Dubai Stars - Rise To The Top

Hosted by Anthony Joseph Abou Jaoude

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Latest episode

May 2026

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About the show

Welcome to Dubai's new business podcast, Dubai Stars, with your host Anthony Joseph.Dubai Stars is the hottest podcast in Dubai where we interview the real hustlers who came to Dubai with literally nothing, and grew their way to getting on top of their game.This Show is about covering the journeys of self made Super Stars where we get inspired by their tips, strategies and learning curves.This Podcast covers it all, the struggle, the journey and the process of becoming a Real Dubai Star.

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60 recent

May 25, 202644 min

The Mindset of a Champion

The Youngest F3 Mindset | George Zaraski on Racing, Risk & Relentless DriveWhat does it take to chase Formula racing at a young age… and still think like an entrepreneur?In this episode, we sit down with George Zaraski, one of the youngest Formula 3 drivers, to break down his journey from childhood obsession to competing at a high level in motorsport — while building a business at the same time.This isn’t just about racing. It’s about mindset, risk, discipline, and the reality behind high-performance careers.What we covered:• How George got obsessed with motorsport at a young age • The influence of legends like Sebastian Vettel, Michael Schumacher, and Max Verstappen • Why modern F1 feels different today • The reality of crashes, pressure, and competition • Sim racing vs real racing — and the future of motorsport • Why the UAE became a key part of his journey • The business side of racing and building something bigger • Advice for the next generation chasing speed and purposeKey takeaway:Most people think talent is the entry point. But what actually matters is obsession, calculated risk, and staying consistent when things don’t go your way.For aspiring drivers:George is actively working on making motorsport more accessible through his academy and tech-driven projects.📩 Contact: George@racecraft.ae 📍 Based in Abu Dhabi (soon expanding to Dubai)Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction 01:10 – Early obsession with racing 04:30 – Inspiration from F1 legends 09:20 – Verstappen & modern racing 15:40 – Risk, crashes, and reality of motorsport 23:10 – Sim racing vs real racing 31:00 – Moving to the UAE 38:20 – Europe vs UAE racing experience 45:10 – Mentorship & career path 52:30 – Racing vs entrepreneurship 59:00 – Legacy & long-term vision 01:05:00 – Advice to young driversIf you enjoyed this episode:Like 👍 Subscribe 🔔 Share it with someone chasing something biggerFollow for more conversations on: Motorsport, business, mindset, and high-performance living.

May 16, 202641 min

The Wake Up That Changed Everything

From Near Death to Purpose | The Real Story Behind ReinventionWhat happens when success almost kills you?In this episode, we sit down with one of the most recognized faces in Dubai’s wellness scene a former corporate professional who built businesses, scaled fast… and then hit a life-threatening breaking point at 31. Two MBAs. Years in finance. Multiple ventures. From the outside, everything looked right. On the inside, everything was off.This conversation goes deeper than yoga, deeper than mindset. It’s about pressure, identity, and what it really takes to rebuild your life from scratch.What You’ll Get From This Episode: The hidden cost of ambition in cities like Dubai How stress silently builds until it breaks you The difference between fear and panic (and why most people lose control) Why breathing is more powerful than motivation What top CEOs and athletes actually have in common The truth about mental health for men How to restart your life without knowing what’s next The ShiftAfter a near-death health event, everything changed.No more autopilot. No more chasing without direction.He stepped away from everything he built… and rebuilt himself from the ground up.Not with a plan. With awareness.Real Talk Moments “You can have everything… and still feel nothing.” “Stress comes from not taking action.” “Your real fight is against your own limits.” Why This MattersMost people wait for a wake-up call. Some get it—and ignore it.This is what it looks like when someone actually responds.If you’re building, pushing, chasing more… this one will hit different.Watch till the end. This isn’t just a story—it’s a reset.

