The Steven Leckie Podcast

Ep 12: How to Transfer Money Safely to Buy Property in Dubai

In this episode of the Steven Leckie Podcast, I sit down with Sam Watts, Business Development Manager at GC Partners, one of the leading foreign exchange and payment solution firms helping clients move money securely and efficiently from around the world to Dubai.If you’re an international investor buying property in Dubai, understanding how to transfer funds safely, get better exchange rates, and avoid unnecessary delays can make a huge difference to your investment returns.Sam explains:- How GC Partners helps clients transfer funds from abroad to pay for off-plan and ready properties- Why GC’s process is faster, safer, and more cost-effective than traditional banks- The myths around moving large sums overseas- How to protect yourself from market fluctuations using forward contracts- And why setting up your account early is one of the smartest moves an investor can makeWhether you’re based in the UK, Europe, or anywhere overseas, this episode gives you a clear look at how professional currency management can help streamline your Dubai property investment journey. Key Moments: (01:00) – Meet Sam Watts and his background(02:27) – Inside GC Partners: Who they are and what they do(04:16) – The type of clients GC Partners typically works with(05:02) – How GC Partners supports Dubai property investors(06:52) – What makes GC different from traditional banks(08:49) – GC Partners vs online currency platforms(13:16) – Common myths about transferring money internationally(14:21) – Why compliance causes delays with traditional banks(15:40) – The importance of setting up your GC account early(17:33) – How GC Partners ensures faster, smoother transfers(20:44) – Step-by-step: Opening an account with GC Partners(22:00) – Example: Transferring money from the UK to a Dubai developer(23:45) – Understanding forward contracts and how they protect investors(26:00) – What drives currency exchange rate fluctuations(28:20) – How GC Partners earns and maintains transparency(31:06) – How safe is your money with GC Partners?(32:39) – Regulation and verification: GC’s full transparency promise(33:20) – How to negotiate your rate with GC Partners(34:05) – Tracking your transfer from start to finish(35:17) – How GC Partners has grown in Dubai’s booming market(37:14) – Are more funds flowing into Dubai than out?(39:43) – Why every overseas investor should have a GC Partners account If you need support in transferring money to Dubai and would like to get in touch with Sam, get in touch with me and I'll happily make an introduction: https://www.stevenleckie.com/connect-with-steven🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to the channel.📲 Follow me on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steven_leckie/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stevenleckie🌍 For business or consulting inquiries, visit: https://www.stevenleckie.com/

Ep 11: How Two Friends Built Careers in Dubai Real Estate

In this episode of The Steven Leckie Podcast, I sit down with someone I’ve known for over 20 years, my good friend, colleague, and fellow mentor in many ways, Paul Sharland, Off-Plan Director at haus & haus. Paul and I go way back. We’ve worked together, learned from each other, and been part of each other's journeys in Dubai real estate for years. So this isn’t just another interview, it’s a genuine conversation between two people who’ve seen the city, the industry, and each other evolve. We talk about how we first met, Paul’s early career (including a chapter in Marbella), and how he broke into Dubai real estate. Paul shares the story of his first deal, what’s changed over the years, and what he believes still matters most for success. We also dive into: - What it takes to be a great broker in Dubai - His advice to newcomers and those relocating to the city - Why he believes you need to truly love Dubai to sell it - His top picks for food spots in the city - And a few personal stories we’ve never shared publicly Whether you're in real estate, thinking of moving to Dubai, or just want a peek into the friendship and business journey of two guys who’ve grown together in this market, this one’s worth watching. Follow Paul 👉 https://www.instagram.com/paulsharland_investment/ 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to the channel. 📲 Follow Steven on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steven_leckie/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stevenleckie 🌍 For business or consulting inquiries, visit: https://www.stevenleckie.com/

Ep 10: Inside Dubai Real Estate with One of Its Most Experienced Leaders

In this episode of the Steven Leckie Podcast, I sit down with one of the most experienced real estate professionals in Dubai, Husni Al Bayari, founder of D&B Properties and Evolutions.Born in Palestine and raised in the UAE since he was just 35 days old, Husni is a true Dubai success story. From working with Emaar to founding one of the city's leading agencies, his story is packed with wisdom, insight, and genuine love for the UAE. We talk about growing up in Dubai, how he accidentally stumbled into real estate, what it was like working with Emaar exclusively, and how he scaled D&B into a powerhouse agency. Husni also opens up about Evolutions, his new venture that acts as a developer incubator. Also in this episode: - What makes Dubai unique - Why the city naturally filters out those chasing “a quick buck” - How to build a lasting real estate career in Dubai - Husni's advice for new agents entering the market - The future of Dubai and why Husni is more excited than ever If you’re serious about understanding Dubai real estate from someone who’s lived and built through every stage of it, this episode is for you. Follow Husni 👉 https://www.instagram.com/hbayari/ 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to the channel. 📲 Follow Steven on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steven_leckie/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stevenleckie 🌍 For business or consulting inquiries, visit: https://www.stevenleckie.com/ #DubaiRealEstate #RealEstateLeadership #DubaiPropertyMarket #EntrepreneurshipDubai

