Money Moves

About Money Moves

Money Moves is a deep dive into the minds of the most successful and influential entrepreneurs in frontier markets, shaping the conversation around money and innovation. Each week we bring you exclusive insights from the sharpest minds in business, tech and investing in high-potential markets. From crypto and AI to startups and global giants, Natasha and her guests deliver the ideas and tools you need to seize opportunities and grow your wealth.

Publisher

MONIIFY

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

26 Mar 2026

Latest episode

19 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

17 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   19 Oct 2026

   Brutal Truth About Building Dubai's Biggest Property Platform | Property Finder Founder

   Property Finder almost didn’t survive its early years. Founder and CEO Michael Lahyani joins Natasha Turak to break down what it took to build the company from a print property classified into one of the region’s biggest digital real estate platforms. He talks about spending years loss-making, scrambling to make payroll, competing with Gulf News and betting on digital before the market was ready. Michael also gets into the mistakes he made expanding into new markets, why founders shouldn’t build just to impress investors, his biggest regret from Property Finder’s early days and why he sees an IPO as a one-way door. Plus, he explains how Property Finder is approaching AI, what he looks for in founders and his advice for young people deciding whether to rent, buy or invest. Watch the full episode of Money Moves with Michael Lahyani. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:44 The pain point that led to the founding of Property Finder 02:20 How did Michael decide to move to real estate? 02:52 Crises, its impact on Dubai’s property market and Property Finder 03:36 Was going digital one of Property Finder’s early advantages? 04:21 The dark moments while scaling Property Finder 05:05 The success mantra of Property Finder 05:53 The trends in Dubai’s property market after the 2026 war 06:40 The hardest thing about being your own boss 07:39 The do’s and don'ts when pitching to a VC 08:27 The truth behind Property Finder’s exit from Morocco and Lebanon 09:57 Michael’s take on the proptech industry today 10:53 An early decision Michael would do differently today 11:41 Michael on founders exiting their businesses 12:33 Why is Property Finder in no rush to go public? 13:06 Michael’s advice for young people navigating the realty market 14:18 How do you decide when to buy and when to rent? 15:08 The biggest mistake first-time property buyers make 15:52 Bye

2. 

   5 Oct 2026

   Can the Average Person Afford to Be an Olympian? | Farida Osman

   An Olympic career can cost up to $200K a year. And according to Farida Osman, prize money is not what keeps elite athletes going. The three-time Olympian breaks down the money behind competing at the highest level, what brands are actually paying athletes for and the sacrifices that come with staying world-class. Plus, what happens when the sport you’ve built your entire life around eventually ends? Farida breaks it all down on this episode of Money Moves. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:08 When did Farida first realize the business problems of her sport? 02:18 Is it economically viable for an average Egyptian to pursue sports? 03:43 An athlete’s income streams & the misconceptions around it 04:30 What do brands get when they sponsor an Arab, female athlete? 05:22 Has Farida faced challenges while securing sponsorships? 06:17 How does Farida choose her sponsorship deals? 07:15 Why does Farida want to open a swimming academy? 07:32 When did the academy start feeling like a business venture? 08:24 What does Farida still have to learn about business? 09:08 The business details of Farida’s swimming academy 10:17 What does success look like for Farida in 10 years 11:25 What does it cost to be an Olympic athlete? 13:01 The sacrifices behind becoming a world-class athlete 14:50 Farida’s Paris Olympics saga – what happened? 16:17 Would Farida handle the Paris Olympics situation differently now? 17:43 What would Farida do differently if she was 18 today 18:59 One thing Farida wished people asked but nobody has asked her yet 20:22 Bye

3. 

   28 Sept 2026

   How I Quit Dior and Tripled My Salary in Year One | Zeynab El-Helw

   She left Dior, went full-time as a creator and says she tripled her salary. But the bigger lesson came later: followers don’t automatically become customers. Zeynab El-Helw joins Money Moves to break down what creators are actually worth, the deals that taught her how to say no, building Reborn Society and why launching a brand is the easy part. Because as she puts it: people launch businesses and close them faster than they launched. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:03 From Dior to Full-Time Creator 03:14 What Creators Get Wrong 04:23 Followers vs. Customers 05:12 What Brands Get Wrong About Influencers 06:39 Explaining Social Media to Her Family 07:29 The Biggest Mistake She Made Early On 08:26 How Creators Can Actually Make Money 09:20 Creator Red Flags to Watch For 10:20 Her First Paid Deal After Dior 10:55 Building The Reborn Society 12:56 Do Creators Get Paid Differently in Dubai vs. Europe? 13:26 Making Triple Her Dior Salary 15:14 The Sacrifice No One Sees 16:37 What to Know Before Launching a Product 18:08 What Founders Shouldn’t Spend Money On 18:59 What If Instagram Disappeared Tomorrow? 19:44 Audience vs. Network: What Actually Matters 20:30 What’s Next for Zeynab?

