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 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
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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 building a full-time career in content creation. Denisa breaks down how she found her voice through comedy, transitioned into digital storytelling, and turned creativity into a sustainable career.
She discusses monetising comedy content, choosing brand partnerships without losing authenticity, and managing the pressure of being constantly online. Denisa also opens up about burnout, the biggest mistakes creators make, and the type of content that helps creators grow long-term.
If you're interested in content creation, personal branding, or turning creativity into a career, this is an episode you should not miss.
Guest: Denisa Alexe, Comedian & Content Creator
Host: George Hojeige, Group CEO, Virtuzone an Ascentium Company
Timestamps
00:00 Intro and Denise’s background in marketing
04:30 Transition into content creation and comedy
12:38 Monetizing comedy and content
15:31 The sacrifices behind being a full-time creator
20:56 What content creators should focus on
25:35 The biggest mistakes creators make
30:12 Staying authentic with brand deals
37:00 Dealing with burnout
40:45 Advice for aspiring creators
Connect and Next Steps
Learn more about business setup and growth in the UAE: virtuzone.com
Follow Real Talk Dubai for more conversations with founders and industry leaders shaping the UAE

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 creative powerhouse with operations across Dubai, London, Paris, and Miami. She explains how the city reshaped her ambitions, the early challenges of building a business with no safety net, and the resilience required to grow organically in a competitive and rapidly changing industry.
The conversation explores what it takes to run a specialist creative company in Dubai, from navigating misconceptions and industry pressures to balancing authenticity, leadership, and commercial expectations. Gosia reflects on rebuilding after setbacks, protecting company culture, and staying grounded in a world shaped by social media and constant visibility. The episode closes with honest advice for young women entering the creative and talent industries.
Guest: Gosia Golda, Founder, MMG Group
Host: George Hojeige, Group CEO, Virtuzone, an Ascentium Company
Timestamps (Chapters)
00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview
02:36 Choosing Dubai and Finding Opportunities
05:25 Launching MMG and Building from Scratch
07:39 Risks Growth and Global Expansion
09:41 Pressure Mindset and Resilience
13:11 Authenticity Image and Social Media
16:36 What Sets MMG Apart
19:06 Leadership Team Culture and Rebuilding
24:23 Strategy Partnerships and Scaling
30:05 Proudest Projects and Future Vision
33:11 What Drives Gosia
38:29 Boundaries Values and Saying No
40:06 Advice for Young Women and Closing Thoughts
Connect and Next Steps
Learn more about business setup and growth in the UAE: virtuzone.com
Follow Real Talk Dubai for more conversations with founders and industry leaders shaping the UAE