"I Didn't Tell My Parents or Wife That I'm Moving to DUBAI!"| Dubai Life Podcast ft. Michael Hunter

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Hunter, co-founder of Holo, a digital mortgage platform transforming how people finance homes in the UAE and beyond. What began as a frustration with outdated banking processes turned into a bold mission to bring transparency, speed, and trust to Dubai’s real estate financing space. Michael opens up about his early career in the UK banking system, the leap of faith that brought him to Dubai, and how Holo grew from a two-man operation into a fast-scaling, tech-enabled mortgage powerhouse. We dive into: The behind-the-scenes chaos of starting a business during COVID lockdown How building trust—not commissions—created lasting client relationships The challenge of raising venture capital while running operations Why putting the right people in the right seats can make or break your startup The truth about AI in real estate—and what’s hype vs. what’s actually helpful His vision for expanding into Saudi and scaling Holo into the region’s go-to mortgage platform This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the Dubai property market, working in real estate, or looking to build a tech business rooted in trust, innovation, and service. Subscribe to learn how long nights, smart tech, and relentless drive built one of the region’s most exciting fintech stories.