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Starting up with Virtuzone
The Agenda’s Tom Urquhart and our partners at Virtuzone discuss the big issues affecting startups and SME’s in the region. Hear everything you need to know about starting your own business from getting a license to growing your company. Highlights include interviews with entrepreneurs and experts, covering topics including e-commerce, leadership and how to get investors for your business.
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Episodes
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How I turned my failure to fuel for success
Friday, 20 June 2025
Three brave entrepreneurs share their failure stories, and how they turned things around to achieve success. Dan Bolton, Founder, Be Creative Kane Andrews, Founder, The Rock Star Group Nithin Mathew Thombil, Founder, Wheels AHOY and AHOY ModzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Build local, go global: how to expand outside the UAE
Friday, 13 June 2025
With snacks across 65 markets, UAE snack brand Hunter Foods is making waves across the world. The secret? Understanding the market and innovating flavours, according to Founder and Managing Director Ananya Narayan. And what if the brand was YOU? Seif El Hakim, author, speaker and entrepreneur and Founder of The Alpha Movement, tells us how he was able to build a personal brand that the world can resonate with. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Why beauty and e-commerce are the perfect combination
Friday, 30 May 2025
Just how big is the online beauty industry in the UAE? What are the opportunities for small business owners? noon Beauty VP Ritika Jain tells us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Build your online store from scratch
Friday, 30 May 2025
Experts Kian Golzari and Nas Mansurali tell us how to source and sell products online, and build a brand people won't forget.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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What are your company's non-negotiables?
Friday, 23 May 2025
Our panelists share how company values are formed, and why we need them to make difficult decisions. David Ribott, Managing Partner at Ribott Partners Christian Moufarrej, Founder and Managing Partner, Pet's KitchenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Shuja Jashanmal: What I learned from the shop floor
Friday, 23 May 2025
Shuja Jashanmal, Group CEO of the Jashanmal National Company, tells Tom and George why starting as a salesman made him the business leader he is today. His son Seth also shares his aspirations for the family business as he prepares to start his career journey. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Entrepreneurs share their burnout-to -breakthrough stories
Friday, 16 May 2025
These successful empire builders managed to turn a burnout moment into a business breakthrough:Vadim Fedotov, CEO and Co-Founder of BioniqEmma Burdett, CEO and Founder of WILD: Women in Leadership Deliver & WILD TalentMaria Pavani, Founder of Tres Marias CoffeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Keeping customers happy and loyal
Friday, 9 May 2025
Tom and Neil discuss the good, the bad and the ugly of dealing with clients and customers. They're joined by: Vishal Menon, founder of Fireflies ME, Charles Dersahakian, Managing Partner at CVML Riyaz Sutterwala, CEO and founder of View Emirates Sports ClubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Finding your business tribe
Friday, 2 May 2025
Tom and Neil explore the power of belonging in a community with those who have built thriving and solid ones. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Cash flow challenges in business
Friday, 25 April 2025
Does your business struggle with cash flow? Cash flow is the number one challenge for small businesses. So what's the solution? Tom and Neil unpack this topic with entrepreneur and finance expert Roota Mittal, We Do Events Founder Reham Damanhouri and Chief Growth Officer Waleed Zouki. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Moving your business to the UAE
Friday, 18 April 2025
Tom and Neil discuss the truths and takeaways of moving your business to the UAE. They're joined by guests: Salman Moghimi, CEO of Peyk - attended school in the UAE, started his delivery business in the UK, and now in the UAE, manufacturing multi-purpose robots! Katy Holmes, CEO of British Chamber of Commerce ... supporting a growing number of UK businesses entering the UAE Mousa Azar, CEO of HAWES, a home automation technology company that relocated from Lebanon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Are you just a boss, or a true leader?
Friday, 11 April 2025
Tom and Neil discuss the qualities of a great leadership, especially in this day and age when workplace hierarchy is seeing a massive shift. They're joined by special guests: James Michael Lafferty, Former CEO of Fine Holdings, Coca Cola and P&G. Olympic coach and trainer. Dr. Corrie Block, Executive Coach and Author of Chief Executive Coach Catherine Jeha, Head of Training, ProClipse Consulting See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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The Psychology of Selling: Pitch, Persuade, Close
Friday, 4 April 2025
From real estate to soft skills, our guests break down what it takes to sell—especially when it’s hard. Plus, the one line they swear by when closing a deal!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Finding the Right Business Partner
Friday, 28 March 2025
The right business partner can help you scale faster, push further, and actually enjoy the ride. But the wrong one? That could be the most expensive mistake of your life. Tom Urquhart and Virtuzone MD Paul Bryson dive into the dynamics of business partnerships with three founders who’ve lived it: Vardhan Kapoor, Co-founder & CEO of Firstwork, Charbel Hachem, CEO of Dayf Homes, and Houda Naji, Founder of JST Ventures.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Can a viral moment lead to business success?
Friday, 21 March 2025
The viral Dubai chocolate has led to worldwide success and soaring sales. We discuss the power of virality with social media experts Anand Raman, Amani Khan and Dhruv Maniar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Is solopreneurship for you?