May 1, 202637 min

Inside Dubai's Most Advanced Wellness Residence | Eywa

What if your home could improve your health, increase your energy, reduce stress, and help you live longer?In this episode, Joseph Massoud sits down with Alex Zagrebelny, Founder of Eywa and R.Evolution, to explore a completely different vision of real estate.From AI-powered building management and longevity-focused amenities to hydroponic farms, crystal energy structures, wellness architecture, and future living concepts, Alex shares how Eywa is redefining what a home can be.This conversation goes far beyond real estate. It dives into human performance, wellbeing, community, technology, design, and the future of how we live.Topics Covered:✔️ The future of luxury living ✔️ AI in real estate and smart buildings ✔️ Wellness-focused architecture ✔️ Longevity and human performance ✔️ How your environment shapes your life ✔️ The story behind Eywa Dubai ✔️ Building communities instead of properties ✔️ The next generation of real estateEywa introduces a new way of thinking about living, where technology, nature, wellbeing, and design come together to create a more conscious lifestyle.🎙️ Guest: Alex Zagrebelny 🏙️ Founder of Eywa & R.Evolution 📍 Dubai, UAEIf you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe for more discussions with entrepreneurs, investors, innovators, and visionaries shaping the future.#Eywa #AlexZagrebelny #DubaiRealEstate #LuxuryLiving #FutureOfLiving #WellnessRealEstate #Longevity #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #DubaiPodcast #LuxuryRealEstate #FutureHomes #JosephMassoud #RealEstateDubai #REvolution

April 13, 202645 min

This Can Get You in Trouble in Dubai

Here’s the thing… most people are playing the Dubai game without actually knowing the rules.In this episode, we sit down with a legal expert to break down what’s really happening behind contracts, real estate, business setups, and everything people are getting wrong right now.From subleasing risks to tenancy issues, from taxes to company setup mistakes… this is the side nobody explains properly.If you’re investing, renting, or running a business in Dubai, this conversation could save you serious money.What we cover: Can you exit contracts legally? What happens if you stop paying rent? The truth about subleasing in Dubai Freezone vs Mainland explained properly Real risks people ignore until it’s too late How legal mistakes can cost you millions Watch this before you make your next move.📩 For inquiries or consultation, reach out directly.

April 6, 202626 min

This Guy Builds Cars You’ve Never Seen Before

Here’s the thing most people see supercars…But they never see the story behind them.In this episode, we sit down with the man behind some of the most aggressive and unique cars in Dubai — from Rolls-Royce to Ferrari… and now even Bugatti.But what makes this story different?He didn’t come from money.He came from nothing.From growing up in a poor family in Spain… to building one of the most recognized car customization brands in the world — this is a story about obsession, risk, and vision.Inside this episode:How he started with zeroThe moment everything changedBuilding thousands of custom carsWorking with global celebritiesWhy Dubai became his biggest marketAnd what it really takes to build something at this levelThis isn’t just about cars.It’s about building something that people feel.Follow me on social media for more insights and daily updates:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/take_charge_ajFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/anthony.a.jaoude.9/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-josephaj/Tik-Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@take_charge_aj📧 Contact us: Have questions or topics you'd like us to cover? Email us A DM🔥👇 Blow Up Your Real Estate Sales Up To 4x In The Next Month With Our Advanced Live TrainingWhat to take a look at it? Check it out below👇https://www.takechargedubai.com/live-training--b67c3 - New Take Charge Academy

March 26, 202645 min

The Truth About Making Millions in Dubai Real Estate

Here’s the thing — most people see Dubai real estate from the outside.Luxury… towers… big numbers.But behind it, there’s a completely different game.In this episode, we sit down with one of the fastest-growing real estate CEOs in Dubai breaking down what actually works, what doesn’t, and why most brokers never make it.From building a team of hundreds of brokers, to scaling one of the most dominant real estate companies in the city… this conversation goes deeper than motivation.It’s about: The real mindset behind success in Dubai Why “selling” is still the only skill that matters How top brokers actually win deals The truth about off-plan vs secondary market What most agents are doing wrong every day And how Dubai is different from every market in the world This isn’t about experience. It’s about performance.If you’re in real estate or thinking about getting in this episode will change how you see the game.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Intro 01:10 From Zero to CEO 05:30 The Reality of Dubai Real Estate 12:00 Why Most Brokers Fail 20:45 Building a 450 Broker Team 32:10 Market Truth & Current Situation 45:00 Off-Plan vs Secondary 55:00 The Future of Dubai