4. 

   21 Sept 2026

   Can You Escape Your Father's Shadow in a Family Business? | Dina Ghabbour

   Born into one of Egypt’s best-known business families, Dina Ghabbour inherited opportunity but also the pressure to prove that she could build an identity of her own. On Money Moves, she opens up about watching her family endure bankruptcy, rebuilding her career after four years away and navigating the expectations placed on women in business and beyond. 0:00 Dina Ghabbour: Legacy, Pressure & Reinvention 0:58 Building a Business in Egypt Today 2:48 The Pressure of a Family Business Legacy 5:57 Risk, Bankruptcy & Rebuilding with Her Father 8:01 Visibility, Influence & the Dark Side of Social Media 9:48 Divorce, Loss & Why She Keeps Pushing 11:36 Why Authenticity Matters in Business 12:44 The Reality Behind Entrepreneurship & Hustle Culture 13:12 Feeling Like a Failure and Starting Again 14:21 Shark Tank: What Dina Looks for in Founders 15:45 Overlooked Opportunities in Egypt & the Middle East 17:10 Women in Business in the Middle East 19:53 Raising Her Daughters Without the Same Pressure 20:50 Advice for Female Entrepreneurs 21:22 What’s Next for Dina Ghabbour

5. 

   7 Sept 2026

   $80 million then zero | Former e& Group CEO

   What does it take to reinvent a telecom giant and what makes a founder worth betting on? Hatem Dowidar, investor and former Group CEO of e&, joins Money Moves for a conversation spanning big business, technology, entrepreneurship and investing. He takes us inside the thinking behind Etisalat’s transformation into e&, and how the relationship between telecom companies, technology platforms and their customers have changed over the past two decades. We also get into Hatem’s life as an investor: what catches his attention in a founder, why a brilliant idea isn’t always enough, whether a corporate career can actually prepare you for entrepreneurship and what happens when a company once valued at $80 million ends up at zero. Plus, Hatem shares his approach to making difficult decisions, building at scale and knowing when a business or its leadership needs to change. Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:54 Why Etisalat Became e& 01:51 How Telecom Lost Its Power 03:53 How e& Expanded Beyond Telecom 06:03 Who Will AI Replace? 07:16 What Hatem Looks for Before Investing 08:38 The Two Founder Types That Failed 11:17 Why Startups Struggle to Scale Across Emerging Markets 13:19 Where Hatem Sees the Biggest Investment Opportunities 16:08 What Emerging Market Leaders See Before Everyone Else 17:20 Can a Company Grow Too Fast? 18:29 Entrepreneur vs. Corporate Career 22:26 The Most Important Advice for Any CEO

6. 

   31 Aug 2026

   Why I Give The Money Back | Dubai's Top Food Blogger

   In Dubai, where you eat tonight was probably decided by a video, and that video was probably paid for. Alex Augusti, founder of Just Food DXB, has spent five years building one of the city's most trusted food pages in an industry where trust is routinely for sale, and he says the thing that made it valuable was learning to say no. In this episode of Money Moves, Alex explains how a 500-dirham ice cream review turned into a full-time business, why he asked for money from day one instead of accepting free meals, and what a brand partnership actually pays at the top end. He breaks down where the real money sits and where the traps are, why taking 10,000 dirhams off a mom-and-pop restaurant can do more harm than good, why he gives clients their money back when the food isn't right, and the three number rules he gives creators, restaurants and anyone running this as a side hustle. Alex also shares how to spot a bought review as a viewer, what happened when he rated a burger below its competitors and the owner turned out to be his wife's boss, why he hates the algorithm with every fiber of his being, and the video that sold out a friend's entire weekend of stock in four hours. From fake followers and five-star Google reviews to burger fatigue, boycott accusations and the inside scoop about the restaurant he's opening, this is a conversation about building something people believe when everyone around you is for sale. Watch the full episode of Money Moves with Alex Augusti. Chapters 0:00 Inside Dubai’s Paid Food Review Economy 1:19 How JustFoodDXB Started 3:03 From Free Ice Cream to Paid Reviews 3:55 How Much Food Bloggers Really Make 4:32 Standing Out in Dubai’s Food Scene 5:33 Where the Real Creator Money Is 6:42 Should Creators Quit Their Day Jobs? 7:35 Why Alex Hates the Algorithm 8:28 Can Paid Reviews Still Be Honest? 10:13 How to Spot Fake Food Reviews 11:17 Why He Turns Down 95% of Deals 12:57 The Review That Triggered Legal Threats 15:13 Which Restaurants He Won’t Cover 16:07 The “Alex Effect” on Restaurant Sales 17:03 What Restaurants Get Wrong About Influencers 17:47 3 Rules for Creators, Restaurants & Side Hustlers 19:20 Alex’s Next Move: Opening Aatish

