Real Talk Dubai

About Real Talk Dubai

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

Publisher

Virtuzone

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

16 Sept 2025

Latest episode

30 Jun 2026

Latest episodes

23 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   30 Jun 2026

   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.

2. 

   2 Apr 2026

   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 GlobalHost: George Hojeige, Group CEO, Virtuzone, an Ascentium Company

3. 

   26 Feb 2026

   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, HuspyHost: George Hojeige, Group CEO, Virtuzone, an Ascentium Company

Contact Real Talk Dubai

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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