Latest news with #Moiz
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
From housewife to CEO: She wanted to show her daughter that 'we can balance everything'
In a city that celebrates luxury like no other, where the skyline sparkles with gold and ambition, Anita Surani could have easily slipped into the comfortable life of a Dubai socialite . A sprawling Palm Jumeirah mansion, a pink G-Wagon for her teenage daughter, 24-karat gold ceilings overhead — everything was set for a life of glittering ease. But Anita had other plans. She wasn't content being a passive participant in privilege. Instead, she turned her designer heels toward entrepreneurship and built a boutique design firm from scratch — all in the name of showing her daughter that ambition and balance can coexist. A Life of Gold, Grit, and Guts According to a report from the Gulf News , Anita's story is one of contrasts, of abundance and effort, of sparkle and sweat. Born into a modest middle-class family, she worked her way through college in the U.S., juggling part-time jobs at a convenience store and a jewellery counter. It was during this phase of hustle that she met Moiz Khoja , the man who would become her partner in both business and life. Moiz, like Anita, came from humble beginnings. He once cleaned restaurant floors and later built a tech retail empire from a small cell phone kiosk in an American mall. Together, the duo created a flourishing business with over 100 retail stores — Moiz managing the tech frontier, while Anita slowly carved her niche in interior design by working on their real estate projects. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track default , selected Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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TheFactualist Undo From Family Projects to a Full-Fledged Firm Armed with a design degree and a growing sense of confidence, Anita co-founded Zena Interiors — a name that reflects her deepest motivation: her daughter. What began as a two-person setup has since grown into a thriving team of over 40, including architects, engineers, designers, and creatives. The firm's client list now includes luxury villas, restaurants, and stylish offices across Dubai. But the road was anything but smooth. Dubai's design scene is fiercely competitive, and American credentials didn't always impress local clients. 'People wanted someone who understood the regional aesthetic,' Anita recalls. 'So we started with smaller jobs — offices, apartments — just to get the ball rolling.' Eventually, her team's meticulous craftsmanship and design sensibility began to attract bigger projects and a loyal clientele. Zena: The Muse Behind the Mission For all the hustle and glitz, the real heart of Anita's journey lies in motherhood. Her daughter Zena isn't just her pride — she's her purpose. 'I wanted to show my daughter that we can balance everything,' Anita says. 'That women can build something of their own and still be present at home. That's why I named the company after her — Zena.' It's more than just a name. It's a philosophy. Anita wants her daughter — and other young women — to grow up seeing that ambition isn't at odds with femininity or family. That designer bags and business plans can go hand in hand. That high heels and higher goals aren't mutually exclusive. The Dubai Bling with a Business Brain Anita may embody the high-maintenance Dubai aesthetic — gold ceilings, curated opulence, and a wardrobe to rival a fashion week runway — but she's also a fierce businesswoman. When she launched her firm, her first instinct was to create a lavish office space, only to be firmly reminded by Moiz to get her priorities straight. 'He told me, 'First pay off that office. Then make sure the employees are paid — from your pocket, not ours,'' Anita laughs. It's this balance of style and substance, aesthetics and accountability, that has helped her business flourish. Yes, she's a self-proclaimed shopaholic who adores The Dubai Mall and jokes about her credit card bills. But the thrill of spending her own money — earned through her creativity, grit, and business acumen — hits different. 'I enjoy money,' she says candidly. 'But I enjoy it more when it's mine.'
