





BECAUSE YOUR STORY DESERVES THE SPOTLIGHT



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BECAUSE YOUR STORY DESERVES THE SPOTLIGHT



Therealestateecosystemisundergoingoneofthe
mostconsequentialtransitionsinitshistory,driven byrapidurbanization,shiftingdemographicneeds, digitaldisruption,andarenewedcommitmentto sustainability.Inthisspecialedition,Top10Visionary LeadersTransformingRealEstate,wespotlightthe trailblazerswhoarereshapingskylines,redefining communityliving,andintroducinganeweraofresponsible development.
Theseleadersarenotmerelybuildingstructures—theyare creatingexperiences,ecosystems,andlong-termvalue. Fromintegratedsmartcitiesandfuture-forwardcommercial hubstohigh-impactresidentialdevelopments,theirwork reflectsaconsciousshifttowardinnovation,resilience,and purpose-drivengrowth.Theyareharnessingemerging technologiessuchasAI,digitaltwins,andpredictive analyticstoaccelerateprojectdelivery,optimizeplanning, andimproveoccupantwell-being.Equally,theyare championinggreenbuildingpractices,circularmaterials, renewableenergyintegration,andconservation-driven designtoensurethatdevelopmentalignswithglobal climatepriorities.
Whatsetsthesevisionariesapartisnotonlytheirbusiness acumenbuttheirforesight:aclearabilitytoanticipate wheremarketsaremovingandrespondwithbold,scalable solutions.Theirleadershipextendsbeyondbalance sheets—itisrootedincommunityupliftment,equitableland use,andenhancedqualityoflifeforgenerationstocome.In anenvironmentmarkedbyregulatorychanges,economic shifts,andincreasingstakeholderexpectations,they continuetoleadwithagility,authenticity,andambition.
Thiseditionismorethanarecognition—itisarecordof ideas,practices,andleadershipphilosophiesshapingthe nextdecadeofdevelopment.Italsoservesasatestamentto theindividualsandorganizationsthatunderstandrealestate isnolongerjustaboutproperty;itisaboutconnection, sustainability,identity,culture,andthefutureofurban living.
Asyouexploretheirstories,mayyoufindinspiration, perspective,andadeeperunderstandingofhowvisionary thinkingcanredefineentirelandscapes.Wearehonoredto presentthesegamechangerswhosevisionisbuildingthe communitiesoftomorrow,today.

Managing Editor

THE FRONT PAGE EXCLUSIVE
The Visionary Architect of Enduring Trust: Mr. SN Saxena’s Four Decades of Tranforming Risk into Living Legacy
Pooja M Bansal Editor-in-Chief
Deputy Editor Anish Miller
Managing Editor Prince Bolton

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Withexpertiseincleantechnology,urbanplanning,and strategicgrowth,AhmeddrivesMasdarCity’smissionto createasmart,resilient,andfuture-readyecosystemfor businessesandcommunities.
Anilisadedicatedpropertyleadercommittedto deliveringexceptionalrealestateservicesacrossthe UAE.
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Mr.SNSaxena Co-founder
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Mr.ShahzadSaxenaisarealestatevisionarydedicatedto creatinghigh-quality,thoughtfullydesignedpropertiesinthe UAE.

