logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2025
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. 
 

💬 Join the conversation! Share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know what you think of Mais's journey. 

 

Join our WhatsApp channel for exclusive behind-the-scenes clips and insights on upcoming shows. Be part of our community and stay updated! 

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakyNkS23n3f5ojBJu1O

 

Follow our Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/lucasinsighttrack/

 

 Engage with us on our TikTok page at https://www.tiktok.com/@lucasinsighttrack 
 

 

  Subscribe to our Youtube page  for more inspiring interviews and stories that make a difference at https://www.youtube.com/@lucasinsighttrack

  

 

 

 

 

Up next
Oct 7
Off Track: Where Did The Marketing Magic Go?
This is a special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track. This 'Off Track' episode was inspired by my fantastic marketing conversation with Moadh Bukhash, the former CMO of ENBD and the current CMO of Pure Health. In this improvised Off Track episode, I focus on 3 insights that I ... Show More
15m 41s
Oct 3
The Dark Side of Marketing: Budgets, Procurement & Broken Creativity with Moadh Bukhash
What happens when one of the region’s top marketeers steps away from boardrooms to reveal the truths behind the industry? In this thought-provoking episode, Luca sits down with Moadh Bukhash—CMO of PureHealth, former CMO of Emirates NBD, and member of the renowned Bukhash family— ... Show More
1h 33m
Sep 30
Off Track: Leadership Beyond Gender, Bias, And Titles
This is a special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track. This 'Off Track' episode was inspired by my very informed leadership conversation with Marisa Kamall, the former MD of HSBC and the founder of Gaia network, a women’s leadership network in Dubai. In this improvised Off Trac ... Show More
15m 38s
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2024
Nimi Mehta | Becoming the Voice of Dubai | Recipe To Success | S6: EP4
In Season 6, Episode 4 of Recipe To Success, I am joined by Nimi Mehta - TV Host & Public Speaker - Nimi Mehta In this episode, we talked about her growing up in London, moving to Dubai, being patient to achieve her dreams, becoming the voice of Dubai, and interviewing some of th ... Show More
59m 16s
May 2025
Failing In Public + Arab Women In Media
And we're back! This week on The Dukkan Show, OT and Reem get real about two topics that hit close to home: failing in public and the future of Arab women in media.From viral flops to legendary comebacks, we unpack how stumbling on the world stage can actually be the key to build ... Show More
27m 37s
May 2025
Failing In Public + Arab Women In Media
And we're back! This week on The Dukkan Show, OT and Reem get real about two topics that hit close to home: failing in public and the future of Arab women in media.From viral flops to legendary comebacks, we unpack how stumbling on the world stage can actually be the key to build ... Show More
27m 37s
Aug 4
He Landed in Dubai with Nothing — Now He Builds It
🚨 In this episode of The Alpha Talks Show, we are proudly sponsored by Bonaparte — one of the UAE’s most trusted boutique real estate firms, bridging integrity, vision, and opportunity. Whether you're looking to invest in a solid property, become part of an exclusive real estate ... Show More
1h 15m
Jul 2024
Ep. 46 DUBAI IS A FOODIES PARADISE - HANI ALMALKI (@bedouinfoodie) ON THE DUBAI REAL ESTATE PODCAST WITH TAHIR MAJITHIA
Welcome back to another exciting episode of The Dubai Real Estate Podcast! 🎙️ This week, we dive into the fascinating world of food curation and consultancy with our special guest, Hani Al Malik also known as @bedouinfoodie on Instagram, today we don't just talk about Real Estat ... Show More
52m 5s
Jul 30
E97: This Dubai Expat Risked Everything—Then Raised $30M to Build a Global Brand
Discover how Anam Khalid, co-founder and COO of Squatwolf, went from a small-town girl in Pakistan to building a global fitness brand from Dubai. In this inspiring conversation, Anam reveals the sacrifices, challenges, and truths of entrepreneurship, breaking gender barriers, and ... Show More
1h 2m
Jul 24
Building empires: David Natroshvili's global success story
In this episode of Dubai Real Estate Unplugged, host Paul Sharland sits down with David Natroshvili, the founder of Spribe and the mind behind one of the most played crash games in the world: Aviator.David shares his inspiring journey from a 5 person team in a Kyiv basement to a ... Show More
39m 10s
Nov 2023
EYL #263 Dubai Real Estate Investing: A Black Woman's Triumph in The Middle East
🌟 In this exclusive Earn Your Leisure interview, we're joined by Denise The Broker, a trailblazing entrepreneur and the first Black woman to establish a real estate brokerage in Dubai. From leaving the Atlanta market to conquering Dubai's dynamic real estate landscape, Denise sh ... Show More
1h 7m
Sep 2024
Venture Capitalism, AI, HealthTech & The Education System | Noor Sweid 123
Noor Sweid is an influential figure in the world of venture capital and entrepreneurship, especially in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. She is the founder and Managing Partner of Global Ventures, a UAE-based venture capital firm that invests in high-growth startup ... Show More
1h 35m
Apr 2025
Anas Bukhash on Harnessing the Dubai’s Potential as a Global Crossroads
Over the last few decades, Dubai has rapidly transformed from a humble trading port into a global hub for business, tourism, and innovation. With favourable economic policies, strategic location, and an ambitious young workforce, Dubai has become a vibrant destination at the inte ... Show More
24m 39s