NDTV
26-05-2025
- Business
- NDTV
"Could've Just Shopped": How A Dubai Housewife-Turned-CEO Built A Business Empire
Anita Surani seemed destined for the quintessential Dubai housewife life: a Palm Jumeirah mansion, a pink G-Wagon for her teenage daughter, and 24-karat gold-gilded ceilings. However, instead of indulging in luxury, she leveraged her privileged life to build a design company from the ground up, staffed predominantly by women. Today, Anita leads a boutique design firm named after her daughter, a venture fueled by determination, style, and a nudge from her husband, Moiz Khoja. "I have a lot of money. I could've just shopped. But I didn't. And I continued," she told Gulf News. Journey to Success Anita's journey to success wasn't always glamorous. Born into a middle-class family, she worked hard to fund her education in the US, juggling part-time jobs at a convenience store and a jewellery store. It was during this time that she met her future husband and business partner, Moiz. Interestingly, Moiz also came from humble beginnings, having once cleaned restaurant floors before building a successful tech store empire. "We were partners, friends, and then a couple," she says. Anita and Moiz's entrepreneurial journey began with a small cell phone kiosk in an American mall, which eventually grew into a retail empire with over 100 stores. While Moiz oversaw the retail business, Anita pursued her passion for interior design, honing her skills by working on their real estate projects. Feeling confident in her abilities, she partnered with a seasoned colleague and launched Xena Interiors in Dubai, leveraging her degree and experience to build a successful business. From two people to a team of 40 Anita's design company has experienced rapid growth, expanding from a two-person team to over 40 employees, including engineers, architects, graphic designers, and interior designers. With ambitious plans for further expansion, Anita is driving her business forward. However, establishing herself in Dubai presented its own set of challenges. "Dubai is very competitive. People want a local experience. So the experience from the US didn't count much at first. We had to start small — doing up offices and apartments, just to get the word out. Eventually, we landed villas and restaurants," she said. Her Inspiration For Anita, the real driving force behind her success is her daughter, Zena. She wants to show Zena that it's possible to balance life and achieve her goals. "I wanted to show my daughter that we can balance everything. That we can achieve whatever we want. That's why I named the company after her — Zena." High-maintenance Persona Anita embodies the Dubai Bling aesthetic, embracing her high-maintenance persona with pride. Her home is a lavish masterpiece, complete with 24-karat gold ceilings and curated opulence. However, she's also a shrewd businesswoman who prioritised creating a beautiful office space, only to be reminded by her husband to focus on financial responsibility. "One thing about me — I made the office nice too. That was my first task. But my husband told me, first, you pay off that office. Then you make sure the employees are paid from your pocket, not from our joint account," she noted. Anita has a straightforward relationship with money: she enjoys it, works hard for it, and isn't afraid to splurge. A self-proclaimed shopaholic, she loves The Dubai Mall and often jokes about her credit card bills with her husband. However, she finds greater satisfaction in spending her own hard-earned money, rather than just relying on her husband's wealth.
Zawya
29-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Symbolic delivers maiden project ahead of schedule in Dubai
UAE - Symbolic Developments, a boutique and innovative real estate developer by the distinguished Speedex Group, has announced early completion and handover of its inaugural project, Symbolic Alpha in Dubai. Delivered in just 14 months — well ahead of schedule from June 2025 - this milestone emphasises the company's commitment to efficiency, innovation, and premium quality in real estate development, it said. The AED150 million ($40.84 million), Symbolic Alpha comprises 97 fully furnished, upscale apartments that blend modern living, sustainability, and comfort. Located in Liwan, Dubai and offering exclusively crafted 1 BHK and 2.5 BHK, the project has garnered overwhelming demand, attracting a diverse mix of UAE residents and international buyers, with a majority being families and end-users seeking high-quality, spacious homes. The development features Vaastu-compliant layouts, smart home technology, and premium finishes enhancing residents' lifestyles. "Completing our inaugural project, Symbolic Alpha, ahead of schedule marks a significant milestone for us. Transforming an idea into reality within just 14 months showcases our dedication to excellence, precise execution, and customer satisfaction. This achievement sets a strong foundation for future endeavors as we continue to develop high-quality residential spaces in Dubai's strategic locations, emphasizing sustainability, community living, and smart home features," said Murtaza Moiz, Vice Chairman of Symbolic Developments and Speedex Group. "Following the early completion and handover of our maiden project in Liwan, our second venture, Symbolic Aura, is already sold out, with construction underway and on track for an early handover, reinforcing our reputation as a trusted developer delivering premium residential experiences in sought-after locations," Moiz said. "Symbolic Alpha is more than just a real estate project—it marks the beginning of our journey to redefine premium sustainable living in Dubai. Every detail, from its architecture to its amenities, has been designed to enhance residents' lifestyles. The overwhelming response from buyers confirms that homeowners in Dubai seek thoughtfully designed, high-quality residences that offer both functionality and long-term value," said Karan Arora, Head of Sales and Marketing at Symbolic Developments. Symbolic Alpha offers a temperature-controlled swimming pool, state-of-the-art fitness centre, jogging track & yoga garden, EV charging stations, energy-efficient features for a sustainable lifestyle and many other features. Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Trade Arabia
