Founder and President of Zed Capital Real Estate and a Netflix’s Dubai Bling star Zeina Khoury.
Zeina Khoury envisions a future where she can return home before her children’s bedtime—ideally at least 30 minutes earlier. This sentiment reflects where she stands in 2025. As a 41-year-old mother of two, the founder and President of Zed Capital Real Estate, a Netflix reality TV star from Dubai Bling, and the visionary behind fashion startup I Am The Company, her schedule is always packed.
“I used to worry excessively about my to-do lists, but now I realize there’s no point in stressing,” Khoury shares with a smile. “Whatever doesn’t get done today, I’ll complete tonight.” Late-night work sessions are common for her, beginning once she tucks her children into bed.
Her disciplined work ethic stems from her upbringing in a family that prioritized education and self-confidence. “Back in Lebanon, I took on several part-time jobs to fund my university education. I worked as a model, played basketball, and even hosted a radio show,” she recalls. “I never let an opportunity slip by.”
One such opportunity arose in 2006. “Due to political instability in Lebanon, many families had to send their children abroad for safety, and mine was no exception,” she explains. “Following my older brother to Dubai, I initially struggled to secure a real estate position, but when another prospect appeared, I seized it.”
Nearly two decades later, Khoury leads a thriving real estate agency with 48 employees, overseeing 12 completed and three ongoing projects. With over AED 3 billion in properties managed and AED 50 million in revenue growth in 2024 alone, Zed Capital has established itself as a dominant player in the industry. “If a client owns a plot or wants to break into real estate development in the UAE, we handle everything from market research to finalizing the product,” she explains. “We also assist with Dubai Land Department registrations, branding, pricing strategies, and sales through our in-house team and an extensive network of over 3,000 partner agencies.”
Among Zed Capital’s prominent partnerships are Amwaj Development and Vantage Ventures, with their most recent launch being Viera Residences in Dubai Production City. The company’s success is rooted in Khoury’s ability to identify opportunities during challenging times. “The most defining moments in my career have occurred during crises,” she says. “In 2008, when real estate sales stalled, I pivoted to financial collections. This experience built my reputation among developers, differentiating me from others in the industry. Now, Zed Capital not only specializes in sales and marketing but also operates as a full-scale developer, managing projects from inception to completion.”
In addition to real estate development, Zed Capital provides property management services, with its vacation rental arm, Zed Living, generating rental returns between 5% and 12% for its clients.
A key measure of Zed Capital’s success is its impressive 70%-80% client retention rate. “My success is reflected in repeat clients,” Khoury notes. “In real estate, longevity is key. I once had a client who purchased a small studio from me in 2007. Seven years later, he returned to invest in a AED 50 million villa. Watching clients build wealth through strategic real estate investments is incredibly rewarding. Some have expanded their portfolios from a couple of units to over 30-40 in just a decade.”
Khoury believes that success in Dubai’s competitive real estate market requires unwavering commitment. “Many people see real estate as a backup plan, but that approach doesn’t work,” she asserts. “It’s not just about showcasing luxury properties on camera. Integrity, consistency, and relentless effort are crucial. With 15,000 real estate agents competing in the market, you must constantly stay ahead.”
While Dubai’s booming real estate industry offers lucrative opportunities, Khoury acknowledges the challenges newcomers face. “Earning on commission means there’s no limit to your income,” she explains. “Currently, we’re negotiating a AED 1.1 billion plot deal—one commission from that can be life-changing. That said, I understand the struggle of starting out without a base salary. Real estate isn’t for everyone.”
Khoury also found unexpected opportunities amid adversity. “Whenever the world slows down, I accelerate,” she says. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, I pursued a master’s degree and built my social media presence.” This move proved strategic when she approached a producer with a pitch for a real estate reality show—only to find him casting for Dubai Bling. Joining the show was an easy decision. “It was produced by a top industry professional, spotlighted Dubai—a place I deeply love—and gave me a platform to share my journey.”
By 2025, Dubai Bling has aired its third season, garnering 2.4 million views and 18.6 million hours of watch time in its first week. Khoury has no regrets. “Reality TV can be risky—you might react in ways you later question—but the genuine connection with the audience is unparalleled,” she reflects. “Viewers resonate with you, not just a scripted character.”
Despite her growing fame, Khoury remains grounded in real estate. “Your most valuable asset in this industry is credibility,” she states. “The show has undoubtedly helped amplify my presence, fast-tracking the time I once spent introducing myself. However, while exposure can open doors, it doesn’t guarantee success. You still need to deliver.”
Khoury is no stranger to overcoming professional challenges. “The idea behind my fashion startup, I Am The Company, was born from a moment when my contributions weren’t recognized at work,” she shares. “Real estate companies thrive on the talent within them. I turned that lack of appreciation into a movement, which later became a brand.”
Her startup also serves a larger purpose. “A portion of the proceeds supports women’s education,” she notes. “It may not be my primary business, but I love its message. Seeing women confidently wearing our blazers while addressing audiences is inspiring.”
For Khoury, success is about seizing the right opportunities and boldly shaping the future—just as she has done time and time again.
