Dubai Stars - Rise To The Top

Hosted by Anthony Joseph Abou Jaoude

Business Entrepreneurship Management

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Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-US

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

August 21, 202629 min

Why Giving Up Was Never an Option

What does it really take to go from selling tomatoes at 14 years old to becoming an international hospitality leader, author and mentor? In this inspiring episode of Dubai Stars Podcast, Dr. Rikhsibay Tursunov shares his incredible life journey, from growing up in Uzbekistan and supporting a family of six sisters to building a successful career spanning more than 30 years in the hospitality industry. He opens up about the hardships that shaped him, the responsibility that changed his life forever and why he believes success starts with serving others. This episode covers: 📖 The inspiring story behind Be the Change in the Hospitality Industry 👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 Supporting a family from the age of 14 💼 Starting a business journey by selling products after school 🏨 From bellboy to hospitality executive in Dubai ✈️ Leaving Uzbekistan to build a new life in the UAE 💡 Why humility, discipline and consistency matter more than talent ❤️ The emotional life lessons that shaped his mindset 🌍 Building a successful career in one of the world's most competitive hospitality markets 📚 Why he wrote his first book and the message behind it 🎯 The importance of mentoring the next generation of leaders 🧠 Emotional intelligence in hospitality and business 🚀 Entrepreneurship vs. traditional employment 🙏 Why gratitude and purpose create lasting success ✨ Why true happiness is found in the little things Throughout the conversation, Dr. Rikhsibay explains how personal tragedy, responsibility and resilience became the foundation of his success. He also shares why leaders should mentor young professionals, why emotional intelligence is essential in hospitality and business, and how anyone regardless of where they start can create a meaningful legacy by helping others. Whether you're an entrepreneur, hospitality professional, business owner, student or someone looking for motivation, this episode is filled with practical wisdom and life-changing perspectives. 📘 Featured Book: Be the Change in the Hospitality Industry Follow me on social media for more insights and daily updates: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thegodfatherofdubairealestate Facebook: 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 anthony@disruptiveestate.com #DubaiStarsPodcast #Hospitality #HospitalityIndustry #Leadership #Entrepreneur #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPodcast #Motivation #SuccessMindset #PersonalGrowth #SelfDevelopment #EmotionalIntelligence #HospitalityLeadership #Dubai #DubaiBusiness #Author #Book #Mentorship #Inspiration #NeverGiveUp #Purpose #LifeLessons #BusinessLeadership #CareerGrowth #HospitalityManagement #RikhsibayTursunov

August 14, 202638 min

Are Real Estate Brokerages Becoming Obsolete? | Frank AI

Is the traditional real estate brokerage model becoming outdated? In this episode of Dubai Stars Podcast, Anthony Joseph sits down with Wael & Rima, Co-Founders of Frank AI, to explore a different vision for the future of real estate: one where technology, AI and automation can change how brokers work, earn and build their careers. The conversation looks at the problems agents face inside traditional brokerage structures and why the industry may be ready for a major shift. From commission structures and operating costs to independence, technology and scalability, this episode challenges some of the assumptions the real estate industry has operated on for years. Wael & Rima share the thinking behind Frank AI and the idea of creating a technology-driven real estate ecosystem designed around the broker rather than the traditional office structure. 🏙️ In this episode: • Why the traditional real estate brokerage model is being questioned • How AI could reshape the role of real estate agents • The idea behind 100% commission • Why brokers may no longer need the traditional boss-and-office structure • How technology can reduce friction in real estate transactions • Faster and more efficient commission processes • The challenges of building and scaling a brokerage • What agents actually need to succeed in a competitive market • How Dubai continues to push innovation within real estate • What the next generation of real estate brokerage could look like The bigger question is not whether AI will enter real estate. It already has. The question is how much of the traditional brokerage model will still be necessary once agents have access to better technology, automation and infrastructure? Whether you're a real estate broker, agency owner, entrepreneur, investor or simply interested in the future of Dubai real estate and PropTech, this conversation offers a different perspective on where the industry could be heading. 🎙️ Guests: Wael & Rima, Co-Founders of Frank AI 🎧 Podcast: Dubai Stars Podcast Subscribe to Dubai Stars Podcast for more conversations with entrepreneurs, founders, investors and industry leaders shaping Dubai and the UAE. 💬 What do you think? Would you choose a traditional brokerage, or a technology-driven model offering agents greater independence? 👇 Share your opinion in the comments. Follow me on social media for more insights and daily updates: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thegodfatherofdubairealestate Facebook: 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 anthony@disruptiveestate.com #DubaiStarsPodcast #FrankAI #DubaiRealEstate #RealEstateDubai #DubaiProperty #RealEstateAgents #RealEstateBroker #RealEstateBrokerage #ArtificialIntelligence #AIRealEstate #PropTech #DubaiBusiness #DubaiEntrepreneurs #UAERealEstate #PropertyTechnology #RealEstateTechnology #DubaiPodcast #UAEBusiness #FutureOfRealEstate #RealEstateIndustry

