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Apr 25
1h 20m

Rejected for Not Being ‘Beautiful Enough...

Luca Allam
About this episode

What does it take to be underestimated, rise above it, and redefine success on your own terms? In this powerful episode, Luca Allam sits down with Zeina Khoury — real estate mogul, CEO of Zed Capital, fashion entrepreneur, and star of Dubai Bling — for a conversation that is equal parts raw, real, and revolutionary. 

Zeina opens up about the early days of her journey — arriving in Dubai, being rejected by a major real estate firm for not fitting the “right profile,” and turning that moment into the fuel that built an empire. From creating her own opportunities during the pandemic to becoming one of the most recognizable faces in the Arab world, Zeina’s story is the blueprint for anyone who’s ever been told “you’re not enough.”

They talk about the real side of reality TV — how Dubai Bling became a platform for deeper conversations, from body image to bullying, and why Zeina's iconic statement, “I am the company,” resonated with millions across the region. She discusses building credibility as a woman in male-dominated industries, the pressures of fame, the myth of “having it all,” and how being unapologetically herself helped her redefine both beauty and power on her own terms. 

You’ll also hear her insights on Dubai’s ever-evolving real estate market, the truth about short-term vs long-term rentals, her take on whether there's a bubble coming, and how cities like Ras Al Khaimah are quietly becoming the next big frontier. 

This episode is for anyone who’s been told no, who’s been overlooked, or who’s had to build something from nothing. Zeina reminds us that authenticity is power, vulnerability is strength, and you don’t have to change to fit the mold — you just have to own your story. 
 

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