THE FRONT PAGE EXCLUSIVE

Co-founder Karma Developers

Realvisioninvolvesamoreall-encompassing approach,a360-degreeperspective,apragmatic process-driventechnique,along-termpreplanned framework,andmostimportantly,anadaptiveleadershipto drivethemallforward.Thatleadershipbecomesvisionasit ishonedinthecrucibleofpracticalexperiencegainedout inthefield.
ThisisthephilosophythatcharacterizesMr.SNSaxena, Co-founderof ―aleaderwhoseimpact KarmaDevelopers hasradicallytransformedthecontemporarybuilt environment.Mr.Saxena'scareerinarchitectureandreal estatedevelopmentstretchesback40years,duringwhich timehehasdevelopedaverydeeptechnicalcapabilityas wellasasignificanttrackrecordfordeliveringconsistently high-impact,effective,andsustainableprojects.
Mr.SaxenaholdsaBachelorofArchitecturefromDelhi UniversityandbeganhiscareerintheUAEin1982.Since then,hisleadershiphasbeenutilizedinover100 developmentsinavarietyofsectors,andhehasbeenakey playerinthestructuraldevelopmentoftheUAE.Heis well-knownforhisaccuracyincomplexareaslike feasibilityplanning,designofprocurementstrategy, optimizingsellableareatomaximumefficiency,and,of course,championingvalue-consciousdesign.
SinceenteringDubai'scompetitivefreeholdresidential marketin2007,Mr.Saxenahasoverseenallaspectsofthe developmentprocess,fromlandacquisition,brokerage preparation,andturnkeyqualityandcost-basedprocessof development.Hissignificantcontributiontotheindustry hasnotgoneunnoticed,andhehasbeenchosenand profiledbyConstructionWeekandseveralother publications,establishinghispositionasaneliteleaderin realestate.
Mr.Saxena'sentryintorealestatedevelopmentwasnot accidental;itwasthelogicalculminationofmasteryinhis craft.Hisjourneybeganinthe1980swithacontracting companythatsteadilygrewfromhandlingmaintenance jobstoconstructingentirebuildingsacrossvarioussectors. Thepivotaltransitioncamefromspecializinginturnkey designandbuildprojects.
Hisreputationasthe“go-toguy”fordevelopers,knownfor well-designed,technicallyandoperationallysoundprojects,
My extensive experience and ability to absorb risk mean I have a good measure of the line that divides possible from impractical and can execute projects that would be a nightmare for others.
quicklyclarifiedhispath.Mr.Saxenarealizedthatthe successhedeliveredforotherscouldbereplicatedfor himself,leadinghimtotakeacalculatedrisk.“Itdidnot takemelongtorealizethatifIcoulddoitforothers,I coulddothisformyself,too.Therehasbeennostopping sincethen.”
Hisfirstindependentproject—alogisticscenterinthe 90s—wasasuccess.Hehassincefullywounddownthe constructionsideofhisbusinesstofocusexclusivelyon propertydevelopment,cementinghisidentityasamaster developer
Mr.Saxena'sleadershipphilosophyisdefinedby decentralization,mentorship,andalong-termfocus.He structureshisorganizationwithteamsthatreportdirectlyto him,buthisroleextendsfarbeyondmerelyreviewing reports.
Heactsasaguide,leveraginghisdecadesofexperienceto mentorhisteams.Hefocusesonteachingthemthecrucial skillofbalancingproactivestrategywithreactiveagility. Hiscoredirectiveemphasizesbuildingvaluethatlasts.“I teachthemtofindtherightbalancebetweenbeing proactiveandreactiveandfocusingonthelong-term communitygameratherthanshort-termpersonalresults.”
Heinstillsacrucialprofessionalphilosophyinhisteams: theneedtofindtherightbalancebetweenbeingproactive andreactive.Mostimportantly,heconstantlyemphasizes theethicalandstrategicvalueofthelongview.Hisgoalis totrainhispeopletoprioritizethe“longcommunitygame” overthepursuitofimmediate,“short-termpersonal results.”Thisdecentralized,mentor-drivenleadership nurturestalentcapableofsustainingthefirm'svisionfor generations.
Thelabel“visionaryinrealestate”stemsfromMr.Saxena's singularabilitytoidentifyopportunitiesthatothers overlookordeemtoocomplex.Hisapproachis characterizedby“outoftheboxthinking,”whichisalways influencedbycorefundamentalsandlong-termpotential, ratherthanchasingfleetingmarkethype.
TheLineBetweenPossibleandImpractical
Itisthisuniquecombinationofextensiveexperienceanda rareabilityto“absorbrisk”thatallowshimtoseethefuture ofdevelopmentclearly.Hepossessesanaccuratemeasure ofthe“linethatdividespossiblefromimpractical,” enablinghimtosuccessfullyexecuteprojectsthatwouldbe a“nightmareforothers.”Thisaudacity,groundedin technicalexpertise,iswhattrulysetshislegacyapart.
ForMr.Saxena,buildingasuccessfulenterpriseis synonymouswithbuildinggreatteams.Hisapproachisless aboutconventionalmanagementandmoreabout empoweringguidance.Heleverageshisextensive experience—”mydecadesofexperience”—nottodictate actions,buttoinstructhisemployeesinthephilosophyof strategicthinking.
Inarapidlyevolvingrealestatemarket,Mr.Saxenaensures hisprojectsremainrelevantnotbychasingeverypassing trend,butbydesigningwithlongevityinmind.Hiscore principleistimeless:tocreatespaceswherefamiliescan genuinely“growinandcreatecorememorieswith.”
Thisapproachinherentlymakesprojectsdurableand resilienttoshort-termmarketfluctuations.Furthermore,his firmmaintainsrelevanceby“constantlyevaluatingnew productsandideas”toenhanceexistingdesigns,ensuring

