Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ramy Ayoub. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ramy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

Going from Idea to Execution: The Red Sea Academy Story

The Red Sea Academy was born out of a clear and pressing need: the booming tourism industry in the early 2000s in the Red Sea region was growing at an unprecedented rate, with new hotels and resorts opening regularly. However, there simply weren’t enough skilled entertainers to meet the high demand. Resorts often relied on foreign agencies, predominantly from Western Europe—France, Italy, and England—to provide entertainment services. This came with several challenges:

High Costs: Foreign entertainers demanded high salaries, which significantly impacted budgets.
Visa and Work Permit Issues: Obtaining permits for foreign entertainers was complicated and expensive.
Limited Localization: Some roles, like Kids Club attendants and fitness/wellness instructors, could be performed by Egyptians who understood the cultural nuances of international tourists.
Seeing this opportunity, I envisioned a solution that would not only address the demand for entertainers but also create a sustainable ecosystem to support the entertainment industry in Egypt.

The Spark of the Idea

My journey in the hospitality and entertainment industry began with one of those foreign agencies. Working within this system, I gained firsthand insight into the challenges resorts faced and the potential for improving the market. Conversations with hotel managers and venue owners in the Red Sea region confirmed what I suspected: they were struggling to find cost-effective, high-quality entertainment solutions that could support their growing needs.

The idea crystallized during these discussions: establish an academy to train Egyptian entertainers, equipping them to fill roles that were in high demand while reducing reliance on expensive foreign talent. For roles requiring specialized skills—such as international dance performances—we would continue to work with foreign entertainers but source them from more cost-effective East European countries, where dance schools and art academies provided eager students looking for work experience abroad.

The First Steps

I started in 2003 researching global entertainment academies, analyzing their structures, and identifying best practices. At the same time, I laid the groundwork for the academy by establishing an entertainment services agency within its framework. This dual approach had two goals:

Revenue Generation: The agency provided immediate income to fund the academy.
Job Placement: The agency secured jobs for graduates as soon as they completed their training.
While building the academy’s curriculum, I focused on roles that Egyptians could excel in, such as fitness/wellness instructors. For specialized skills and Kids Club attendants (trained in child psychology from Egyptian universities like Cairo University and Ain Shams University), such as international dance shows, we partnered with East European institutions to bring in students for 3–12 months of training and performance.

Building the Foundation

The academy was strategically established in 2007 in Marsa Alam, Red Sea, Egypt—a burgeoning tourism hub renowned for its pristine beaches and proximity to major resorts. The location was an empty plot on the beach, set amidst the desert landscape, adjacent to a prominent 5-star resort. While the site itself was remote and undeveloped, its proximity to the resort provided a critical advantage: access to essential logistical resources such as water, electricity, and infrastructure. These resources would have been extremely challenging to secure independently in the Marsa Alam beach area, making this collaboration instrumental in getting the academy off the ground efficiently.

Using this beachfront land, we developed a comprehensive training facility that included a beach club, a restaurant, and three bars. Beyond these amenities, we built a volleyball court, fitness and dance studio, music studio rooms, and a small theater, creating an immersive and dynamic environment for the academy’s resident students. These facilities not only served beach guests but also provided students with real-world, hands-on training in hospitality and entertainment, equipping them with the skills to thrive in their future careers.

The response from hotels and resorts in the region was overwhelmingly positive. The acute demand for skilled entertainers led many establishments to express interest in hiring trainees even before the first batch of students had completed their training. This enthusiastic market response validated the academy’s concept and provided a strong foundation for rapid operational expansion.

By leveraging the logistical benefits of its location and transforming a remote desert plot into a thriving center of education and entertainment, the Red Sea Academy became a cornerstone of Marsa Alam’s tourism infrastructure. It not only addressed the region’s challenges in entertainment but also established a sustainable model for training and employment, ensuring its long-term success.

Execution and Early Success

The Red Sea Academy officially became Egypt’s first entertainment academy, and its impact was immediate. The vision of creating a dedicated institution for training skilled entertainment professionals in the region was no longer just an idea—it was becoming a reality. By late 2007, we had already started working closely with major resorts in the area such as Port Ghalib Resorts, Madinat Coraya, and many more. The demand for quality entertainment was high, and hotels were eager to hire local entertainers who had been trained in the academy’s rigorous programs.

