At an age when most are still mapping out their futures, Akash Kanjwani had already set his course and never looked back. What started as a spark of inspiration ignited by Dubai’s evolving real estate laws has today transformed into a legacy of innovation, integrity, and impact.
As the Founder and CEO of Sky View Group, Kanjwani has spent over two decades reshaping how real estate is experienced, not just transacted. “I wasn’t chasing deals. I was creating value,” he emphasizes, setting the tone for the transformative changes he would bring to the industry.
Kanjwani’s journey began earlier than many might expect. “At 20, I officially chose real estate as a career, but my interest began much earlier,” he recalls. Growing up, he witnessed his family and community navigate the complexities of tenancy contracts, all while grappling with the absence of freehold ownership in Dubai. “The inability to own property stuck with me,” he reflects, adding depth to his motivation.
When Dubai finally opened the door to freehold ownership, Kanjwani didn’t just see an opportunity; he saw a mission. “It was a game-changer,” he notes, underscoring how this new landscape made real estate synonymous with stability, empowerment, and long-term planning.
Setting himself apart from others in the industry, Kanjwani emphasized the emotional and human aspects of real estate. “I wasn’t just selling properties. I was helping people see the potential in spaces they would have otherwise ignored. It wasn’t about closing a deal; it was about building trust,” he explains, a philosophy that would shape the foundation of Sky View Group.
Redefining success
In the world of entrepreneurship, early achievements are often measured by personal milestones—closed deals, key clients, or sales records. Yet, for Kanjwani, his understanding of success has evolved significantly over time. “Today, success means something else entirely,” he explains. “It’s about watching my team grow, seeing them buy their first homes, or step into leadership roles. When they win, I win.”
This shift in focus has allowed Sky View Group to blossom into a family of dedicated professionals, united by shared values and a clear mission: to serve clients with excellence while cultivating a culture of mutual growth.
Staying true to values
Scaling a business in Dubai’s fast-paced market poses its challenges, particularly regarding the preservation of company culture. Kanjwani recalls, “In the beginning, I personally interviewed every hire.” But as the company grew, that became impractical. “We’ve put systems in place—structured processes, performance metrics, and constant feedback loops—to ensure our values stay intact.” This dedication underscores Kanjwani’s resolve: integrity is non-negotiable. “I’d rather lose a top-performing broker than keep someone who doesn’t align with our culture,” he asserts, emphasizing the critical nature of customer trust over short-term profits.
From brokerage to bold developments
While many real estate firms remain entrenched in brokerage, Sky View Group is boldly stepping into the development arena with Sky View Development. Their inaugural project, Avion Residence, stands as a testament to their vision, marrying smart design with livable value. “We’re leveraging everything we’ve learned from our clients over the years—what they desire in terms of space, design, and amenities,” Kanjwani explains. This forward-thinking approach also extends into media, recognizing the content revolution reshaping the real estate landscape. “It’s not just about listings anymore,” he notes. “It’s about stories, experiences, and forging emotional connections through content.”
Real estate in the age of AI
With the rise of technology, one pressing question looms: What’s next for real estate? Kanjwani views AI as an indispensable ally rather than a replacement. “There’s a lot of talk about AI replacing brokers, but that’s not going to happen. Buying property is deeply personal. People still want validation from a trusted human before making a major life decision,” he asserts.
He acknowledges that AI can significantly enhance the backend operations—from lead generation to improved customer service. “We’re actively integrating AI into our systems,” he shares. “This helps us better understand our clients, stay efficient, and offer more personalized experiences.” Yet amid these technological advancements, Kanjwani stresses that the human connection remains irreplaceable.
Reflecting on industry shifts, Kanjwani believes client expectations remain unchanged. “People still want the same things—honesty, responsiveness, and someone they can trust,” he remarks. “What’s changed is the number of agents in the market, which is why we focus on building stronger, more capable teams. A better agent is our biggest differentiator.”