I had the foresight not to overexpose myself and can proudly say I am one of the few who came out unscathed out of the 2008 property crisis.

I teach my teams to nd the right balance between being proactive and reactive and focusing on the long community game rather than short-term personal results.
thebuiltenvironmentcontinuestoimprovewitheach developmentcycle.
ForMr.Saxena,thebottomlineisneverthesoledriver; communityisthe“coredesignprinciple”ofeveryventure. Thiscommitmenttosocialandcommunalimpactisbest exemplifiedbyhisworkonGardeniaLivingsinArjan,a projectthatredefinedamenitiesinitsarea.
WhileotherdevelopmentsinArjansituatedtheiramenities onthegroundorpodiumlevels,Mr.Saxenademonstrated hisvisionaryinsightbymovingallfacilitiestotheroof. ThisprovidedanunobstructedviewuntilSZR(Sheikh ZayedRoad),maximizingthevalueandexperiencefor everyresident,despitethelocationnotbeinguniquetohis plot.
Furthermore,henoticedacriticalgapinoccupant needs—specifically,areaswherefamiliescouldtrulyenjoy sharedactivities.Inresponse,GardeniaLivingswas innovativelyequippedwithBBQareas,akids'playarea,an eventarea, an open-air cinema,and a dog park
“WewerethefirstinDubaitodothelasttwo,”henotes, underscoringthefirm'spioneeringcommitmentto integratinggenuinecommunityneedsandmodern,qualityof-lifeamenitiesintoitsdevelopments.
ThisexampleillustratesthatMr.Saxena'svisiontranslates innovativeideasintotangibleprojectsthatelevateliving standardsandshapethebuiltenvironmentforthebetter
Visionaryleadershipismostvividlyrevealedduringa crisis,andMr.Saxena'smostchallengingmomentcame duringtheturbulent2008Dubaipropertycrisis.Atthetime, hisinvolvementindevelopmentwassignificant,andthe marketcollapsedemandedswift,decisiveactiontoensure survival.
Whilemanyfirmsweredevastatedbytheburstbubble,Mr. Saxena'sextensiveexperienceprovedtobehisgreatest shield.Hisdeepunderstandingofmarketfundamentals providedtheforesighttoavoidexcessiveexposure—a strategicprudencethatfewofhispeersexercised.
“Ihadtheforesightnottooverexposemyselfandcan proudlysayIamoneofthefewwhocameoutunscathed outofthatcrisis.”
Thismomentdefinedhisleadership:notasagambler,but asacalculatedriskabsorberwhoprioritizeslong-term stabilityovershort-termspeculativegains.Hissuccessin navigatingthe2008collapsewithoutbeingharmedisa powerfultestamenttohisastute,groundedvision.
Thecorechallengeofanydeveloperisbridgingthegap betweenanimaginativeconceptandthecomplex,practical demandsofexecution.ForMr.Saxena,thisbalanceisnota strugglebutadefinedcompetency,directlyflowingfrom hisuniqueskillset.
Hisabilityto“absorbrisk”isseamlesslycoupledwith decadesofpractical,technicalknowledge.Thispairing provideshimwithanacuteabilitytomeasurethecrucial boundarybetweenwhatismerelyaspirationalandwhatis trulyachievable.“Myextensiveexperienceandabilityto absorbriskmeanIhaveagoodmeasureofthelinethat dividespossiblefromimpracticalandcanexecuteprojects thatwouldbeanightmareforothers.”
Thissynthesisofvisionarythinkingandpracticalexecution isthefinal,definitivetraitofMr.Saxena'slegacy.He doesn'tjustconceivedifficultprojects;hepossessesthe