August 7, 202632 min

Why Dubai's Property Maintenance Is Broken

Dubai’s property market is growing at an extraordinary speed—but what happens after the handover, when something breaks inside the property? 🏠🔧 In this episode of Dubai Stars Podcast, Martin, Founder and CEO of Maintained, shares how he is building a community-based property maintenance business designed to solve some of Dubai’s most common maintenance problems: delayed technicians, poor communication, unfinished repairs, inconsistent service and unsafe working practices. Martin’s journey started in a small village in Romania. In 2014, he travelled to the United Kingdom with his brother, limited English and no clear plan. After arriving at Luton Airport with only a suitcase, he worked his way up from being a lollipop man and traffic marshal to becoming a senior site manager in London’s construction industry. He later took the risk of leaving a secure career to launch his own business. His first company grew rapidly to approximately 160 employees, but after its biggest client collapsed, the business was pulled down with it. Instead of giving up, Martin used the experience to enter the property maintenance sector and build a new company around the gaps he saw in the market. After discovering Dubai, he immediately recognised the scale of the opportunity. Today, Maintained operates with a community-focused model, placing offices and technicians close to the residents they serve. The goal is simple: faster response times, familiar technicians, stronger accountability and a better experience for homeowners, tenants, landlords and property managers. In this episode, Martin explains: 🔧 Why Dubai’s property maintenance sector needs to change 🏠 The most common maintenance problems residents experience ⏱️ How a community-based model can achieve faster response times 👷 Why technical ability alone is not enough 🤝 The importance of technician etiquette inside a customer’s home 🎓 How regular training can improve service quality and safety 🛡️ Why health and safety must never be sacrificed to reduce costs 📋 How property health reports can help prevent expensive future problems 🏗️ Why maintenance should begin during property development—not after handover 📈 How Maintained expanded to more than 50 team members and multiple offices 🌍 Why Dubai allows entrepreneurs to build businesses for generations 🚀 Martin’s plans to expand across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other communities The conversation also explores the mistakes landlords can make when choosing the cheapest maintenance option. A lower initial price can lead to repeated repairs, poor workmanship, unsafe procedures and significantly higher costs over time. Martin also explains why property maintenance should not be treated only as a reactive service. By inspecting a property properly, identifying risks early and working with developers from the beginning, maintenance companies can help protect the property’s condition, value and long-term performance. This episode is essential for: 🏡 Property owners and landlords 🏢 Real estate professionals and property managers 🔧 Maintenance and facilities-management professionals 🏗️ Developers and construction companies 🚀 Entrepreneurs building businesses in Dubai 🌍 Anyone interested in Martin’s journey from Romania to London and Dubai Martin’s story is a reminder that failure can become the beginning of a stronger business. From arriving in London without connections to building and losing his first company—and then launching a rapidly expanding operation in Dubai—his journey is built on resilience, calculated risk and the determination to improve an entire industry. Follow me on social media for more insights and daily updates: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thegodfatherofdubairealestate Facebook: 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 anthony@disruptiveestate.com #DubaiStarsPodcast #DubaiMaintenance #PropertyMaintenance #Maintained #DubaiProperty #DubaiRealEstate #FacilityManagement #PropertyManagement #HomeMaintenance #DubaiBusiness #DubaiEntrepreneur #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPodcast #FounderStory #StartupJourney #RealEstatePodcast #DubaiLandlords #PropertyOwners #PreventiveMaintenance #HomeServices #ConstructionIndustry #CustomerService #HealthAndSafety #FacilitiesManagement #DubaiCommunity #BusinessGrowth #DubaiStartup #UAEbusiness #MartinMaintained #MaintenanceCompany

