Scenes from the 2024 Gulf Business Real Estate Breakfast Briefing
Gulf Business is set to host its latest Business Breakfast Briefing on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at The Westin Mina Seyahi in Dubai. This exclusive event promises to be a pivotal gathering for industry leaders, investors, and experts as they delve into the dynamic landscape of the UAE’s property sector. Under the theme “Breaking Ground: The UAE Real Estate Outlook,” the briefing aims to provide valuable insights into current market trends, investment opportunities across key emirates, and the policies that are shaping the future of real estate in the region.
A Gathering of Industry Titans
The event will feature a stellar lineup of speakers, including CEOs, research heads, and property experts, who will engage in discussions on critical topics affecting the real estate market. Attendees can expect to hear about Dubai’s record-breaking property boom, the emergence of new investment hubs, and the regulatory shifts that are driving the sector forward. Additionally, the event will celebrate the Game Changers Awards, recognizing industry pioneers who are reshaping the UAE’s real estate landscape.
The Agenda: A Day of Insightful Discussions
The agenda for the day is packed with engaging sessions designed to foster high-level networking and thought-provoking conversations. The event kicks off at 8:00 am with registration and breakfast, followed by a welcome speech from Manish Chopra, Publisher of Gulf Business, at 9:00 am. Gareth van Zyl, Group Editor of Gulf Business, will then provide the chair’s opening remarks.
Panel Discussion 1: Will Dubai’s Property Boom Continue?
At 9:20 am, the first panel discussion will tackle the pressing question: Can Dubai’s property boom be sustained? This session will explore the key drivers behind Dubai’s real estate surge, including foreign investment, regulatory reforms, and the rise of luxury developments. However, with fluctuating interest rates and emerging supply concerns, the panel will examine whether a slowdown is on the horizon.
Key themes for this discussion include:
- Sustaining the Boom: Analyzing potential headwinds such as interest rates, rising supply, and global economic shifts.
- Foreign Investment Dynamics: Understanding how policy changes, including golden visas, are reshaping demand from high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors.
- Luxury Developments: Evaluating whether the rise of off-plan sales indicates an overheating market or continued healthy growth.
Moderated by Taimur Khan, Head of Research MEA at JLL, the panel will feature insights from industry leaders such as Firas Al Msaddi, CEO and Founder of fäm Properties, and Fibha Ahmed, Vice President of Property Sales at Bayut.
Keynote Speech: Insights from Industry Leaders
Following the first panel, Issa Ataya, CEO of Alef Group, will deliver a keynote speech at 10:15 am, providing further insights into the current state of the market.
Panel Discussion 2: The New Growth Hubs
At 10:20 am, the second panel will shift focus to the emerging growth hubs of Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. While Dubai has long been the focal point of UAE real estate, other emirates are increasingly attracting investment. This session will compare these markets in terms of ROI, growth potential, and investor sentiment.
Key themes include:
- Ras Al Khaimah’s Appeal: How developments like Al Marjan Island and the Wynn Resorts project are redefining the emirate’s real estate landscape.
- Abu Dhabi’s Mega-Projects: The role of government-backed investment zones and major projects like Yas Island in attracting foreign capital.
- Sharjah’s Sustainable Housing: The emergence of high-end, sustainable developments and the sustainability of Sharjah’s affordability advantage.
Dounia Fedi, Managing Director of eXP Dubai, will moderate this session, featuring speakers such as Tatiana Veller, MD of Stirling Hospitality, and Andrew Thomson, Partner at Al Tamimi & Company.
Panel Discussion 3: The Next Big Moves in UAE’s Property Market
The final panel discussion, scheduled for 11:15 am, will focus on the future of the UAE’s property market as it approaches 2025. This session will explore how transparency, homeownership trends, and regulatory shifts are driving the next phase of growth.
Key themes for this discussion include:
- Homeownership Trends: Investigating what’s driving the rise of homeownership in the UAE and how it’s changing buyer profiles.
- Expansion of Freehold Areas: Understanding how recent policy moves are creating new investment zones and reshaping the property landscape.
- Market Transparency: The impact of improved data access and reporting tools on pricing trends and investment strategies.
Moderated by Anand Menon, CEO of LION EDGE Consultancy, this panel will feature insights from industry experts such as Daniel Hadi, CEO Middle East at Engel & Völkers, and Imran Farooq, CEO of Samana Developers.
Celebrating Industry Excellence
The event will culminate with the Game Changers Awards Ceremony at 11:55 am, recognizing the individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the UAE’s real estate market. Closing remarks will follow, wrapping up a day filled with insightful discussions and networking opportunities.
Register Now
With limited spaces available, interested participants are encouraged to register soon to secure their spot at this essential event for anyone involved in the UAE real estate sector. The Gulf Business Real Estate Breakfast Briefing promises to be an enlightening experience, offering a comprehensive look at the future of real estate in the UAE.
