Real Talk Dubai

Virtuzone
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Entrepreneurship

Welcome to Real Talk Dubai, the podcast by Virtuzone where we unpack the real stories behind the successful entrepreneurs

  1. Dubai’s Hospitality Industry: Strategy, Design & Leadership | Real Talk Dubai Podcast Ep.23

    23h ago

    Dubai’s Hospitality Industry: Strategy, Design & Leadership | Real Talk Dubai Podcast Ep.23

    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 experiences, Rizwan shares the strategy, vision and leadership approach behind RIKAS Hospitality Group’s growth. He discusses how Dubai’s hospitality scene has evolved, what makes a restaurant concept truly successful, and why design, service, consistency and brand identity all play a major role in building long-term success. The conversation also explores the business side of hospitality, including expansion, acquisitions, market positioning, team building and understanding customer expectations in a city known for world-class dining, lifestyle and luxury experiences. Whether you are an entrepreneur, restaurant owner, investor, hospitality professional or someone interested in Dubai’s business landscape, this episode offers valuable insights into the mindset, strategy and execution needed to grow in the UAE’s hospitality sector. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:20 Rizwan Kassim’s journey into hospitality 05:10 Building RIKAS Hospitality Group 10:35 Dubai’s evolving restaurant and dining scene 16:20 What makes a restaurant concept successful 22:45 The role of design, service and guest experience 29:30 Scaling hospitality brands in Dubai 36:15 Leadership, teams and business growth 43:40 Acquisitions and market positioning 50:25 Lessons from Dubai’s competitive hospitality market 57:10 Future trends shaping Dubai’s dining scene 1:03:20 Final thoughts and advice for entrepreneurs Guest: Rizwan Kassim, Founder & CEO, RIKAS Hospitality Group Host: George Hojeige, Group CEO of Virtuzone Subscribe to Real Talk Dubai for more conversations with entrepreneurs, founders, CEOs and industry leaders shaping the future of business in the UAE.

    1h 5m
  2. Dubai’s Luxury Real Estate Industry: Market Trends & Insights | Real Talk Dubai Podcast Ep.22

    Apr 2

    Dubai’s Luxury Real Estate Industry: Market Trends & Insights | Real Talk Dubai Podcast Ep.22

    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 evolving, what differentiates the luxury segment, and the importance of positioning in a highly competitive industry. The conversation highlights the realities of entrepreneurship in real estate and the opportunities emerging in Dubai’s ultra-prime market. If you’re interested in real estate, entrepreneurship, or the Dubai property landscape, this is an episode you should not miss. Guest: Maria Morris, Founder, Maria Morris Global Host: George Hojeige, Group CEO, Virtuzone, an Ascentium Company

    48 min
  3. Dubai’s Homebuying & Mortgage Industry: Innovation & Leadership | Real Talk Dubai Podcast Ep.21

    Feb 26

    Dubai’s Homebuying & Mortgage Industry: Innovation & Leadership | Real Talk Dubai Podcast Ep.21

    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 misconceptions in the real estate and mortgage sector, the pressures of technology adoption and international expansion, and shares insights into emerging trends shaping Dubai’s property market. If you’re interested in proptech, real estate innovation, or entrepreneurship in Dubai, this is an episode you should not miss. Guest: Jad Antoun, Co‑Founder & CEO, Huspy Host: George Hojeige, Group CEO, Virtuzone, an Ascentium Company

    44 min
  4. Dubai’s Watch Industry: Crafting Limited Edition Mechanical Timepieces | Real Talk Dubai Ep.20

    Feb 19

    Dubai’s Watch Industry: Crafting Limited Edition Mechanical Timepieces | Real Talk Dubai Ep.20

    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 UAE. He discusses the art of mechanical watchmaking, the importance of precision, and the strategy behind creating exclusivity in today’s market. From brand positioning and craftsmanship to future growth plans, this conversation offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs, design enthusiasts, and anyone fascinated by fine watches. If you are interested in product development, design, or entrepreneurship in Dubai, this episode is a must watch. Guest: Omar Chaoui, Founder, Magana Host: George Hojeige, Group CEO, Virtuzone, an Ascentium Company

    52 min
  5. Dubai’s Contracting Industry: Strategies & Insights | Real Talk Dubai Podcast Ep.19

    Feb 12

    Dubai’s Contracting Industry: Strategies & Insights | Real Talk Dubai Podcast Ep.19

    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 contracting company. Rafael reflects on key turning points in his career and the most difficult aspects of managing projects that clients rarely see. He also talks about misconceptions in contracting, the pressures of cashflow and deadlines, and shares insights into emerging trends in the industry. If you’re interested in construction, project management, or entrepreneurship in Dubai, this is an episode you should not miss. Guest: Rafael Khanoyan, CEO, Al RYUM Group Host: George Hojeige, Group CEO, Virtuzone, an Ascentium Company

    31 min
  6. Dubai’s Legal Industry: Leadership & Values | Real Talk Dubai Podcast Ep.18

    Feb 5

    Dubai’s Legal Industry: Leadership & Values | Real Talk Dubai Podcast Ep.18

    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. Charles reflects on a career-defining mistake and the most difficult aspects of managing lawyers. He also talks about staying true to his values under pressure and shares insights into the future plans for CVML. If you’re interested in law, leadership, or building a values-driven career, this is an episode you should not miss. Guest: Charles DerSahakian, Managing Partner, CVML Host: George Hojeige, Group CEO, Virtuzone, an Ascentium Company

    37 min
  7. Dubai’s Premium Fit-Out Industry: Crafting Luxury Spaces | Real Talk Dubai Ep.17

    Jan 29

    Dubai’s Premium Fit-Out Industry: Crafting Luxury Spaces | Real Talk Dubai Ep.17

    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 Dubai’s premium fit-out industry. Aziz discusses his engineering background, career progression, and the lessons learned while building a company delivering high-quality residential and commercial projects. He shares the most stressful aspects of the industry, the challenges of starting a fit-out business, behind-the-scenes insights clients rarely see, and strategies for planning projects effectively. Aziz also reflects on his most intense projects and the trends shaping the future of luxury interiors. If you’re interested in interior design, project management, or entrepreneurship in Dubai, this is an episode you should not miss. Guest: Aziz Zacca, Founder & Managing Partner, Indoors High End Finishing Host: George Hojeige, Group CEO, Virtuzone, an Ascentium Company

    34 min
  8. Dubai’s Venture Capital Industry: Risk, Returns & Real Decisions | Real Talk Dubai Podcast Ep.16

    Jan 22

    Dubai’s Venture Capital Industry: Risk, Returns & Real Decisions | Real Talk Dubai Podcast Ep.16

    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 works. Zafer shares his background, career progression, and the realities of building judgment in a high-stakes investment environment. He discusses the scariest moments in venture capital, the biggest risks investors take, and the most common mistakes made when backing early-stage companies. The conversation offers an honest look at how decisions are made, what separates disciplined investors from reactive ones, and the lessons learned through experience. If you're interested in venture capital, startups, investing, or understanding how major funding decisions are made, this is an episode you should not miss. Guest: Zafer Younis, Founder, Silicon Valley Venture & Innovation (SVVI)  Host: George Hojeige, Group CEO, Virtuzone, an Ascentium Company

    45 min
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About

Welcome to Real Talk Dubai, the podcast by Virtuzone where we unpack the real stories behind the successful entrepreneurs

Information

  • Creator
    Virtuzone
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Real Talk Dubai