7. 

   24 Aug 2026

   Gymwear Brand Taking on Nike and Adidas | SQUATWOLF founder

   What does it take to build a global brand from the Gulf? Anam Khalid and her husband started SQUATWOLF from their Dubai apartment with AED 250,000 in savings. Today, the activewear brand ships to more than 120 countries. In this episode of Money Moves, Anam, founder and co-CEO of SQUATWOLF, takes us inside what happened in between. She explains how personal trainers and micro-influencers helped build SQUATWOLF's early community, why opening its marketing globally during COVID brought orders from more than 60 countries in a single day, and how Dubai became a launchpad for taking the brand international. But scaling brought a new set of problems. Anam breaks down the shift from D2C to an omnichannel business, why the team now works on products 18 months ahead, and why expanding into retail meant building what was essentially an entirely new business unit. Her lesson? “If you follow someone, you will always be the number two.” From profitability before growth to the role luck plays in success, this is a candid conversation about building, funding and scaling a homegrown brand and trying to make sure SQUATWOLF becomes one of the names global competitors must watch. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:47 Why the name SQUATWOLF? 01:36 The role of activewear brands in establishing gym communities in the UAE 02:44 The journey from starting in their apartment to shipping to 120+ countries 05:12 Was SQUATWOLF ready to ship their products to 120+ countries? 05:33 Who were SQUATWOLF’s first customers? 06:35 Anam discusses the dynamics and impact of the ASCA investment 08:34 Anam’s most surprising learnings while building SQUATWOLF 11:11 Is growing too fast a disadvantage? 13:52 How does the additional costs get distributed? 12:40 The impact of geopolitical tensions on SQUATWOLF 14:39 Most underestimated challenges of building a brand in the Middle East 17:03 How did Anam navigate pressures in her corporate to startup transition? 17:54 What was Anam’s most expensive mistake? 20:26 A rule that Anam feels founders must follow 21:52 A moment when Anam felt SQUATWOLF might not work 23:53 Anam on the “luck factor” in success 24:25 Bye

8. 

   17 Aug 2026

   $120K to $8 Million in 3 Years | Thndr CEO

   In 2016, Ahmad Hammouda pitched the idea of a brokerage without brokers. The industry said no. So he built it himself. Today, Thndr is helping reshape how people across the region invest, growing from $120,000 in annual revenue to $8 million in just three years and reaching $1 billion in assets under custody. In this episode of Money Moves, Ahmad breaks down the conviction it took to keep building when the numbers were not moving, why chasing hype is one of the biggest investing mistakes and how Thndr uses both code and content to make finance feel accessible. He also gets honest about why most people should not start a company, the mental toll of entrepreneurship, and the fundraising milestone that left him feeling empty. For Ahmad, the real win was never the valuation. It was hearing from a mother who used Thndr to invest in her son’s future. Chapters: 00:00 Why Your Paycheck Isn’t Enough 01:10 What Is Thndr? 02:13 Building Through Egypt’s Financial Crisis 04:35 The Brokerage Without Brokers Idea 07:03 Why Only 0.5% of Egyptians Invest 08:59 Fixing the Financial Literacy Gap 09:44 Why Thndr Treats Creators Like Engineers 13:37 The FOMO Trap 16:21 From $120K to $8M 17:18 Thndr’s Biggest Early Product Mistake 19:16 Building a $1 Billion Investment Platform 20:41 Why Starting a Company Shouldn’t Be Your Goal 21:16 The 3 Reasons People Start Companies 23:40 The Problem Ahmad Is Obsessed With 25:29 The Mental Health Cost of Building a Company 26:53 Why Fundraising Left Him Feeling Empty 27:30 Getting More Women to Invest 29:15 The User Story That Made It Worth It

9. 

