Starting Up with Virtuzone Podcast

Hosted by Dubai Eye 103.8

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

The Agenda’s Tom Urquhart and our partners at Virtuzone discuss the big issues affecting startups and SME’s in the region. Hear everything you need to know about starting your own business from getting a license to growing your company. Highlights include interviews with entrepreneurs and experts, covering topics including e-commerce, leadership and how to get investors for your business.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

November 6, 202634 min

EV Charging and the Expat Retirement Trap

Can you make money from EV charging without investing a dirham? Anna Tsenter, CEO of ForEVo, shares how she's building an EV charging network across the UAE and turning parking spaces into revenue opportunities. Plus, after 20 years of working in Dubai, will your gratuity be enough to retire? Mohammed Ali Yasin, CEO of Ghaf Benefits, explains the UAE's alternative end-of-service benefits scheme and how employees could grow their retirement savings. All on Starting Up with Virtuzone on Dubai Eye 103.8. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 30, 202635 min

Cybersecurity, AI & the Business of Wellness

How do you build a successful business in a competitive market? Nancy Assaad of The Marketing Boutique shares her journey in tech marketing, while Rita Baki of The Flow Space and Miras Ibraimov of Hero's Journey explore the booming wellness industry and the opportunities for entrepreneurs in Dubai. 🎙️ Starting Up with Virtuzone on Dubai Eye 103.8. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 23, 202636 min

How to Build a Successful E-Commerce Brand

Thinking of launching your own online business? Sourcing expert Kian Golzari and Titan Network co-founder Dan Ashburn join Tom Urquhart and Virtuzone's Paul Bryson to explore how to find the right products, navigate supply chain challenges, attract customers and turn an idea into a profitable e-commerce brand. Plus, how Virtuzone's new E-commerce Accelerator Programme can help aspiring entrepreneurs get started. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 23, 202635 min

The Business of Brunch and Beauty: What It Takes to Succeed in Dubai

What's the secret to building a business that keeps customers coming back? Ray Chan, founder and CEO of Candypants, reveals how he turned a party concept into one of Dubai's best-known brunch brands, attracting tens of thousands of guests every year. Plus, is opening a beauty salon in Dubai still a smart business move? Mariela Marcantetti, CEO of Furless Holdings, and Rasha Abdulrazak, Director at Audax Investments, discuss the real costs, challenges and opportunities in the UAE beauty industry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 9, 202640 min

How to Make Money as a Content Creator in Dubai

Can you really make money as a content creator? And do you need millions of followers to build a successful business? On Starting Up with Virtuzone, Tom Urquhart and Paul Bryson speak to former CNBC journalist turned entrepreneur Uptin and Hollywood producer Patrick Caligiuri about the creator economy in Dubai, brand deals, monetisation and turning content creation into a sustainable business. Plus, we meet Maria El Fassi and Julien Toïgo from Wondergifts the Dubai-based start-up changing the way we give gifts. They share how they built their experience-gifting platform, scaled the business and expanded internationally. Essential listening for entrepreneurs, start-up founders and aspiring content creators in the UAE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 2, 202642 min

Know Your Value: From Selling Gold to Building the Skills That Sell You

What does it take to build trust — in a business, in a deal and in yourself? In this episode of Starting Up with Virtuzone, brothers Rishi and Jash Vaya, founders of SellYourGold.ae, share how they took their family’s experience in the gold business and turned it into a modern digital platform built around transparency and trust. Then we ask whether soft skills are becoming some of the most important business skills of all. Neil Orvay, founder of Evolution-U and business coach, and Yasin Kasirga, entrepreneur, trainer and founder of Qasirga Advisory, discuss communication, confidence, influence and the people skills entrepreneurs need to lead, sell and grow. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 25, 202641 min

The story of Adel Ghazzawi, the man who built Cove Beach

What does it really take to build a brand in Dubai? Cove Beach Co-Founder Adel Ghazzawi takes us behind the business — from his career in finance and spotting a gap in the hospitality market, to scaling the brand, expanding internationally and navigating some of the toughest periods the industry has faced. Then Philippe Mathijs, Founder and CEO of Reach Outstanding, explains the business behind coaching: how you find clients, set your fees, manage your costs and turn professional expertise into a viable company. Plus, DIFC Courts Registrar Ayesha Bin Kalban explains how the Small Claims Tribunal can help entrepreneurs and SMEs resolve commercial disputes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 18, 202640 min

Are tourists ready to visit Dubai again?

We asked businesses that depend on tourists visiting the emirate. Nada Badran, Founder of Wander with Nada Dean Jarvis, Director of Operations of Sunset Hospitality Group Plus, we get to know the guys behind UAE-made clothing company Old Pal, Charlie and Matt. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 11, 202638 min

UAE businesses, are you tax-ready?

All you questions about UAE tax deadlines and e-invoicing, answered by John Casey, Managing Director of TaxReady by Virtuzone. Business owner Jake Gardner, owner of PBI Middle East, shares his experience transitioning from a tax-free business towards compliance. And what does it take to create an app that lets you save money? Cence Founder Amaar Khan talks pitching, funding and developing an app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 4, 202639 min

A new homegrown drink and a busy events season

Walid Antabli co-founded HalaPop to create a healthy soft drink for the UAE and GCC market. And events season is upon us! How busy will the city be until the end of the year? We her from Sumaira Isaacs, President of The Events Group, and General Manager of Gulf Dunes and Diji Shujahi, Director at Pinnacle Events and Urban A to Z See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.