In this episode of In The ARENA, I’m joined by Lorenzo Jooris, the CEO of Creative Zone. 

Lorenzo shares his expertise in helping startups grow and flourish in Dubai, making this episode critical to those wanting to start their own business or grow their small business. 

Key Podcast Topics:

How to enter international markets

3 essentials for start-ups

How to set up a company in Dubai

Lorenzo’s biography:

Lorenzo Jooris has been a global nomad from his early days. Born and raised in Argentina, to Belgium/German parents, it didn’t take long for him to seek new business and professional horizons. Lorenzo brings more than 20 years of experience in sales, management, business consultancy and corporate leadership in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Latin America.

At the age of 25 he moved to the UK to start his career in the production of country branding campaigns and national advertising projects. In 2005 he went on to establish One World Communications, a full fledged multimedia powerhouse advising governments around the world in branding and communication strategies.

He later on established LEADERS Middle East magazine in the UAE, Envision Films and Eventus, when he thought it was time for him to spend more time at home and less traveling the world. LEADERS Middle East allowed him to curate events such as the Young Global Leader Summit and the Power Women of Arabia Debate.

Lorenzo joined Arton Capital in 2018 as their Vice President of Global Growth and Strategy where he oversaw the international expansion of the company in charge of sales, marketing and events worldwide.

Lorenzo is now the CEO of Creative Zone in Dubai, having joined in January 2020.

Podcast highlights:

00:00 Introduction

00:58 Lorenzo’s background

05:27 How to enter international markets

07:15 “I had complete burnout”09:39 Becoming the CEO of Creative Zone

15:25 The future of Saudi Arabia

23:21 The growth of business in Dubai

26:35 The high standards and leadership in Dubai

28:47 How Creative Zone helps startups

32:39 Sales funnels and creating community

35:40 The startup circle

38:24 How easy is it to start a company in Saudi?

42:00 How to set up a company in Dubai

44:27 The Golden Visa

51:40 The top 3 benefits of living in Dubai

54:10 Debunking: It’s expensive to live in Dubai

56:00 The safety in Dubai

58:08 Future plans for Lorenzo and Creative Zone

1:01:06 3 essentials for startups

1:06:36 Investing in startups 

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