   10 Aug 2026

   We Built An Egyptian Brand Gigi Hadid Carries | Okhtein

   What does it really take to build a global luxury brand from Cairo? Aya and Mounaz Abdel Raouf, the co-founders of Okhtein, take us behind the scenes and reveal the business behind the brand. From celebrity placements to their premium pricing strategy and why it is time for brands to stop seeking Western validation. 00:00: Introduction 00:53: Mounaz and Aya describe Okhtein as a business 02:07: Okhtein’s most difficult challenges 05:42: How does Okhtein navigate difficulties? 07:41: Where all does an Okhtein bag travel? 08:57: Do logistical costs cut Okhtein’s margins? 10:20: How is Okhtein’s most expensive handbag manufactured? 14:08: How did Okhtein partner with Harrods? 15:41: The Bidayat investment and the relationship with Rachid Mohamed Rachid 16:51: Why did Okhtein expand into fine jewelry? 18:01: How did Emma Watson & Queen Rania carry Okhtein bags? 19:55: The MENA luxury market dynamics & how does it impact brand building? 26:37: Why did Mounaz and Aya position Okhtein as a “luxury” brand? 27:46: Bye Bye

10. 

    3 Aug 2026

    The Wolf of Real Estate on the Biggest Investment of Your Life

    Dubai property has made people rich, nervous and sometimes reckless. Dr Mohanad Al Wadiya, CEO of Harbor Real Estate and the man the market calls the Wolf of Real Estate, has spent 25 years watching all three, and he says most buyers still decide with emotion instead of numbers. In this episode of Money Moves, Mohanad explains why the down payment is the wrong number to anchor on, what price per square foot actually reveals about value, and why he told a client not to buy a $20 million home in Downtown Dubai. 00:00 Introduction 00:51 Why They Call Him the Wolf of Real Estate 01:50 Dinner With the Wolf of Wall Street 02:09 Leaving the Family Business for Dubai Holding 03:29 The Plot That Sold for Almost a Billion Dirhams 04:06 2008 Was My First School 04:58 The Abandoned Supercar Myth 06:08 How Harbor Grew Through the Crash 07:53 How Serious the Conflict Really Is 09:48 What 20% Below Asking Really Means 11:00 Why Dubai Recovers Faster Than Other Markets 12:14 The Assets That Hold Up in a Crisis 13:30 The Only Number That Shows Real Value 14:29 What Institutional Buyers Ask That You Don't 15:21 The $20M Home He Told a Client Not to Buy 16:30 Tokenisation, REITs and Fractional Ownership 18:12 What to Check Before Buying a Fraction 19:03 One Rule for First-Time Buyers 19:52 One Rule for Landlords 20:47 One Rule for Off-Plan Buyers 21:12 The Mistakes Buyers Make Over and Over 22:27 Don't Rush, But Don't Procrastinate 23:58 The Biggest Red Flag in Broker Ads 24:43 The One Question to Ask Your Broker 25:12 Buying With Emotion Instead of Numbers

11. 

    27 Jul 2026

    Why The Giving Movement Pulled Back From Global to Win the Gulf

    In this episode of Money Moves, The Giving Movement CEO Rania Masri El Khatib explains why homegrown brands need to understand their own market first, how The Giving Movement is balancing growth with profitability and what it really takes to build a fashion business that lasts. 00:00 Introduction 00:55 Winning Your Home Market First 01:55 The Experience Behind Level Shoes 03:15 The Mistakes That Nearly Killed the Brand 03:53 The Silicon Valley Growth Trap 04:54 Taking Over After the Founder Exited 06:39 Where Fashion Brands Trap Their Cash 07:05 Why the Gulf Has Few Global Fashion Brands 08:40 The Rise of Homegrown Brand Pride 10:12 How The Giving Movement Gives Back 11:49 Can Purpose and Profit Coexist? 12:47 The Real Cost of Manufacturing in the UAE 14:52 The First Number Every Fashion CEO Should Check 15:17 The Margin Mistake That Kills Brands 16:31 Why Creative Founders Need Business Education 17:28 The First 90 Days as CEO 18:18 Combining Fast Fashion and Luxury Lessons 19:10 Why The Giving Movement Stopped Global Shipping 21:14 Leading Through Rising Costs and Conflict 22:30 Two Rules for Gulf Founders 22:41 Plans for the US and UK 23:19 Why Community and Culture Matter 23:59 Navigating the Brand Through Crisis 25:12 What’s Next for The Giving Movement

12. 