One of our first major successes came when we were asked to contribute to the grand opening of Port Ghalib Phase A, one of the most prestigious resorts in the region. In 2009, we had the honor of organizing the official launch event for the resort, which included a high-profile performance by Beyoncé. This event was a pivotal moment for the academy, as it showcased our capability to deliver world-class entertainment experiences and cemented our reputation as a leading player in Egypt’s entertainment scene.

Between 2007 and 2009, the academy became involved in several key entertainment projects across the Red Sea region, offering services to numerous high-profile venues and festivals. We were also active participants in major tourism events such as the Ministry of Tourism’s festivals, further establishing our presence in the sector. Our collaborations with resorts, which included large names like IHG, Hilton, and Iberotel, helped position the academy as the go-to institution for hospitality and entertainment professionals in the region.

We quickly understood the region’s challenges and tailored our services to address them. The entertainment market was dominated by foreign agencies, whose entertainers demanded high fees. Additionally, the work permits and visa processes for these foreign performers were both time-consuming and expensive. Resorts were therefore seeking ways to manage costs while still meeting the increasing demand for top-quality entertainment.

The Red Sea Academy introduced a solution by training Egyptian talent to take on many roles previously filled by foreign entertainers, particularly in areas like fitness, wellness, and children’s entertainment. This allowed resorts to reduce costs while providing employment opportunities for local workers. In addition, we identified the potential to bring in East European entertainers, who offered more affordable services than their Western European counterparts, while still maintaining high standards.

By 2009, the Red Sea Academy had firmly established itself as a key player in Egypt’s tourism and entertainment sectors. Not only had we built a strong base of trained Egyptian entertainers, but our innovative approach also allowed us to meet the growing demand for entertainment in the region while offering cost-effective solutions to resorts.

The Legacy

The Red Sea Academy wasn’t just a business—it was a solution to a systemic problem in the tourism industry. By creating a pipeline of skilled entertainers, we empowered local talent, reduced reliance on expensive foreign agencies, and elevated the entertainment experience in Egypt’s top tourist destinations.

Looking back, the journey from idea to execution was a blend of innovation, persistence, and a deep understanding of the market’s needs. The Red Sea Academy stands as a testament to the power of combining vision with action to create lasting impact.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I entered the hospitality, events, and entertainment industry with a passion for creating extraordinary experiences that connect people, cultures, and ideas. Early in my career, I became deeply involved in transforming entertainment and event management into an integrated, immersive, and efficient service for businesses in the tourism sector. Through years of experience, I developed a deep understanding of the market’s unique challenges, including high costs, logistical barriers, and the need for localized solutions to drive successful outcomes.

My work spans across multiple sectors, from luxury hotel management to large-scale event production. I specialize in curating world-class experiences, whether through managing high-profile hospitality venues, creating custom entertainment for hotels and resorts, or leading comprehensive business development initiatives that increase operational efficiency and customer engagement. Additionally, I have a strong focus on sustainability, ensuring that my projects promote eco-friendly practices and leave a positive social impact.

What truly sets me apart is my holistic approach. I don’t just offer services; I build strategic, long-term solutions. Whether developing training programs that empower local talent or forging sustainable partnerships with like-minded businesses, my goal is to create enduring value that transforms both the client’s experience and the community they serve. My projects often blend creativity with operational excellence, bringing ideas to life in ways that surprise and delight audiences while achieving measurable results for businesses.

What I’m most proud of is the lasting impact my work has had in shaping local entertainment industries and fostering economic growth in key regions. I take pride in knowing that the work I do not only meets but exceeds client expectations, helping them succeed in a competitive landscape. I want potential clients to know that I bring both vision and precision to the table, always focused on delivering sustainable solutions that drive growth, innovation, and meaningful change.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the most defining moments of my journey, illustrating resilience, came during the turbulent years following the 2011 Egyptian revolution. The political and economic instability of that period led to the closure of the Red Sea Academy in 2013, a project I had invested significant time and energy into. While it was a profound setback, both professionally and personally, it ultimately became a catalyst for growth and reinvention.

During those three years of uncertainty, I faced countless challenges. The closure of the Academy was heartbreaking, but it prompted deep reflection on my purpose and the legacy I wanted to build. Rather than succumbing to despair, I chose to view the situation as an opportunity to regroup, learn, and adapt. The vision behind the Academy didn’t disappear; it evolved to meet new realities.

In early 2013, I took a step forward by working as a Production Manager at a friend’s production house between Dubai, Lebanon Kenya, and Egypt, This experience marked the beginning of my transition into luxury hospitality, where I served as Events & Entertainment Manager for high-end hotels and resorts.