March 4, 202619 min

The most successful launch in Ras el khaimah

In this episode of Dubai Stars, we sit down with Zeeshaan Shah, Founder and Chairman of Elevate and ONE Group, to talk about one of the most exciting real estate opportunities currently emerging in the UAE.Zeeshaan is a multi-award-winning international entrepreneur with over 17 years of experience in property and finance, having been involved in more than $1.3 billion in global real estate transactions across thousands of properties worldwide. Starting his career as a broker and eventually becoming a developer, Zeeshaan has built a reputation for creating projects that go beyond traditional real estate — focusing on lifestyle, community, and long-term value.In this conversation, we explore the story behind Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences, a landmark branded development in Ras Al Khaimah developed by Elevate in collaboration with Ennismore and the iconic Mondrian brand. The project has already made headlines for becoming one of the fastest-selling developments in Ras Al Khaimah, with hundreds of units sold within hours of launch.But this episode goes much deeper than property.We talk about:• The rise of Ras Al Khaimah as the UAE’s next investment destination • The mindset required to identify opportunities before everyone else • The philosophy behind wellness-driven real estate developments • Why modern luxury living is shifting toward health, community, and lifestyle design • The personal journey from broker to developerZeeshaan also shares how the philosophy behind Elevate is inspired by creating environments where people can live healthier, happier, and more connected lives, built around the pillars of Health, Wellness, Tribe, Purpose, and Flow. This conversation is packed with insights for entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone interested in the future of real estate in the UAE.GuestZeeshaan Shah Founder & Chairman – Elevate / ONE GroupLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zeeshah/?originalSubdomain=ukTopics Covered• Ras Al Khaimah real estate boom • Mondrian Al Marjan Island project • Lifestyle-driven developments • Entrepreneur mindset • From broker to developer • The future of branded residences in the UAEFollow me on social media for more insights and daily updates:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/take_charge_ajFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/anthony.a.jaoude.9/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-josephaj/Tik-Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@take_charge_aj📧 Contact us: Have questions or topics you'd like us to cover? Email us A DM🔥👇 Blow Up Your Real Estate Sales Up To 4x In The Next Month With Our Advanced Live TrainingWhat to take a look at it? Check it out below👇https://www.takechargedubai.com/live-training--b67c3 - New Take Charge Academy

December 15, 202550 min

Million Dollar Listing Star Sarah Serhan: The Truth About Being a Woman in Business

We dive deep into her journey from HR to becoming a top broker, her casting experience for Million Dollar Listing, and how she navigated a male-dominated industry filled with "sharks."🎙️ In this episode:The Zero to Hero Journey: Sarah moved to Dubai in 2013 with no sales experience and crossed 100 million in sales within just two years.The Dark Side of the Industry: Sarah opens up about the harassment women face, noting that real estate is full of "sharks" and terrible people who try to harass you physically, emotionally, and mentally.Dealing with Failure: She shares the story of losing a 325 million deal without shedding a tear, believing that you have to be emotionless and "a robot" in this field.Million Dollar Listing Secrets: Sarah discusses her intense audition process for the show, where she initially thought she "fucked up" the interview before getting the call.Golden Advice for Agents: Her top principle for success is simple: Treat your clients like you treat your parents, with full honesty and respect.Work-Life Balance: How she balances a high-stakes career with a husband who is also in real estate, often taking vacations immediately after closing big deals. Watch to find out why Sarah says real estate is NOT for everyone and why success requires more than just a license.#DubaiRealEstate #SarahSerhan #MillionDollarListing #LuxuryRealEstate #DubaiStars #WomenInBusiness #SalesMotivationFollow me on social media for more insights and daily updates:Instagram: / take_charge_aj Facebook: / anthony.a.jaoude.9 Linkedin: / anthony-josephaj Tik-Tok: / take_charge_aj 📧 Contact us: Have questions or topics you'd like us to cover? Email us A DM🔥👇 Blow Up Your Real Estate Sales Up To 4x In The Next Month With Our Advanced Live TrainingWhat to take a look at it? Check it out below👇https://www.takechargedubai.com/live-... - New Take Charge Academy