    30 Apr 2026

    Dubai Real Estate King: ‘Dubai’s infrastructure is UNBEATABLE’| Firas Al Msaddi

    In this episode of Money Moves, Dania Alshowaikh sits down with Firas Al Msaddi, Founder and CEO of fäm Properties to share the raw and inspiring story of how he entered the real estate industry and turned a bankrupt company into one of the UAE’s leading real estate firms. From humble beginnings to leading a data-driven, tech-powered agency in Dubai, Firas opens up about the defining moments that shaped his journey. 00:00 Introduction 00:56 How he got into property 01:49 Starting fäm Properties from a bankrupt company 03:15 Picking the right developments 04:21 Creating value for clients 04:55 Do real estate brokers have a bad reputation? 06:05 Importance of transparency in real estate 08:30 Advice for brokers to succeed 10:03 Is everyone cut out to be an entrepreneur? 11:38 Why everyone should have a goal 12:15 Firas’ relationship with money 13:20 Why Firas has never ever taken a loan 16:16 Personal weaknesses Firas has worked on 17:21 How Firas almost lost his company twice 19:45 Is Dubai’s hot property market going to burst? 21:03 Dubai’s booming luxury real estate segment 23:05 Why Dubai’s property market is so attractive 24:07 How to choose where to invest in Dubai 25:45 Data and Dubai’s property market 26:15 How AI is impacting the real estate sector 30:20 What advice Firas would give his 21-year-old self We dive into how fäm Properties became known for its transparency and client-first approach, and why Firas believes that creating real value is the only way to succeed in a market often clouded by distrust. He discusses how to pick the right developments, the importance of integrity in real estate brokerage, and what separates truly successful brokers from the rest. Firas also reflects on his personal relationship with money, why he’s never taken a loan, and the mindset that helped him survive nearly losing his company — not once, but twice. He talks candidly about the personal weaknesses he's worked on, what drives him, and why having a clear goal is non-negotiable for anyone chasing success, especially in entrepreneurship. We also unpack the current state of Dubai’s property market — is the boom sustainable, or is a correction coming? Firas breaks down what makes Dubai such an attractive place to invest, how data and AI are reshaping real estate, and his advice for anyone looking to invest wisely or start their own journey in the industry. Plus, he shares the one thing he wishes he could tell his 21-year-old self.

13. 

    23 Apr 2026

    Khaled Ebrahimi Decides the Price: “If I Say $5 Million, It Has To Be $5 Million”

    In this episode of Money Moves Dania Alshowaikh sits down with Luxury Souq Founder & CEO, Khaled Ebrahimi, and dives into the high-stakes, exclusive world of luxury watch resale, where reputation, network, and deep product knowledge defines success. 00:00 Intro 01:11 Where did Khaled’s journey with watches begin? 01:27 The timepiece that ignited Khaled’s love for watches 01:49 Khaled’s early career days 03:27 Khaled recounts an unpleasant watch-selling incident 05:08 The key decisions that built Luxury Souq 05:53 What does “watches are a currency” mean? 06:49 Are all watches an investment? 08:06 Khaled vs. Dania’s watch 09:51 How does the secondary market drive brand value? 10:41 The role of social media in scaling a luxury brand 11:26 Why do customers choose to buy watches from the secondary market? 12:45 Brands’ strategy of being exclusive: Does Khaled agree or disagree? 13:59 Khaled explains why he believes “only fake people wear fake watches” 15:30 Khaled explains the rationale behind buying expensive watches 16:52 The evolution of Khaled’s relationship with money 18:06 Is everybody willing to spend on luxury watches? 19:32 Navigating the volatilities of the luxury watch market 21:06 Khaled explains the relationship between brands & price fluctuations 22:57 Other standout brands apart from the “Big 5” of the watch industry 24:10 Khaled on his personal watch collection 25:34 What you should always look for when buying a luxury watch 27:18 Khaled talks about his 4 million AED Richard Mille watch 30:07 How does Khaled get hold of limited watch models? 30:36 Khaled & Dania discuss AP’s Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Spider-Man” 32:09 Khaled & Dania discuss AP’s Skeleton model 33:15 How to decide when to sell your luxury watch? 34:05 Khaled on how Anant Ambani influenced Mark Zuckerberg’s watch choices 35:55 What’s next for Khaled Ebrahimi? 36:18 Why is Khaled such a believer of e-commerce in the luxury watch market? 37:37 Khaled explains why inventory management is so important 38:34 What advice would Khaled give his 21-year-old self? Khaled traces his passion back to childhood and credits both his father and a strong foundation in banking with fueling his journey from a small Dubai family business to global renown. Khaled recounts celebrity clients and his philosophy that buying watches isn’t just about telling time - it’s about signaling status and financial acumen. He draws a clear line against fake watches, explaining their damage to both individual credibility and industry trust, and identifies leading investment brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Richard Mille - insisting watches can serve as both currency and asset for the well-informed collector. Khaled also discusses market trends, inventory risks, and the power dynamics between official boutiques and the secondary market arguing that customer service and trust outrank mere capital when building a luxury business. He explains why some brands excel at exclusivity, and the role of social media in luxury marketing. For budding entrepreneurs, his advice is practical: start with knowledge, leverage reputation, and never overextend to “play status.” Khaled's story reveals that in luxury resale, success is earned by decades of relationship building and keen market intelligence.