Ep 9: NYC to Dubai: Yasmine Benchakroun's Journey to Real Estate Success

In this episode, I sit down with Yasmine Benchakroun, founder of HBY Properties, to unpack her journey from New York to building a real estate agency in Dubai.We talk about everything from her first business venture (a sushi startup that didn’t quite work out) to how she found her place in the Dubai property market, built a successful agency, and what she believes is next for investors in the region. Yasmine also shares her thoughts on Saudi Arabia’s rising real estate scene, the ups and downs of the Dubai market, and exactly how she would invest AED 1 million, 5 million, or even 10 million in Dubai property today. If you’re thinking of moving to Dubai, starting a business here, or investing in real estate, this conversation will give you a real inside look, from someone who’s lived it. (00:00) – Introduction (01:04) – Meet Yasmine Benchakroun: Her Journey from New York to Dubai (05:17) – Starting a Business in Dubai: Yasmine’s Experience (05:42) – Lessons from a Business That Didn’t Work Out (06:36) – How Yasmine Got Started in Dubai Real Estate (09:58) – Why Yasmine Decided to Launch Her Own Real Estate Agency (12:39) – What HBY Properties Focuses On Today (15:25) – Yasmine’s Advice for Anyone Moving to Dubai (19:40) – The Highs and Lows of Dubai’s Real Estate Market (23:40) – What’s Happening in Saudi Arabia’s Real Estate Market (28:39) – Who Yasmine Works With: Her Key Clients Explained (30:44) – Yasmine’s Outlook on the Future of Dubai Real Estate (32:23) – Steven’s Thoughts on Dubai’s Real Estate Future (37:09) – How Yasmine Would Invest AED 1 Million in Dubai Property (37:38) – Where Yasmine Would Invest AED 5 Million in Dubai Property (38:22) – How Yasmine Would Invest AED 10 Million in Dubai Property (40:22) – Yasmine’s Personal Vision for Dubai’s Future Follow Yasmine 👉 https://www.instagram.com/yasmine_benchakroun/ 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to the channel. 📲 Follow Steven on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steven_leckie/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stevenleckie 🌍 For business or consulting inquiries, visit: https://www.stevenleckie.com/

Ep 8: Golden Visas, Business Setup & the Future of Dubai | Ft The License Doctor Ali Hashim

In this episode of the Steven Leckie Podcast, I sit down with Ali Hashim, a trusted expert in company setup, visas, golden visas, and Dubai market entry. We dive into the realities of setting up a business in the UAE, visa options and requirements, and the link between property investment and residency. Ali also helps clear up some common myths around UAE visas, including the golden visa and investor visas. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to expand into Dubai, an investor considering your options, or someone curious about what the future holds for this city, this episode is packed with useful insight.We also explore Ali’s views on what’s next for Dubai, the shifting regulatory environment, and what investors and founders should prepare for moving forward. (00:00) – Introduction (00:50) – Meet Ali Hashim: Company Setup & Visa Expert (03:18) – How Dubai’s Company Setup & Visa Scene Has Evolved Over the Past 10 Years (05:48) – Why the UAE Government Will Work 24 Hours for Businesses and Residents (08:08) – Who’s Moving to Dubai Now? The Shift in Business Owners & Visa Applicants (10:15) – How Ali Helps People Set Up Their Business & Get Visas in Dubai (11:40) – What You Need to Start a Business in Dubai (13:45) – How Long Does It Actually Take to Register a Business in Dubai? (14:54) – Common Myths About Setting Up Companies in Dubai (And The Truth) (20:15) – Is Your UAE Residency Really Safe? Here’s What to Know (23:28) – The 3 Main Visa Options Available in Dubai Right Now (27:08) – How Dubai’s Retirement Visa Works (And Who Qualifies) (29:52) – What Happens to Your Golden Visa If You Sell Your Property? (30:53) – Can You Get a Golden Visa with Any Property Investment? (32:45) – Ali’s Advice: Best Investment Options If You Have AED 1-3 Million (35:44) – Can You Qualify for a Golden Visa If Your Property Increases in Value Over AED 2M? (37:07) – How Dubai Has Changed Over the Past 30 Years (Ali’s Perspective) (41:58) – What Excites Ali About Dubai’s Future & What’s Coming Next 🔔 Subscribe for more episodes that break down real estate, investment, and doing business in Dubai. 📩 Want to connect with Ali directly? 👉 bd@licensedoctor.ae 🌍 https://licensedoctor.ae 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to the channel. 📲 Follow Steven on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steven_leckie/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stevenleckie 🌍 For business or consulting inquiries, visit: https://www.stevenleckie.com/