Friday, 14 March 2025
Solopreneurship is on the rise in the UAE and it's often glorified as the ultimate freedom—owning your time, making all the decisions, and reaping the full rewards of your work. But is it the best path for everyone, especially when a business has the potential to grow beyond what one person can manage? Tom and Paul unpack the pros and cons of running a business on your own with our special guests: Lara Gedeah, Founder of Cameo Comms Hiam Salibi, Founder of Producer, Thirteen01 Productions Desma D’Souza, Managing Partner, S&K HR ConsultingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Are we really empowering women in business?
Friday, 7 March 2025
Tom and Neil gain some powerful insight from fintech leader Amnah Ajmal and Female Fusion founder Jen Blandos.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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"Nice car bro. What do you do for a living?"
Thursday, 13 June 2024
Ayman Al Yaman's viral videos have been viewed one billion times. Together with his big brother Ghazy, they tell Tom and George how they turned their social media fame into a money making machine. Plus, Olly Collis left his cushy job in the UK to move to Dubai and start his own content creation company, Sub60. He tells his story. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Hyperspace changes the entertainment and retail scene with digital-themed parks
Thursday, 6 June 2024
Alexander Heller, CEO and Founder of Hyperspace, tells us how he built Hyperspace venues Aya Universe and House of Hype, and why Dubai was the perfect place to start his venture. Plus, Laundryheap boss Deyan Dimitrov tells us how his team can pick up, wash and return your clothes in 24 hours or less. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Dragon's Den Tej Lalvani on his pet peeves when investing
Thursday, 30 May 2024
Tej Lalvani grew Vitabiotics into a £400 million business. He shares some advice on what to look out for - and what to avoid - when investing in a business. Plus, FIFA sports agent Saif Rubie tells us how he deals with the ups and downs of the industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Does your business need robots?
Thursday, 23 May 2024
Fadi Amoudi of IQ Robotics tells us how to use automation to grow your business. Plus, Kushal and Sagar of Publish tell us how to craft the perfect Founder's story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Mum-preneur: The juggle is real
Thursday, 9 May 2024
MUMpreneur: Does the term empower - or patronise - mothers who run their own businesses? We get the thoughts of investor, entrepreneur and mum of four Kelly Marie Hodgkin. Plus, what should your website look like? Monish Chandiramani, Founder and CEO of Yeepeey, offers some advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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From cash flow woes to business success
Thursday, 2 May 2024
Mermaids of Arabia founder Josephine Adams told Tom and Neil about how she hit rock bottom, and why she kept going. We also discussed a movement that allows small businesses to exchange resources in the wake of the floods with Rana Hijarasouli, founder of The Surpluss. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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From cabin crew to design and furniture business owner
Thursday, 25 April 2024
The Design House CEO Sharon O' Keefe tells us how she started his design and furniture business while working as cabin crew in Dubai. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Why a beauty business owner values education and personal development
Thursday, 18 April 2024
Mariela Marcantetti started hair removal business Furless Permanent in 2016 and has since been educating aspiring beauty technicians. Meanwhile Renata Messarra of Reborn Consultancy gives us tips on how to promote your own business without spending a fortune on ads.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Gaming in the Middle East
Thursday, 4 April 2024
As game developers from overseas flock to the Middle East to explore the market, we meet one who's coming from Spain- Manel Sort, CEO and Founder of Games For A Living. We also discuss diversity and inclusion with Farrah Qureshi, CEO of Global Diversity Practice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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What's your take on the buy-now-pay-later model?
Thursday, 28 March 2024
Meet the man behind Tabby, co-founder Hosam Arab, who tells us why e-commerce has brought him so much success.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Do you have a wealth planning strategy?
Thursday, 21 March 2024
21 March 2024: We asked the team of experts at Cone Marshall about how to pass on your wealth to the next generation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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In conversation with Dr. Jamil Ahmed, Founder and MD of PRIME Healthcare Group
Thursday, 14 March 2024
14 March 2024: Tom and Neil find out how Dr. Jamil Ahmed, Founder and MD of PRIME Healthcare Group, started his hospital empire. Plus, familiarize yourself with all the SME laws with Jennifer Arkhurst, Founder and Executive Director of Arkhurst and Abdella Solicitors. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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How are we supporting female business owners?
Thursday, 7 March 2024
07 March 2024: Lack of funding and worklife balance are only some of the challenges See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Hear the highlights from the week gone by on Dubai Eye 103.8. Listen again to the best interviews, advice and the top stories that has gripped our conversation this week.
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BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST
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UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to the USAUAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to the US to boost economic and technology ties including AI.
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New iPhone Launch - Too Soon For Apple?Apple Inc. shares fell Monday after a closely followed analyst warned that demand for the firm’s new iPhone 16 Pro model has been lower than expected. Is this a sign that the AI software just isn’t ready?
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Working From Home or Hardly Working?Does working from home kill productivity or can it benefit staff by giving them more flexibility and a better work/life balance?
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Noon's First Female Delivery DriverGlory Ehirim Nkiruka is Noon’s first ever female delivery driver. In her first ever interview, she explained why she loves her job, despite the heat!