14. 

    16 Apr 2026

    STARZPLAY CEO Maaz Sheikh: "We Do Local Content Better Than Netflix"

    In this episode of Money Moves, Dania Alshowaikh sits down with Maaz Sheikh, CEO and Co-founder of STARZPLAY, to unpack the journey of building one of the Middle East’s leading streaming platforms. Maaz reflects on the early days of launching a bold startup in an emerging MENA market, the challenges of scaling operations, and the strategic decisions that led to STARZPLAY’s $420M acquisition. 00:00 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGtlMdWmmSs) Introduction 01:04 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGtlMdWmmSs&t=64s) The inspiration behind STARZPLAY 02:04 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGtlMdWmmSs&t=124s) Maaz explains what he meant by the “right time” 02:51 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGtlMdWmmSs&t=171s) How did Maaz identify a gap in the market to start STARZPLAY 03:53 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGtlMdWmmSs&t=233s) STARZPLAY’s evolution: Original vision versus current reality 05:57 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGtlMdWmmSs&t=357s) The challenges & pivots in STARZPLAY’s journey 08:22 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGtlMdWmmSs&t=502s) How challenges & pivots impacted STARZPLAY’s numbers 09:26 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGtlMdWmmSs&t=566s) How did Maaz deal with questions & doubts in STARZPLAY’s first year? 11:17 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGtlMdWmmSs&t=677s) How do entrepreneurs balance conviction & delusion 14:04 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGtlMdWmmSs&t=844s) Maaz on the first fund raising experience for STARZPLAY 15:35 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGtlMdWmmSs&t=935s) Does fundraising get easier along the way? 17:02 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGtlMdWmmSs&t=1022s) Maaz’s advice for young founders 17:54 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGtlMdWmmSs&t=1074s) Maaz recalls STARZPLAY’s high & low moments 20:16 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGtlMdWmmSs&t=1216s) Maaz on data projections & scaling STARZPLAY 21:26 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGtlMdWmmSs&t=1286s) Maaz explains STARZPLAY’s Arabic content strategy 23:22 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGtlMdWmmSs&t=1402s) The evolution of the Arabic content ecosystem 25:19 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGtlMdWmmSs&t=1519s) Advantages of being a follower versus a leader 26:57 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGtlMdWmmSs&t=1617s) How data enabled lower risks & costs for STARZPLAY 27:53 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGtlMdWmmSs&t=1673s) The one thing STARZPLAY does better than Netflix 29:08 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGtlMdWmmSs&t=1748s) Why did STARZPLAY decide to foray into sports? 30:39 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGtlMdWmmSs&t=1839s) How to protect business runway & grow in scale 33:43 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGtlMdWmmSs&t=2023s) Maaz on STARZPLAY getting acquired by e& (Etisalat) 35:28 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGtlMdWmmSs&t=2128s) Maaz remembers how he felt when STARZPLAY was acquired 36:56 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGtlMdWmmSs&t=2216s) Maaz reflects on his biggest regret in business 38:21 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGtlMdWmmSs&t=2301s) Maaz lays out his personal bets for the next decade 40:02 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGtlMdWmmSs&t=2402s) AI & its impact on content creation 41:09 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGtlMdWmmSs&t=2469s) Insights into the future of content 41:59 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGtlMdWmmSs&t=2519s) The competition for consumers’ attention 42:52 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGtlMdWmmSs&t=2572s) What is next for Maaz Sheikh? 44:17 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGtlMdWmmSs&t=2657s) Rapid fire 44:56 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGtlMdWmmSs&t=2696s) Maaz explains why one should take risks when young 45:16 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGtlMdWmmSs&t=2716s) Dania & Maaz discuss the influence of parents & risk appetite He shares how the company carved out a niche by targeting 18- to 34-year-olds underserved by traditional pay TV, offering affordable, on-demand content and exclusive Western series. This customer-first approach drove rapid subscriber growth and set STARZPLAY apart in a crowded field. The conversation also explores the realities of fundraising, the toll of leadership burnout, and how Maaz kept the team aligned through uncertainty. He emphasizes the power of strong investor partnerships, the importance of adaptability, and the role authentic relationships play in long-term success. Maaz discusses turning Starzplay into a leading platform, detailing the shift towards streaming services in the MENA region. He highlights how providing local content can challenge global giants like Netflix. He also touches upon the trend of cord cutting and its impact on traditional media. Whether you're a founder, a media exec, or just curious about the streaming wars in MENA, this episode is packed with insights on growth, resilience, and building a business that lasts.

