Dubai’s Contracting Industry: Strategies & Insights | Real Talk Dubai Podcast Ep.19

Dubai’s contracting industry is evolving rapidly, but leading a contracting business requires more than technical expertise. Every project comes with tight deadlines, cash flow pressures, and complex execution challenges. In this episode of Real Talk Dubai, Rafael Khanoyan, CEO of Al RYUM Group, sits down with host George Hojeige to share his journey from his first project to building a successful contracting company. Rafael reflects on key turning points in his career and the most difficult aspects of managing projects that clients rarely see. He also talks about misconceptions in contracting, the pressures of cashflow and deadlines, and shares insights into emerging trends in the industry. If you’re interested in construction, project management, or entrepreneurship in Dubai, this is an episode you should not miss. Guest: Rafael Khanoyan, CEO, Al RYUM Group Host: George Hojeige, Group CEO, Virtuzone, an Ascentium Company Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/93e... Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4uB0... Timestamps / Chapters 00:00 – Intro & Entrepreneurial Journey 04:45 – First Project & Early Lessons 08:40 – Career Turning Points 11:25 – Challenges No One Sees 18:35 – Common Misconceptions About Contractors 25:00 – Emerging Trends in Dubai Contracting 28:00 – Advice for Aspiring Contractors Connect and Next Steps • Learn more about business setup and growth in the UAE: virtuzone.com • Follow Real Talk Dubai for more conversations with founders and industry leaders shaping the UAE • Subscribe and hit the bell icon