Spending a day with Dounia Fadi, the Managing Director of eXp Realty - an inspiring female in MENA real estate.
Asking Dounia about her career, life in Dubai and the launch of CityscapeWIRE.
Interviewer: Let’s get straight to it.
Interviewer: What gets you out of bed every morning?
Dounia: My kids and my passion for what I am doing.
Interviewer: One thing you do every morning.
Dounia: Coffee, every morning. No fail.
Interviewer: How do you start your day?
Dounia: With a great positive mindset and excitement for CityscapeWIRE.
Interviewer: What is your go to place for external meeting?
Dounia: I love many places in Dubai, but definitely DIFC is my number one.
Interviewer: What do you always have in your office bag?
Dounia: Notebook and a pen because I love taking notes.
Interviewer: What’s been taking up your days lately?
Dounia: My little one definitely and preparations for launching of the CityscapeWIRE and EXP Dubai coming soon.
Interviewer: What is number one thing that people can learn from you?
Dounia: That if I can do it, they can do it too.
Interviewer: What advice would you give to someone intimidated by the industry?
Dounia: Educate yourself and associate yourself with the right people to be able to succeed.
Interviewer: What was your first job?
Dounia: My first paid job was a consultant. Property consultants in the real estate.
Interviewer: Hey, what makes you happiest these days?
Dounia: Seeing my kids healthy and happy and succeeding in what I do. And my coffee!
Interviewer: What did you want to be growing up?
Dounia: Ah..wanted to become a pilot.
Interviewer: What advice would you give your 15-year-old self?
Dounia: Have fun because life gets serious in your 20s and 30s and God knows what happens after that.
Interviewer: What’s your favorite place to visit in the world?
Dounia: New York city. I love it.
Interviewer: Your must-see place in Dubai?
Dounia: When you come to Dubai you must visit old Dubai and specifically Al Bastakia.
Interviewer: Downtown or Marina?
Dounia: Marina
Interviewer: Your favorite landmark in Dubai?
Dounia: Museum of the Future.
Interviewer: And how would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Dounia: Hardworking, relentless and determined.
Interviewer: One thing you can’t live without?
Dounia: My kids. The only thing that matters in this life.
Interviewer: What do you have left on your bucket list?
Dounia: So many things, because having to run a business, take care of three kids and have a life it takes time to finish your bucket list.
Interviewer: If you had any superpower what it would be?
Dounia: Read minds, that will be great.
Interviewer: Tea or Coffee?
Dounia: Definitely coffee, no questions.
Interviewer: All-time favorite meal.
Dounia: Pepper clams from aprons and hammers specifically.
Interviewer: What ae you most excited about with CityscapeWIRE?
Dounia: Starting this initiative means a lot to me because having spent 18 years in this industry I think it’s about time we start giving back to the next wave of real estate female leaders.
