What does it take to build a media empire in a region that historically never had one? Richard Fitzgerald did not just ask the question, he jumped on a plane to Dubai and spent the next three years living out of airports to find the answer.

From launching Love in Dubai in 2015 to reaching a quarter of a million readers in the first month, Richard’s story is one of relentless hustle, trial by fire, and learning how to create demand where none existed. The early days were not easy. Selling ads was a battle. But persistence, the right incentives, and an unshakable belief in publishing the right stories for the right audience turned his vision into a brand millions recognize today.

In this episode of In the Arena, Richard sits down with Dariush Soudi to share the highs, lows, and lessons of building a media company in the Middle East. They explore how hard work compounds over time, why systems matter more than luck, and whether Richard would ever sell the company he has built from scratch.