In a time where ambition and constant motion are aspirational, it has become even more necessary to pause and appreciate the balance between material success and inner peace. During his recent visit to Dubai, Los Angeles-based teacher David Ghiyam, a global voice in modern Kabbalah, addressed a house-full of seekers eager to understand how ancient wisdom still shapes our modern life.
Known for guiding world leaders, athletes and A-list names including Kim Kardashian, Chris Hemsworth, Tony Robbins and Zac Efron, Ghiyam’s approach to Kabbalah uses spiritual depth and connects it with real-world relevance. His teachings go beyond religion, offering a framework for healing, purpose and self-mastery. In this exclusive conversation with Delna Mistry Anand, David speaks about the rise of spiritual curiosity in the Middle East and how his viral video actually played a role in bringing him to this region for the first time.
Delna Mistry Anand: Welcome to the UAE, David. I’d start by saying that I was introduced to your work though a video, where you spoke about how worrying about someone can actually send them negative energy, and that instead, we should pray for them, so they feel the energy of love, instead of worry and fear.
David Ghiyam: Yes, that video went viral, and it’s one of the reasons I felt drawn to come here. The Middle East is, in many ways, the energetic centre of the world. Where there’s the greatest light, there’s often the greatest challenge. I wanted to connect with people here, to share this wisdom and explore how it can bring more balance and healing to this part of the world.
How was the experience at your first Dubai seminar, especially seeing so many men engage and ask questions. Is that something you often witness?
It has been wonderful, and it’s becoming more common to see men open up and share, but it still needs to be encouraged. The more men speak up, the more balance we create. When everyone participates, growth happens on both sides.
For those new to your work, how would you describe Kabbalah, and how is it different from religion?
Kabbalah is an ancient, universal spiritual wisdom. For something to be true, it has to apply to everyone, just like gravity. Kabbalah teaches the universal laws of love, healing, manifestation and abundance. The word Kabbalah means to receive… it’s about learning how to receive all the light and energy we were meant to have. It isn’t a religion, it’s the spirituality within all religions. When someone studies Kabbalah, whether they’re Muslim, Christian, Hindu or Jewish, they reconnect with the essence of their own faith.
You’ve often shared that your own spiritual journey began early in life, what drew you in?
I became a millionaire by the age of 15, but I felt completely empty. I kept asking myself, “Is this it?” That hunger for more led me to my first Kabbalah class, and I instantly knew this was the truth. From that moment, I never looked back.
How are ancient teachings like Kabbalah so relevant even today?
Thousands of years ago, it was written that this wisdom would one day reach the entire world. That time is now. What’s changed is how we interpret it. Teachers today are translating deep truths into practical, usable tools. My goal is to show that spirituality and success aren’t opposites. You can have both peace and prosperity.
From your perspective, what are the biggest challenges people face today, and why are people struggling to manifest the life they dream of?
Anxiety and lack of trust. Those are the biggest challenges. And whether in LA or Dubai, people are afraid of the future and feel guilt from the past. They carry that weight daily. Kabbalah helps people become present, find certainty and trust that everything is unfolding exactly as it should.
For those who are stuck and who struggle with manifesting a dream life, it’s because you only manifest what you believe you deserve. Many people subconsciously feel unworthy, or they think good things must take time or require suffering. Those beliefs block them. Manifestation begins with deservingness… believing you are worthy of receiving.
If you had to summarise Kabbalah’s essence in a few teachings, what would they be?
1. There’s an endless force of giving and light, the Creator always trying to give you everything.
2. We’re here to earn that light through experiences that help us grow.
3. The path to your highest self lies in transforming fear and doubt into certainty and wholeness.
For readers who want to learn more, where can they start?
My Instagram is @davidghiyam, and my website is davidghiyam.com. For deeper learning, there’s my masterclass at yourinfinitesoul.com and The David Ghiyam Podcast.
Thank you, David. It’s been a pleasure having you in Dubai.
Thank you. I’d love to return. This region has so much light, and I feel it’s only the beginning.