28-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Symbolic delivers maiden project ahead of schedule
Symbolic Developments, a boutique and innovative real estate developer by the distinguished Speedex Group, has announced early completion and handover of its inaugural project, Symbolic Alpha in Dubai. Delivered in just 14 months — well ahead of schedule from June 2025 - this milestone emphasises the company's commitment to efficiency, innovation, and premium quality in real estate development, it said. The AED150 million ($40.84 million), Symbolic Alpha comprises 97 fully furnished, upscale apartments that blend modern living, sustainability, and comfort. Located in Liwan, Dubai and offering exclusively crafted 1 BHK and 2.5 BHK, the project has garnered overwhelming demand, attracting a diverse mix of UAE residents and international buyers, with a majority being families and end-users seeking high-quality, spacious homes. The development features Vaastu-compliant layouts, smart home technology, and premium finishes enhancing residents' lifestyles. "Completing our inaugural project, Symbolic Alpha, ahead of schedule marks a significant milestone for us. Transforming an idea into reality within just 14 months showcases our dedication to excellence, precise execution, and customer satisfaction. This achievement sets a strong foundation for future endeavors as we continue to develop high-quality residential spaces in Dubai's strategic locations, emphasizing sustainability, community living, and smart home features," said Murtaza Moiz, Vice Chairman of Symbolic Developments and Speedex Group. "Following the early completion and handover of our maiden project in Liwan, our second venture, Symbolic Aura, is already sold out, with construction underway and on track for an early handover, reinforcing our reputation as a trusted developer delivering premium residential experiences in sought-after locations," Moiz said. "Symbolic Alpha is more than just a real estate project—it marks the beginning of our journey to redefine premium sustainable living in Dubai. Every detail, from its architecture to its amenities, has been designed to enhance residents' lifestyles. The overwhelming response from buyers confirms that homeowners in Dubai seek thoughtfully designed, high-quality residences that offer both functionality and long-term value," said Karan Arora, Head of Sales and Marketing at Symbolic Developments.
Express Tribune
16-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
The Ramazan shopping shift
As the holy month of Ramazan arrives and progresses, the energy of the people begins to wane. Fasting from dawn till dusk, the thought of venturing out into crowded markets to shop for essentials and Eid preparations can be daunting. The sweltering heat, the throngs of people, and the exhaustion of fasting – it's a combination that can leave even the most enthusiastic shoppers feeling drained. As the days go by, the usual excitement and fervor of Ramazan shopping give way to fatigue and frustration. Narrow streets and bustling bazaars, once filled with the joyful sounds of chatter and laughter, become overwhelming and exhausting. The prospect of haggling over prices, searching for parking, and navigating through crowded alleys loses its appeal. So, what's the alternative? For many, the solution lies in the palm of their hand – or rather, in their mobile phone or computer. With just a few taps or clicks, they can browse through virtual aisles, shop for groceries, lifestyle products, electronics, gifts, and more, all from the comfort of their own homes. No need to worry about the heat, the crowds, or the exhaustion – online shopping becomes the savior of the season. But what does this shift in behaviour reveal about the changing patterns of consumer spending during Ramazan? Are there other factors at play that influence how people shop during this sacred month? And how are businesses adapting to these changes to stay ahead of the curve? As we delve into the world of Ramazan shopping, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary month – and that the ways in which people shop are changing in profound ways. Shopping for spirit Ramazan is a month of spiritual reflection, fasting, and family gatherings, but it also brings significant shifts in consumer behaviour. As households prepare for the holy month and the upcoming Eid festivities, their shopping patterns undergo a notable transformation. According to Moiz Siddiqui, Director Commercial at Daraz Pakistan, " Our platform sees a significant shift in shopping behaviours and we adapt our strategies to cater to these evolving needs." This shift is particularly pronounced in the days leading up to Ramazan, as households focus on stocking up on essential