“If Zed Capital could co-develop a project with any designer or brand in the world, it would never just be about the name. We’re not interested in partnering for the sake of association.” says, Zeina Khoury.
While many recognize Zeina Khoury from Netflix’s Dubai Bling, her impact reaches far beyond the realm of reality television. As the President and Chief Growth Officer of Zed Capital, Zeina is becoming a key figure in Dubai’s ever-evolving real estate scene. With an active leadership style and forward-thinking vision, she assists clients in navigating the intricate processes of purchasing, selling, leasing, and investing in one of the globe’s most energetic cities. Central to her work is her goal of offering a smooth, full-service journey — from start to Zed.
In a recent discussion with Construction Week Middle East, Zeina shares her story from becoming a TV personality to leading in business, the shifts in real estate, and how her public identity has helped her build credibility and expand her reach.
You manage several roles — a luxury real estate executive, a media figure, and a television personality. How do you manage these responsibilities, and do they intersect in surprising ways?
Managing these roles effectively comes down to staying focused on purpose. Each role ties back to a single aim: creating a business and brand that makes a difference. Media exposure helps highlight my work in real estate, and my success in the field strengthens my reputation publicly. The crossover often happens naturally — someone watching the show becomes a client, or a segment turns into a business lead. These aren’t separate personas. They are multiple platforms that channel the same drive. The key is having a clear strategy and using each role to support the others.
As a woman making strides in both media and business, what fuels your continued drive and determination to achieve more?
My motivation lies in knowing that every forward step could inspire or create opportunities for others. Especially as a woman in real estate — traditionally a male-dominated sector — I feel a strong duty to lead by doing. My entire career has developed in this industry, and even though there were times I was one of the few women present, I’m thankful for the many women who came before me. That’s what motivates me. It’s more than winning; it’s about rewriting the narrative.
I want to prove that you can lead with both strength and sincerity, and that staying authentic brings true results. There’s still ground to cover, but each hurdle adds motivation and every success proves we’re creating new pathways — not only for ourselves but for others. For me, success isn’t the endpoint. It’s about crafting something significant while making room for more people along the way.
Can you describe a project where Zed Capital played a standout role? What distinguished it?
Every project we handle has a distinct personality, process, and set of obstacles, making each one unique. Some demand inventive thinking to overcome development roadblocks, while others test our creativity in reshaping modern living spaces. Every experience enhances our knowledge and adds a new layer to Zed Capital’s evolving story. From initial idea to delivery, no two projects mirror each other — and that’s what makes the work deeply engaging.
Among our most impactful ventures are Starlight Park, The Cube Residences, and most recently, Viera Residences. Viera, being our latest launch, truly embodies our core purpose at Zed Capital: offering strategy, value, and substance. It wasn’t just a sales effort — it involved deep market analysis, working with developers on data-informed decisions, and crafting a story that resonated. Everything aligned — from the product and people to timing — making it a major milestone that brought our collective vision into reality in a gratifying way.
You’ve alluded to Zed Capital potentially expanding into full-fledged development. Is that plan taking shape?
Yes, stepping into development is a natural progression for Zed Capital. After years of consulting on high-end projects in the region, we’re ready to channel that knowledge into something of our own. We’re currently in talks for what could be our first development project. Although we’re still in the early phases, our vision is well defined — develop with purpose, emphasize thoughtful design, and prioritize lasting value. It’s not about mass-producing properties. It’s about crafting distinctive spaces that reflect the same detail and excellence we’ve upheld from day one.
Who makes up your client base at Zed Capital, and how do you maintain such a strong and consistent brand identity?
Our clientele is incredibly diverse. It’s not solely about high-end properties — we’ve worked with everyone from newcomers buying their first home to families upgrading and experienced investors. The common factor is their desire for trustworthy guidance and a reliable team. A point of pride is the strong relationships we’ve built, with many clients returning again and again. We’ve helped clients grow — from purchasing their first apartment to later upgrading to more spacious homes. That kind of loyalty stems from genuine care, not just transactions.
Zed Capital stands out not only for market expertise but also for truly understanding what clients seek: lifestyle, opportunity, and transparency. We’ve developed a brand identity that speaks to those needs and keep that consistency across all our services. With Zed Living Holiday Homes, we also offer high-quality short-term rental properties, giving clients flexibility and comfort. Our mission is to be a trusted partner at every stage of the real estate journey.
What’s one lesson from your reality TV experience that surprisingly applies to real estate?
Reality TV sharpens your ability to listen, think on your feet, and read people — all essential skills in real estate. You learn to notice subtle cues in tone, expression, and silence, which often reveal the real message. This industry involves big personalities and critical decisions, so staying calm and agile is key. Those instincts have helped me close deals, manage expectations, and foster trust. It’s a unique training ground, but one that strengthens interpersonal and negotiation skills.
If Zed Capital could co-create a development with any designer or brand globally, who would it be?
If Zed Capital ever entered a co-development with a renowned brand or designer, the partnership wouldn’t just be about reputation. We’re not drawn to collaborations purely for recognition. Any venture we undertake would need to align in values, strengths, and vision. Though there are many iconic names out there, we’re guided by purpose and mutual fit.
When the time comes, we’ll collaborate with someone who understands and supports our long-term goals. We’ve invested years in refining what Zed Capital represents, and we take great pride in the name we’ve built. For that reason, we choose our partners carefully. Our ideal collaboration wouldn’t be based on fame, but on creating something that’s truly meaningful, enduring, and seamlessly represents the core of both brands — a union that is smart, intentional, and powerful.