15. 

    9 Apr 2026

    The Girl Who Made Burkinis Cool: "You Have to Be a Little Crazy to Make It" | Hadia Ghaleb

    Once bullied for being different, Hadia Ghaleb turned pain into power and her name into a global brand. In this raw and inspiring episode of Money Moves, she opens up about turning influence into income, finding confidence through creation and building a fashion empire from self-belief. Hosted by Dania Alshowaikh, this conversation is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and the business of being unapologetically yourself. 00:00 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxkURzU0trs) — Introduction 01:08 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxkURzU0trs&t=68s) — Who Is Hadia Ghaleb? 03:02 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxkURzU0trs&t=182s) — From Influencer to Entrepreneur 05:27 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxkURzU0trs&t=327s) — The Birth of the Hadia Ghaleb Brand 07:55 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxkURzU0trs&t=475s) — Turning Fashion Into Business 10:18 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxkURzU0trs&t=618s) — Breaking Stereotypes in the Middle East 13:44 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxkURzU0trs&t=824s) — Facing Backlash & Owning the Narrative 17:12 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxkURzU0trs&t=1032s) — Authenticity and Influence 20:06 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxkURzU0trs&t=1206s) — How Hadia Built a Global Swimwear Label 23:31 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxkURzU0trs&t=1411s) — Empowering Women Through Fashion 26:50 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxkURzU0trs&t=1610s) — Lessons from the Business Journey 29:45 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxkURzU0trs&t=1785s) — Balancing Personal Life and Public Image 33:18 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxkURzU0trs&t=1998s) — What’s Next for Hadia Ghaleb Hadia Ghaleb has built more than a fashion label and a movement. In this episode of Money Moves, host Dania Alshowaikh sits down with Hadia to explore how she turned her social influence into a global business empire. From her early days as a digital content creator to founding Hadia Ghaleb Label she shares the lessons, struggles, and strategic pivots behind becoming one of the Middle East’s most successful female entrepreneurs. Hadia reveals the behind-the-scenes realities of influencer marketing, how she transformed her following into a loyal customer base and what it really takes to scale a purpose-led brand in today’s digital economy. She opens up about the balance between creativity and commerce, navigating criticism, and building a brand rooted in empowerment rather than perfection. The conversation also delves into leadership, self-worth, and the financial realities of running a fast-growing brand. From managing her team to making bold investment decisions, Hadia shares hard-earned insights on how to turn a personal brand into a profitable business without losing authenticity. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, fashion enthusiast, or creator looking to build something meaningful, this episode offers an inspiring roadmap to success, resilience, and reinvention.

16. 

