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
Nov 18
Off Track: When Someone You Love Breaks Your Limiting Beliefs
<p>This bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track takes you Off Track, where I share the personal reflections that surfaced after my conversation with Rasha Hamzeh, Managing Director of The Inhouse Agency, Executive Producer of this show… and yes, my wife.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In this ... Show More
15m 55s
Nov 14
Rasha Hamzeh on Building Together: Startups, Marriage, Media, and the Truth Behind the Camera.
In this episode of luca’s insight track, Luca sits down with Rasha Hamzeh — his wife, executive producer, and the real force behind the show.What happens when your partner is also your business partner?They talk about running startups, parenting, working together, and what really ... Show More
1h 1m
Nov 11
Off Track: Who You Know, No Plan B, and The Energy Test - 3 Insights on Success in the AI Age
This special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track takes you Off Track — where I share the personal insights that stayed with me after my powerful conversation with Mohamed Al Banna, advisor to the UAE Royal Family, serial investor, and CEO of Lead Ventures. Mohamed’s mindset aro ... Show More
11m 11s
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
Nov 6
From Dubai to the World Inside Almal’s Global Real Estate Vision
🎙️ From Dubai to the World Inside Almal’s Global Real Estate VisionWhat if luxury wasn’t something you owned — but something you lived?Welcome back, Alpha Squad, to The Alpha Talks Show — the #1 fastest-growing business podcast in the region!In this exclusive episode, Seif El Ha ... Show More
50m 36s
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 2025
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 2025
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
Oct 20
#368 What You Can Get In Dubai That You Can't Get Anywhere Else
This week's guest is Firas Al Msaddi, the founder and owner of fäm Properties, Dubai's most technologically advanced real estate company and a multidimensional force shaping the future of the city's property market. A Syrian-born entrepreneur and author, Firas has redefined what ... Show More
1h 1m
Nov 2023
EYL #263 Dubai Real Estate Investing: A Black Woman's Triumph in The Middle East
<p>🌟 In this exclusive Earn Your Leisure interview, we&#39;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&#39;s dynamic real estate landscape ... Show More
1h 13m