strategicdepthandoperationalconfidencetocarrythem through,effectivelypositioninghimastheMasterBuilder whotransformsmarketchallengesintoenduring,profitable structures.
Whencontemplatingthefutureofrealestateandhisrolein mentoringthenextgeneration,Mr.Saxenaarticulatesa visionthattranscendssteelandconcrete.Hisaspirationis notdefinedbyarchitecturalawardsormarketcap,butby theongoinghumanexperiencewithinhisstructures.
Hisultimatelegacyisthesuccessfulcreationofspacesthat fostercommunityandmemory.Hehopestoleavebehind: “Buildingsthatcontinuetohavelifeinfusedintothemby thefamiliesandthecommunitythatcallsithomeforyears onend.”
Thisgoalservesasthefoundationforhismentorship: teachingyoungleadersthatgenuinevaluecomesfrom designingforthehumanspiritandensuringthebuilt environmentactivelysupportsthepeoplewhoinhabitit.
Focus
less on engineering pro t margins to the max and short-term goals. Focus more on the long-term and customer retention.
A lot of the people working with or buying for me have been doing so for years due to their trust in me.
Lookingbackoverhisfour-decade-longjourney,themost rewardingaspectofMr.Saxena'scareerhasbeenthe cultivationofdeep,sustainedtrust.Thisprincipleunderpins hisadvicetoaspiringprofessionalsaimingfora transformativeimpact.
Mr.Saxenawarnsagainsttheseductivetrapofmaximizing immediategains,advocatinginsteadforadisciplinedfocus onenduringrelationships.“Focuslessonengineeringprofit marginstothemaxandshort-termgoals.Focusmoreonthe longtermandcustomerretention.”
Henotesthatthispatientapproachhasresultedin unparalleledloyalty:“Alotofthepeopleworkingwithor buyingformehavebeendoingsoforyearsduetotheir trustinme.”
Thisdedicationtointegrityandlong-termrelationshipsis thefinal,mostvaluablepillarofhisleadership—apowerful reminderthatinthehigh-stakesworldofrealestate,trustis theultimatecurrencyandthetruestmeasureofavisionary leader'senduringsuccess.

Almalki Chief Opera ng Officer
Msheireb Proper es
Aplacetocallhomeisoneofourmostfundamental
humanneeds.Awell-designedcommunity providesahaventorelax,recharge,andspend qualitytimewithlovedonesafteralongday.Itdirectsthe atmospherewherememoriesaremadeandlife'sprecious momentsunfold.Therealestateprofessionalswhoconsider thehumansideofrealestatedevelopmentarean instrumentalpartofestablishingawell-balancedlifestyle. "The real estate industry is all about creating spaces that improve people's lives." -FaisalAlmalki.
Hispassionfortherealestatesectorstemsfromadesireto bepartofaflourishingindustrythatdirectlyimpacts communities.AsChiefOperatingOfficeratMsheireb Properties,Qatar'sleadingsustainablepropertydeveloper, Faisalhasplayedapivotalroleinbringinginnovative projectstolifeoverthepastnineyears.
"WhenIjoinedMsheirebPropertiesin2015,therealestate marketinQatarwasbooming,"Faisalrecalls."Beingin suchaversatileenvironmentmademecertainIhadmade therightcareerchoice."
Whilehedidn'toriginallystartinrealestate,hisnatural curiosity,problem-solvingskills,anddrivetoworkon projectsthatenhancepeople'slivesmaderealestatean obviouscareerpathonceFaisalenteredtheworkforce.