    2 Apr 2026

    Love Luxury CEO: ‘We Earned 2.8 Million AED In 5 Minutes’

    Emily Abraham shares how she cracked the Hermès resale game, went viral on TikTok, and closed a jaw-dropping 2.8 million AED sale in five minutes. 00:00 Introduction 01:09 The inspiration behind Love Luxury 02:15 What Emily wished she knew before starting off in luxury 03:41 Navigating the husband & wife partnership while building a business 05:30 How is Love Luxury changing the game 07:47 Real vs fake Hermès: How did Emily learn the skill of authentication? 09:14 Emily’s 1.55 million AED showstopper 11:11 Emily Abraham’s tips for young, budding entrepreneurs 11:57 Is finding passion & purpose in business a woman’s thing? 13:53 Will Love Luxury ever consider external investment? 15:37 How Emily & Adam initially financed Love Luxury 18:02 The role her faith played in Emily’s entrepreneurial journey 18:49 Has Emily’s relationship with money changed? 20:22 The impact of Chinese manufacturing claims on the luxury market 22:20 Real brands versus cheap China-made luxury goods 25:14 Leveraging social media for business success 26:53 The story behind one of Love Luxury’s jaw-dropping sale 29:31 Emily’s future plans 30:16 Emily’s message to young entrepreneurs 31:09 Rapid fire In this episode of Money Moves, Dania Alshowaikh sits down with the formidable Emily Abraham—CEO, co-founder, and unapologetic force behind Love Luxury. Known on social media as the “Birkin Queen,” Emily opens up about her journey from childhood days sifting through pots of gold to building one of the most trusted pre-loved luxury brands in the UAE and UK. With stories that span hardship, hustle, and heart, this conversation is an unfiltered look at what it takes to turn bold ambition into a multi-million-dollar empire. Emily shares how she and her husband poured every penny—eating instant noodles for eighteen months—into their business, refusing to cut corners even when it hurt. From mastering the art of Hermès authentication to saying no to investors, she reveals the gritty truth behind Love Luxury’s rise. In an industry where trust is everything, she’s made it her mission to out-authenticate the competition, even when accountants begged her to cut costs. But behind the glamour of white-gold Himalaya Birkins and viral sales lies a fiercely grounded woman. Emily talks candidly about the sacrifices, the strain of being apart from her husband half the year, and how her faith and fearless mindset shaped her outlook on success. Her views on gender, passion, and purpose in business are as refreshing as they are thought-provoking. You’ll also hear how a viral TikTok presence turned teenage viewers into brand advocates—and their millionaire parents into loyal clients. Emily breaks down how she turned content into commerce, including one jaw-dropping sale worth 2.8 million AED that happened in just five minutes. If you've ever doubted the power of social media, this episode will change your mind. Emily’s journey is both raw and aspirational. Hit play to discover how she built a global brand from grit, belief, and the relentless pursuit of excellence—and why Love Luxury is more than just a resale brand; it’s a movement.

17. 

    26 Mar 2026

    Amira Sajwani: How I Built My Own Success Beyond DAMAC’s Family Legacy

    Real estate runs in her blood, and she’s turning that legacy into a billion-dollar vision. Amira Sajwani, daughter of billionaire developer Hussain Sajwani, leads as Managing Director at DAMAC Properties, one of the Middle East’s most recognized real estate powerhouses. 00:00  Intro 00:58  Why She Joined the Family Business 03:34  Spotting Gaps in Real Estate 05:27  Building Solutions for the Industry 06:17  From Startups to Scaleups 07:37  Entrepreneurship & Motherhood 09:02  Lessons From Failure and Grit 10:13  Proving Herself in a Male Industry 11:24  Her Father’s Influence and Guidance 13:00  Balancing Generations and Leadership 14:42  Finding Purpose and Impact 15:25  The Shark Tank Story 18:00  Investing Insights & Red Flags 20:14  Founders, Markets & Scale 22:06  If She Lost Everything—What Next? 23:35  The Power of “Boring” Businesses 25:18  The Future of Dubai Real Estate Amira Sajwani grew up surrounded by real estate. As the daughter of billionaire developer Hussain Sajwani, she witnessed firsthand how DAMAC Properties helped define the skyline of Dubai and became one of the region’s most influential real estate names. Today, Amira leads major developments as Managing Director at DAMAC while building her own ventures — PRYPCO, a PropTech platform reshaping property investment, and Amali Properties, a luxury developer creating bespoke homes across Dubai. In this episode of Money Moves, Dania Alshowaikh sits down with Amira to discuss her path from family business to independent entrepreneur. She shares how she earned credibility in a male-dominated industry, what she learned from her father’s approach to leadership, and how she is using technology to make real estate ownership more accessible to the next generation of investors. Amira also opens up about her experience as an investor on Shark Tank Dubai, the lessons she carries into every decision, and what legacy means to her as a mother and business leader. Her story reflects the evolution of Dubai itself — bold, forward-thinking, and built on vision.

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