July 31, 202628 min

The Best Place to Invest in the UAE Right Now

If you had AED 5 million to invest in the UAE today… where would you put it? Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Ras Al Khaimah? In this episode of Dubai Stars Podcast, real estate veteran Omar Bin Faruk, with over 25 years of experience in the UAE property market, shares his insights on today's market, investment strategies and where he believes the biggest opportunities lie over the coming years. From navigating every major real estate cycle to advising investors through market uncertainty, Omar explains why education, patience and long-term thinking consistently outperform speculation. He also discusses why many investors lose money by following hype instead of fundamentals, and why courage without preparation can become an expensive mistake. In this episode, you'll learn: 🏙️ Where to invest AED 5 million in today's UAE market 📈 Dubai vs Abu Dhabi vs Ras Al Khaimah: which market suits your investment goals? 💰 Why today's off-plan market presents strong negotiating opportunities ⚠️ The biggest mistake off-plan investors continue to make 🏦 What increasing mortgage approvals reveal about market confidence 🏡 Why villas and townhouses continue to outperform many apartment segments 📊 Whether Dubai property is underpriced, overpriced or simply misunderstood 🌍 Why international investors continue choosing the UAE despite global uncertainty 🏝️ Why Ras Al Khaimah could become one of the UAE's biggest long-term opportunities 👨‍💼 How experienced investors evaluate opportunities during market corrections 🧠 Why following market fundamentals matters more than following social media trends Throughout the conversation, Omar explains why different Emirates serve different investment objectives. Dubai may suit investors seeking earlier capital growth, Abu Dhabi offers compelling long-term opportunities in locations such as Reem Island, Saadiyat Island and Yas Island, while Ras Al Khaimah is developing its own tourism and entertainment identity beyond a single headline project. The discussion also explores: ✔️ How banks analyse today's property market before approving mortgages ✔️ Why developers who adapt to market conditions continue outperforming others ✔️ Why investors should avoid buying property without having the financial capacity to complete the purchase ✔️ Why patience often creates better returns than attempting quick flips ✔️ How experienced investors think during uncertain market conditions Whether you're purchasing your first property, expanding your portfolio or simply trying to understand where the UAE real estate market is heading, this episode delivers practical insights from someone who has witnessed every major property cycle over the past two decades. If you enjoy conversations about Dubai real estate, investing, entrepreneurship and wealth creation, don't forget to subscribe and turn on notifications for future episodes. Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thegodfatherofdubairealestate Facebook: 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 anthony@disruptiveestate.com #DubaiStarsPodcast #DubaiRealEstate #UAEProperty #RealEstateInvesting #DubaiInvestment #AbuDhabi #RasAlKhaimah #PropertyInvestment #OffPlan #RealEstateMarket #DubaiBusiness #Entrepreneur #BusinessPodcast #InvestmentStrategy #WealthBuilding #DubaiInvestors #PropertyMarket #RealEstateTips #CapitalGrowth #LuxuryRealEstate #InvestInDubai #InvestInUAE #OmarBinFaruk #DubaiProperty #UAEInvesting

July 24, 202621 min

Dubai Real Estate Price Correction Coming? Market Outlook for Investors

Is Dubai property flipping coming to an end, or is the market simply entering a new phase? In this episode of **Dubai Stars Podcast**, founder of Costa Global is here for an honest conversation about the future of the Dubai real estate market, off-plan property investment, market corrections and global opportunities beyond the UAE. Mario shares his journey from becoming a real estate broker in Dubai to building his own agency and expanding internationally into **Thailand, Phuket, Bali and Vietnam**. He also explains the mistakes he made while scaling, why quality matters more than the number of agents and what he looks for when building a successful real estate team. The conversation explores: 🏙️ The current state of the Dubai real estate market 📉 Whether Dubai property prices need a correction 🏗️ Why some off-plan properties cost more than secondary-market units 🔄 Whether property flipping could become harder over the next 24 months 🏦 The growing role of mortgages and developer financing 👥 Why first-time buyers are becoming more cautious 🌍 How Mario expanded Costa Global beyond Dubai 🇹🇭 Why Phuket could offer opportunities similar to Dubai ten years ago 💰 Thailand property investment starting from approximately $80,000 📊 Flexible payment plans and potential rental returns discussed in the episode 🏢 How to build and scale a successful real estate agency 🤝 Referral opportunities for brokers interested in the Thailand market Mario also discusses why he believes investors should avoid placing everything in one market and how Costa Global is building an international real estate operation connecting Dubai with emerging Asian property destinations. The episode covers freehold property ownership in Thailand, developer-operated rental management and Mario’s plans to expand into Bali and Vietnam. Watch the full episode for a direct discussion about Dubai real estate investment, off-plan properties, secondary-market opportunities, property flipping, Thailand real estate and international agency growth. Subscribe for more conversations about Dubai real estate, global property investment, entrepreneurship, finance and business. The opinions, projections, prices and potential returns discussed in this episode are personal views shared during the conversation and are not guaranteed. Always conduct independent legal and financial due diligence before investing. Follow me on social media for more insights and daily updates: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thegodfatherofdubairealestate Facebook: 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 anthony@disruptiveestate.com

July 17, 202621 min

Mortgages in Dubai: Everything Buyers Need to Know

Can a salary of AED 10,000 really qualify you for a mortgage of up to AED 750,000 in Dubai? In this episode of Dubai Stars Podcast, host Anthony Joseph AJ sits down with mortgage expert Fahd, who has over 15 years of experience in the financial industry, to explain how Dubai mortgages actually work. They discuss mortgage eligibility, bank pre-approval, required documents, financing for salaried employees and business owners, off-plan mortgages, equity release, refinancing, interest rates and the additional costs buyers need to prepare for. You’ll also learn why getting pre-approved before searching for a property can save time and help you understand your real buying budget. Depending on the bank and applicant profile, the pre-approval process may take between one day and one week. The episode also explains processing fees, life insurance, property insurance, valuation charges and mortgage registration fees that buyers may face during the process. Watch the full episode before buying or financing a property in Dubai. Follow me on social media for more insights and daily updates: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thegodfatherofdubairealestate Facebook: 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

May 25, 202644 min

The Mindset of a Champion

The Youngest F3 Mindset | George Zaraski on Racing, Risk & Relentless Drive What 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 purpose Key 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 drivers If you enjoyed this episode: Like 👍 Subscribe 🔔 Share it with someone chasing something bigger Follow 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 Reinvention What 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 Shift After 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 Matters Most 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 estate Eywa 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, UAE If 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.