Dubai’s sports and entertainment ecosystem is shaped by high-profile personalities, major transfers, and the relentless pace of big-ticket negotiations. But behind every headline deal, every intense contract discussion, and every “Dubai dealmaker” narrative lies a deeper story of pressure, resilience, accountability, and ambition. In this episode of Real Talk Dubai, Saif Rubie, FIFA licensed football agent and Founder and Managing Director of FGSL Consulting, sits down with host George Hojeige to break down the realities of the global football agency industry. From his early hustle in London to building a 27-year career in athlete representation, Saif shares how he navigates Premier League transfers, manages player expectations, and operates under the scrutiny that comes with working at the highest levels of sport. Saif also discusses the legal challenges that placed him under public spotlight, the false allegations that cost him years of his life, and the emotional strength it took to rebuild and move forward. This episode offers an unfiltered look into resilience, reputation, and the truth behind an industry few truly understand. If you're interested in entrepreneurship, sports business, or high-stakes negotiations, this is an episode you should not miss. Guest: Saif Rubie, Founder & Managing Director, FGSL ConsultingHost: George Hojeige, Group CEO, Virtuzone Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Dubai’s football agency landscape02:10 Saif’s early life in London and Abu Dhabi04:00 Becoming a FIFA-licensed agent at a young age06:20 Street-smart beginnings and first business moves08:45 Misconceptions about his personality and reputation11:00 Public scrutiny, false allegations and legal challenges14:20 Emotional toll and the support circle that helped him17:05 Inside the business: contracts, expectations and negotiations20:30 Managing young millionaire players and rising egos23:55 Major career milestones and Premier League transfers26:40 What separates real dealmakers from pretenders in Dubai29:10 The future of athlete representation and Saif’s next chapter31:00 Closing thoughts Connect and Next Steps Learn more about business setup and growth in the UAE: virtuzone.com Follow Real Talk Dubai for more conversations with founders and industry leaders shaping the UAE Subscribe and hit the bell icon