Later I moved into a role as Marketing and Events Manager for an international beverage company launching its products in Kenya and across East Africa., This experience was instrumental in expanding my understanding of emerging markets, consumer behavior, and marketing strategies in diverse cultural settings. The challenges of launching a brand in a dynamic region like East Africa taught me invaluable lessons in adaptability and market penetration.

In late 2017, I joined Hilton Hotels in Egypt as an Outlet Operations Manager, later being promoted to Events & Entertainment Manager and then Marketing Manager. These roles allowed me to not only stay active in the industry but also to re-enter it with a renewed focus, applying lessons learned from the Academy’s closure.

During my time with Hilton, I collaborated closely with hotel teams to enhance guest experiences, create immersive entertainment programs, and strengthen brand offerings. My efforts paid off, as I built a reputation for curating exceptional experiences and driving success for major hotel chains during a period of economic recovery.

The real turning point came in 2018, when I co-founded the D&D Entertainment Group in Dubai with my best friend, Mohamed Hamed. Mohamed had already established D&D Productions, and together we envisioned a dynamic entertainment enterprise offering a comprehensive range of services. From event production to media ventures, our shared passion for innovation and disruption drove the business forward.

D&D Entertainment Group’s success is a true testament to our resilience. We didn’t just focus on growth; we created a creative, dynamic environment that fostered talent and pushed boundaries. Every project, from large-scale events to groundbreaking media initiatives, was a step toward transforming our vision into reality.

In 2021, my journey evolved further with the launch of NYC360 Inc., a platform focused on Telecommunications, Media, and Technology (TMT) based in New York City. Through this venture, I aimed to contribute to sustainable urban development, explore consumer behavior, and promote social awareness—all values that had been guiding my work since the Academy.

Looking back, the challenges I faced—particularly the closure of the Red Sea Academy—taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying connected to my purpose. Each setback became a stepping stone, leading to new opportunities. Today, I continue to carry the same vision, passion, and commitment to innovation as I pursue new challenges and work towards making a lasting, positive impact on the world.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Building my reputation within the market has been a result of several key principles that I have consistently upheld throughout my career. It’s not just about delivering great results; it’s about doing the work in the most perfect way possible, no matter the external circumstances, and always striving to improve.

One of the biggest factors in my success has been collaboration. I believe in the power of working with like-minded individuals who share a passion for innovation and excellence. By surrounding myself with people who challenge and inspire me, I’ve been able to create and lead projects that truly stand out. The dynamic nature of these collaborations has enabled me to bring fresh, innovative ideas to life, while also benefiting from the diverse skillsets and perspectives of my team. Innovation thrives in an environment where collaboration is valued, and this has been key to achieving success.

Perfection and attention to detail have been foundational in my approach. I take great pride in delivering work that exceeds expectations, and I approach every task with the intention to do it in the best and most effective way. Even in times of uncertainty, I’ve always remained focused on the end goal and worked tirelessly to ensure that every project is executed flawlessly. This commitment to perfection not only drives business results but has helped me establish a reputation for reliability and quality.

A significant factor in building my reputation has also been my commitment to continuous learning and growth. I am passionate about exploring new fields, acquiring new skills, and staying ahead of the curve. Whether through formal education or self-study, I am constantly broadening my knowledge base. I have pursued studies in various majors and industries to gain insights into emerging trends, consumer behavior, and business strategies. This commitment to learning enables me to stay adaptable in an ever-changing market, and it has been instrumental in helping me drive innovation within the businesses I’ve been involved with.

Moreover, I have always believed that success should not be a solitary achievement. Throughout my career, I’ve made it a point to give back by providing opportunities for others to start their careers or ventures. I’ve mentored individuals, guided startups, and ensured that my work contributes to creating a positive impact in the community. Social responsibility is integral to my work philosophy, and I aim to build a legacy that not only advances business goals but also fosters growth and development in others.

The combination of these factors—collaboration, perfectionism, a continuous drive for improvement, and a commitment to social responsibility—has been key to building my reputation in the market. I’ve always strived to ensure that my work contributes meaningfully to the world around me, and I take immense pride in knowing that my journey has been one of continuous growth, both professionally and personally. By focusing on delivering the highest quality of work, continuously learning, and supporting others in their growth, I’ve been able to carve out a place for myself as someone who can be relied upon to lead with integrity, creativity, and excellence.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ramyayoub.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramyayoubofficial/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RamyAyoubOfficial
• Other: https://g.co/kgs/T3BNyU5

Image Credits

D&D Studios