100 Real Estate Agents: Zeina Khalil Khoury, Founder and CEO, Zed Capital Real Estate

Zeina Khalil Khoury is the founder and CEO of Zed Capital Real Estate, a Dubai-based real estate advisory, development, sales, and property management company that provides end-to-end solutions for developers, investors, and property owners across the UAE. With nearly two decades of experience in the country’s real estate sector, Khoury has built a career spanning brokerage, luxury real estate sales, development consultancy, developer operations, investment advisory, and portfolio management.

She leads Zed Capital as a multidisciplinary platform supporting clients throughout the development lifecycle, from land acquisition and market research to project positioning, regulatory approvals, branding, sales strategy, and property management.

Originally from Lebanon, Khoury relocated to Dubai in 2006. After entering the UAE’s rapidly expanding property market, she began building her career during one of its most transformative periods. A defining milestone came during the global financial crisis of 2008, when she transitioned from property sales into collections and developer operations. The move provided her with firsthand experience of the financial, operational, and regulatory aspects of real estate development, shaping the developer-focused advisory model that would later define Zed Capital.

Before establishing her own company, Khoury built an extensive track record in Dubai’s luxury real estate market, contributing to landmark developments including Palazzo Versace Dubai and D1 Tower. During this period, she trained executive teams, managed high-value sales operations, and contributed to transactions exceeding AED3 billion, working closely with developers, institutional investors, and high-net-worth individuals. These experiences enabled her to develop expertise across development, marketing, sales, and investment strategy while building long-standing relationships throughout the UAE’s real estate ecosystem.

Khoury founded Zed Capital Real Estate to provide developers with a comprehensive partner extending beyond traditional brokerage services. Under her leadership, the company has grown into a full-service real estate platform employing nearly 50 professionals. To date, Zed Capital has completed 12 projects, manages three active developments, and has overseen and developed more than AED3 billion worth of property. In 2024, the company achieved AED50 million in revenue growth, reflecting its continued expansion and growing presence within Dubai’s property market.

The company’s portfolio includes collaborations with developers such as Amwaj Development and Vantage Ventures, including the successful launch of Viera Residences in Dubai Production City. Alongside development consultancy and sales, Zed Capital provides developer operations, investment advisory, and property management services. Its hospitality division, Zed Living, specializes in holiday home management and delivers reported rental returns of between 5% and 12% for listed properties.

A defining feature of Khoury’s leadership is her emphasis on long-term client relationships. Zed Capital reports a client retention rate of approximately 70% to 80%, reflecting its focus on helping investors grow and diversify their portfolios over time. Throughout her career, she has advised clients as they expanded from single-property investments into multi-unit portfolios, reinforcing her reputation as a long-term strategic advisor.

Alongside her professional achievements, Khoury has continued investing in executive education and leadership development. She completed executive education at London Business School and pursued a master’s degree during the COVID-19 pandemic while further strengthening her presence as a real estate thought leader.

Khoury’s profile gained international recognition through her appearance on Netflix’s Dubai Bling, where she became one of the series’ leading business personalities. While the program introduced her to a global audience, she has consistently emphasized that credibility, market expertise, and client trust remain the foundations of long-term success in real estate.

Beyond real estate, Khoury is the founder of I Am The Company, a fashion brand promoting female confidence and leadership, with part of its proceeds supporting women’s education initiatives. She is also an advocate for greater female representation in business leadership, regularly speaking about entrepreneurship, resilience, and creating opportunities for women across industries.

Today, Khoury continues to expand Zed Capital’s advisory, development, and investment capabilities while leveraging nearly two decades of industry experience to support developers, investors, and property owners. Her career reflects a combination of operational expertise, entrepreneurial leadership, and long-term market knowledge that has established her as one of the UAE’s leading real estate entrepreneurs.