groceries. "Households focus on stocking up on essential groceries—cooking oils, grains, lentils, and dates—critical staples for suhoor and iftar meals," Moiz explains. This phase marks a peak for the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, with consumers seeking to purchase groceries in bulk. Now many individuals and families in Pakistan not only focus on their own spiritual growth and self-reflection but also seek ways to give back to their communities. With the spirit of generosity and kindness that defines this blessed month, many people strive to extend their support to those in need. In response to this demand, e-commerce offer special ration packs and bundled deals, making bulk buying more accessible while encouraging community giving. "Consumers are not just buying for themselves; they're also looking for ways to contribute to their communities. Our Ramazan bundles are designed to serve both purposes—offering convenience and promoting the spirit of giving," shared Moiz. The pre-Ramazan phase is not just about staples, however. Inspired by social media trends and the desire to experiment with new recipes, many shoppers seek unique ingredients, even in non-metro areas where diverse options might be limited. Moiz highlights the role of e-commerce platforms in bridging this gap and giving the people in remote areas to buy latest trending items. "We aim to bridge this gap by offering an extensive range of products with reliable delivery services; while also ensuring that even those in remote regions can access quality goods." As Ramazan progresses, consumer focus shifts from grocery stocking to lifestyle and home purchases in preparation for Eid. Electronics see a noticeable change in sales patterns, with air conditioners and refrigerators spiking in demand before Ramazan. This trend is linked to the summer heat and visits from family members abroad for the month. Moiz further shared that television and audio products remain consistently popular during Ramazan, as families gather for religious programming and communal entertainment. Products like tablets also help people with religious activities such as reading the Quran or listening to tilawat. To cater this demand, online platforms strategically offers deals on electronics, catering to families seeking affordable options to enhance their Ramazan evenings. The shift in buying patterns is not limited to electronics. As Moiz informed, "This period also marks the beginning of the shift towards fashion and gifting. While mobile accessories dominate pre-Ramazan sales, they gradually give way to women's fashion, home decor, and gift items. Our platform notes an increase in sales for its fashion category from the start of Ramazan leading all the way up to Eid.' As the holy month unfolds, businesses must adapt to these changing patterns to stay ahead of the curve. By understanding the evolving needs of consumers, e-commerce platforms like Daraz Pakistan can offer tailored solutions, enhancing the overall shopping experience and capitalising on the unique opportunities presented by Ramazan. As the working and school times change during Ramazan, this also had a significant impact on the buying pattern. Moiz explains saying that, Ramazan's unique daily rhythm significantly influences shopping habits. 'Similar to general shopping trends, our platform during daylight hours, when people are fasting and focused on work or business commitments, tends to show slower activity. As the day winds down and Iftar approaches, there's a notable shift—while many head to physical markets in the evening, the post-Iftar hours also see a surge in online shopping. With limited hours for personal errands during the day and the physical toll of fasting, many consumers prefer the convenience of browsing and purchasing from the comfort of their homes after breaking their fast,' he explained 'Post-Iftar and post-Taraweeh are our busiest times. Shoppers are more active in the evenings, browsing and buying from the comfort of their homes, avoiding crowded markets,' shared Moiz. This shift is particularly beneficial for e-commerce platforms. In the last 15 days of Ramazan, shopping intensifies as consumers focus on Eid preparations, leading to a spike in fashion, beauty, and home décor sales. Clothing sees the highest demand, with shoppers seeking both traditional and modern Eid outfits, while footwear, jewellery, and beauty products also experience significant growth. 'Eid is one of the most celebrated occasions in Pakistan, and consumers invest time and money in finding the perfect outfits and gifts. We've curated special Eid collections and offered exclusive deals to make festive shopping easier for our users,' noted Moiz. Home decor also gains prominence in the final stretch of Ramazan. Families invest in festive tableware, decorative lights, and home essentials to create a welcoming environment for Eid celebrations. Religious items such as prayer mats and Islamic books remain in demand, reflecting the month's spiritual core. 