spaces requires more than materials and design. Every project comes with tight deadlines, discerning clients, and complex execution challenges. In this episode of Real Talk Dubai, Aziz Zacca, Founder & Managing Partner of Indoors High End Finishing, sits down with host George Hojeige to share his journey and expertise in Duba...

Dubai’s venture capital ecosystem is growing rapidly, but investing in startups is about far more than capital and connections. Behind every decision are uncertainty, pressure, and long-term responsibility. In this episode of Real Talk Dubai, Zafer Younis, Founder of Silicon Valley Venture & Innovation (SVVI), sits down with host George Hojeige to unpack how the venture capital industry really...

Dubai’s content creator scene is growing rapidly, but building a real career takes more than viral moments and trending formats. Behind every successful creator are consistency, strategy, and a willingness to make sacrifices. In this episode of Real Talk Dubai, Denisa Alexe, comedian and content creator, sits down with host George Hojeige to share her journey from a background in marketing to buil...

In this episode of Real Talk Dubai, host George Hojeige speaks with Gosia Golda, founder of the MMG Group, about the evolution of Dubai’s creative industry and the business behind building a global talent ecosystem from the ground up. Gosia shares her journey from arriving in Dubai as a young talent in 2003 to launching MMG Models, MMG Artists, and MMG Talent. The group has grown into a global cre...

Dubai is a city where success, ambition, and personal style often intersect and few industries reflect this more clearly than luxury watch trading. In this episode of Real Talk Dubai, George Hojeige sits down with Dean Bramley, Founder of Bramley Luxury Goods, for an unfiltered conversation about luxury, risk, reinvention, and what it really takes to build a trusted name in Dubai’s high-value trad...

Dubai is a city where image, confidence, and first impressions matter, and few industries reflect that more than aesthetic dentistry. In this episode of Real Talk Dubai, George Hojeige sits down with Dr. Karim Fekih, Doctor of Dental Medicine and Founder of Smile Design Boutique Dubai, to explore the real business behind premium dentistry in the UAE. Dr. Karim shares his journey from studying dent...

Dubai’s cigar culture has grown into a sophisticated, fast-moving niche, and The Leaf Master has become one of the region’s most recognised names in this space. In this episode of Real Talk Dubai, George Hojeige sits down with Ra’ed Saqfelhait to uncover how a former CFO and global finance executive reshaped his life, stepped away from the corporate world and built a thriving cigar brand from the...

In this episode of Real Talk Dubai, George Hojeige speaks with Charbel El Hachem about the booming holiday home market and the intricacies of the short-term rental industry in the UAE. Charbel shares his unconventional journey from a 13-year tenure in the banking sector to the nightlife industry, and finally to hospitality. He discusses how casually renting out a room in his Beirut apartment on Ai...

In this episode of Real Talk Dubai, George Hojeige speaks with Jeremy Loisel about the architectural lighting industry and the business behind delivering large-scale projects across the region. Jeremy shares his journey from studying engineering and finance in France to moving to Dubai at 22 during the subprime crisis. He discusses how his early work in flooring led to the launch and growth of Swi...

Dubai’s sports and entertainment ecosystem is shaped by high-profile personalities, major transfers, and the relentless pace of big-ticket negotiations. But behind every headline deal, every intense contract discussion, and every “Dubai dealmaker” narrative lies a deeper story of pressure, resilience, accountability, and ambition. In this episode of Real Talk Dubai, Saif Rubie, FIFA licensed footb...

In this episode of Real Talk Dubai, we explore how some of Dubai’s biggest food brands were built, from early wins to major failures and the realities of scaling restaurant concepts across the Middle East. Our guest opens up about building multi-brand F&B groups, navigating the toughest moments in the industry, and what it really takes to succeed in one of the most competitive restaurant marke...

In this episode of Real Talk Dubai, George Hojeige, Group CEO of Virtuzone, sits down with Nap Estampador, Group Director and Founder at MEA Finance, to uncover the real story behind one of the region’s leading voices in finance and business media. From humble beginnings in the Philippines to becoming a respected name in Dubai’s financial world, Nap shares his inspiring journey of risk-taking, res...

Dubai’s F&B and nightlife scene has become a global benchmark for innovation, luxury, and experience. But behind every full house, flawless show, and Instagram-perfect venue lies a story of hustle, risk, and resilience. In this episode of Real Talk Dubai, Rabih Fakhreddine, CEO and Founder of Seven Management, joins George Hojeige to share his journey from Beirut to Dubai and how he built one...

Dubai is obsessed with cars and so is our guest, Thibaut Ruchon, founder of 918 Car Care and Just Drive It. In this Real Talk Dubai episode, we get real about starting and scaling a car business in the UAE: the glamour vs. grind, how pricing pressure really works, the truths of PPF, resale value, and a practical strategy for financing used cars without getting burned. Thibaut also shares: Why he b...

From the tennis courts of Belgium and the US to launching Dubai’s first pickleball-only club, Patrick Chucri’s story is one of grit, reinvention, and passion turned into purpose. In this episode, the founder of Picklers and former professional tennis player opens up about his journey from sports to entrepreneurship, what it takes to build a community-driven business in Dubai, and how pickleball be...

Welcome to Real Talk Dubai, the podcast by Virtuzone where we unpack the real stories behind successful entrepreneurs. In Episode 2, host George Hojeige, Group CEO of Virtuzone, sits down with Tracy Harmoush to explore her journey from a young graduate stepping into Dubai’s finance world to reinventing herself as the founder of Untraceable and co-founder of Mama Booza. Tracy opens up about growth...

Welcome to Real Talk Dubai, the podcast by Virtuzone where we unpack the real stories behind the successful entrepreneurs. In Episode 1, host George Hojeige, Group CEO of Virtuzone, sits down with Kris Fade to trace his journey from a struggling student in Sydney to one of the Middle East’s most recognizable media figures and entrepreneurs. What Kris opens up about Falling into radio by accident a...