November 22, 202547 min

The Brutal Truth About Dubai’s Agency World | Nick Walsh | Anthony Joseph

ow do you walk away from a top-tier corporate career as a CEO at WPP, the world's largest advertising company, to start from scratch?In this episode of Dubai Stars, Anthony Joseph sits down with Nick Walsh, the Founder and CEO of Migrate. Nick shares his 25-year journey, from his first job in London to being sent to Dubai in 2008 (right as the financial crisis hit) and climbing the ranks at agencies like Ogilvy, Geometry, and VML.Nick reveals the exact moment he decided to leave it all behind to launch Migrate, a company built to help the world's best independent agencies grow and expand across the Middle East.This conversation is a masterclass in leadership, entrepreneurship, and the future of marketing. We dive deep into the real differences between the UK and Dubai work cultures, why "agile" independents will beat "giant" networks, and how AI is really being used to win.If you're in marketing, advertising, or are an entrepreneur looking to scale in the MENA region, this is a must-watch.💡 KEY TAKEAWAYSA 25-year corporate career can be the perfect launchpad for entrepreneurship.The future of marketing is agile, specialized, and independent.Persistence and a clear vision are the most critical skills for success.Dubai's multicultural talent pool is a unique creative advantage.You must de-risk your entry into the Middle East; don't come in "heavy-handed."Share this episode with a friend who’s in marketing, advertising, or building their own business.🎙️ GUEST: NICK WALSHNick Walsh is the Founder & CEO of Migrate, a Dubai-based company that helps independent agencies grow and expand across the Middle East. Before becoming an entrepreneur, Nick had a 25-year career in advertising, holding CEO roles at major WPP agencies like Geometry and VML.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/1nickwals...Website: https://migrate-group.com/Follow me on social media for more insights and daily updates:

November 12, 202535 min

The Truth Behind “Fake Listings” in Dubai | Noor Nabulsi | Dubai Stars Podcast

Welcome back to Dubai Stars.In this episode, Anthony sits down with Noor Nabulsi, the Head of PR & Strategic Partnerships at Bayut & Dubizzle Group — one of the most powerful and trusted platforms in the UAE.From her early marketing days in Jordan to leading PR for one of the biggest PropTech companies in the Middle East, Noor opens up about her journey, struggles, lessons, and what it truly takes to build trust, credibility, and leadership in today’s fast-changing Dubai real estate world.You’ll hear her talk about: 🌟 Her first campaign “Breaking Barriers” that changed perceptions about Jordan 🌟 Moving from Jordan to Dubai and adapting to a multicultural landscape 🌟 Story behind Bayut & dubizzle’s iconic merger and how both brands kept their identities 🌟 How her team fought fake listings through TrueCheck and TrueBroker 🌟 How AI tools like TrueEstimate are reshaping transparency and property valuation 🌟 Balancing PR, leadership, and motherhood as a woman in the corporate world 🌟 The power of collective collaboration and the legacy she wants to leave behindIf you love real conversations around marketing, communication, real estate, AI, and leadership — this episode is a must-watch.💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS🌟Success doesn’t come overnight — it’s built on consistency and purpose.🌟PR isn’t about buzz; it’s about strategy, storytelling and truth.🌟Verified data and transparency are redefining Dubai’s real estate credibility.🌟AI tools like TrueEstimate are creating a smarter property market.🌟Balancing family and leadership is possible — with the right support and mindset.Share this episode with a friend who’s in real estate, marketing, or PR — it might just spark their next big move.👤 GUESTNoor Nabulsi Head of PR & Strategic Partnerships — Bayut & dubizzle (Dubizzle Group) A decade of experience in marketing, storytelling, and partnerships across MENA’s top digital brands.Connect with Noor: 🔗 LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/noor-nabu...🎧 HOSTED BYAnthony Joseph Creator & Host — Dubai Stars Podcast Exploring the real stories behind the region’s most influential founders, creators, and leaders.