'Ramazan is a dynamic shopping period. Understanding the evolving needs of consumers, which we have learnt over the years through studying our data closely, allows us to tailor our offerings and create a seamless shopping experience,' the Daraz Pakistan spokesperson emphasized. Moiz stressed how throughout Ramazan, a clear shift towards digital platforms emerges. Consumers increasingly prefer shopping online, valuing the flexibility, convenience, and exclusive deals offered by e-commerce platforms. The ability to shop at any hour, avoid crowded markets, and access a wide range of products makes digital shopping particularly attractive during the holy month. Market moves Pakistan is home to a thriving ecosystem of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), operating across various industries and sectors. From traditional clothing brands and handicraft manufacturers to modern e-commerce platforms and food delivery services, SMBs play a vital role in driving economic growth and innovation in the country. During Ramazan, these SMBs adapt their strategies to cater to the changing needs of their customers. For instance, clothing brands launch special Ramazan collections, while food delivery services offer exclusive discounts and promotions. Handicraft manufacturers, on the other hand, focus on creating unique and traditional products that resonate with the spirit of the holy month. "Ramazan is a time of spiritual reflection, but it's also a time of great celebration and joy," shares Ahmed Raza an owner of an emerging clothing brand. "Our customers are looking for outfits that are not only comfortable and practical for fasting and prayer, but also stylish and festive for Eid celebrations." To meet this demand, Raza launched a special Ramazan collection, featuring intricate embroidery, elegant designs, and comfortable fabrics. The collection is showcased on the brand's social media platforms, including Instagram and TikTok, where Raza and his team share behind-the-scenes content, sneak peeks, and exclusive promotions. "We've seen a significant increase in engagement and sales during Ramazan," Raza notes. "The short-form video format allows us to showcase our products in a creative and compelling way, and its massive user base gives us access to a huge and targeted audience." In addition to launching a special Ramazan collection, the brand partners with popular influencers and bloggers in the Pakistani fashion scene to showcase its products and reach new customers. "Collaborating with influencers and bloggers has been a game-changer for us during Ramazan," Raza says. "It allows us to tap into their existing audience and showcase our products in a authentic and relatable way." But in today's age of social media the businesses must adapt to the changing patterns to stay ahead of the curve. But what role do social media platforms play in this shift? How are small and medium-sized businesses leveraging platforms to reach their customers and drive sales during Ramazan? The role of digital platforms Every year, as Ramazan approaches, the digital world undergoes a transformation. People turn to social media not just for entertainment, but for connection, discovery, and shopping. In Pakistan, digital platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook have become the primary touchpoints for millions, rapidly evolving the way people engage with brands and businesses. Pakistani businesses, especially SMBs, are leveraging short-form video content to drive brand awareness and engagement, using social media platforms as virtual storefronts that redirect customers to dedicated e-commerce sites. As Pakistani SMBs adapt to the evolving digital landscape, they're leveraging social media platforms to drive sales and engagement. This has helped them reach new audiences and drive sales. Raza attributes a significant increase in sales during Ramazan to their digital presence. "We've seen a substantial surge in sales during Ramazan, and it's all thanks to our social media strategy. By leveraging platforms like TikTok and Instagram, we've been able to reach a wider audience and drive engagement." Raza highlights the importance of short-form video content in driving sales. "The short-form video format has been a game-changer for us. We've been able to showcase our products in a creative and compelling way, and the results have been phenomenal. Our sales have increased by over 30% during Ramazan, and we're confident that our digital strategy has played a significant role in this growth." Moreover, social proof has become one of the strongest drivers of digital commerce. According to a study Global Trust in Advertising Survey by Nielsen, 85% of Pakistani consumers trust recommendations from friends and family, while 62% trust online reviews from other consumers. This highlights the importance of social proof in driving purchasing decisions, with Pakistani consumers more likely to buy a product after seeing it recommended by a trusted creator rather than through direct advertising. Facebook groups dedicated to shopping, review-based Instagram pages, and social media creators testing and recommending products have significantly shaped consumer habits. While Pakistan's social commerce ecosystem is evolving differently, the increasing reliance on influencer marketing points to a future where SMBs will continue innovating within platform limitations. With Pakistan being among the largest markets for social media platforms, it may only be a matter of time before these platforms further transform how SMBs sell and how consumers shop. Until then, Pakistani entrepreneurs are proving that social media-driven commerce doesn't necessarily need in-app purchases—just an audience willing to engage, trust, and buy. For businesses—both large and small—this transformation presents an opportunity to innovate, adapt, and build stronger connections with their audiences. As digital-first shopping becomes the new norm, the lessons learned during Ramazan will likely influence consumer habits well beyond the holy month, shaping the future of retail in Pakistan.