Hequicklybecameentrancedbyanindustrywherehe couldapplyhistalentsto"creatingspacesthatimprovehow peoplelive,work,andexperiencetheirsurroundings."
WithFaisal’ssupport,MsheirebPropertieshasbeenatthe forefrontofsustainabledevelopmentinQatar AsCOO,he hasspearheadedeffortstoincorporateeco-friendlydesign, smarttechnologies,andculturalconsiderationsinto landmarkprojectslikeMsheirebDowntownDoha.
"Realestatehassuchalastingimpactoncommunities," Faisalexplains."Wehavearesponsibilitytodevelopina waythatrespectstheenvironment,celebratesheritage,and providesahighqualityoflifeforresidents."Thismindset guideshiseverystrategicmoveandoperationaldecision. Hetakesahands-onapproachtoassemblingtheright teams,implementingefficientprocesses,andensuring projectsstayontrackfromconceptiontodelivery
"Notwodaysareeverthesame,"Faisalsayswithasmile. "Butthat'swhatmakesthisworksoenergizing.Our industryisconstantlygrowingwithnewchallengesand opportunitiestocreateinnovativelivingspaces."
AfternearlyadecadewithMsheirebProperties,his enthusiasmandcreativeenergyshownosignsofwaning. HeremainsdrivenbytheprospectofdirectingQatar's urbansectorinaresponsiblewaythatupliftssocietywhile protectingtheplanetforfuturegenerations.
Let us explore his journey:
SpeakingabouttheinceptionofMsheirebProperties,Faisal highlightedthecompany’sflagshipproject,Msheireb DowntownDoha,asoneoftheworld'sfirstsustainablecity district,avisioninitiatedbyHerHighnessSheikhaMozain 2008.
Accordingtohim,MsheirebPropertiesisaboutmorethan justrealestate;itisaboutpeople,sustainability,and seamlesslyblendingoldideaswithnewwaysofliving. "Rightfromthebeginning,theambitionofHerHighness wasclear:tocreateacommunitywherethepastmixeswith thepresentandfuture,wherecultureisaliveeverywhere, andwherenatureandtheenvironmentarevalued,"he explained.
FaisalexpressedhisadmirationforMsheirebDowntown Doha,notingthathehasstudiedmanyprojectsworldwide, butnonematchuptothisexceptionaldevelopment."Itisa placewhereyoucanfeelhistoryinthestreets,where peoplecometogether,andwherethefuturelooksbright.It's aplacewheremodernlifeandoldtraditionsmeetand wherenewtechnologycannotmakeusforgetourculture," hesaid.
Whenitcomestochallengesandproblem-solvingwithin therealestatesector,MsheirebPropertieshasdevelopeda comprehensiveapproachthatemphasizescollaboration, innovation,andriskmanagement.Faisalhighlightedthat MsheirebProperties’teamofhighlyqualifiedandinsightful professionalshasmadethecompanywell-equippedto handlebothtemporaryissuesandlong-termpuzzles.
Theprocessbeginswithidentifyingkeyproblemsand conductingin-depthanalysestofullyunderstandthe underlyingissues.Fromthere,theteamworkstogetherto brainstormcreativesolutions,drawingontheirdiverse expertiseandexperiencetoensurethatallanglesare covered.
Onceasolutionhasbeenidentified,theteamcarefully considerspotentialrisksanddevelopsaplantomitigate them.Thisrigorousapproachensuresthatthecompanycan implementsolutionsthatarenotonlyeffectivebutalso sustainableandpractical.
AtMsheirebProperties,problem-solvingisseenasan ongoingprocess,andtheteamisalwaysonthelookoutfor newideasandinnovationsthatcanhelpthemimprovetheir approach.
Inhisapproachtoleadership,Faisalprefersademocratic style,andhebelievesinbuildingtrustandgivingpowerto histeamsoeveryonecanreachtheirfullpotential.Helikes todelegatetasksandempowerhisteamtofocusongetting thingsdoneand,crucially,truststhemtomanagetheirtime well.
Faisalrecognizestheimportanceofvaluingeachteam member'scontributionsandleveragingtheirdiverse perspectivesandexpertise.Bycreatinganinclusive atmospherewhereeveryonefeelsaccountableand motivated,Faisalhasbuiltateamofdedicatedleaders committedtoachievingsuccesstogether
Faisalstaysupdatedonrealestatetrendsbyactively readingrelevantmagazinesandpublications,engagingwith hisprofessionalnetwork,andattendingseminarsand workshops.Thishelpshimstayinformedaboutmarket fluctuations,whichhethenincorporatesintofutureproofingthebusiness.
I lead my team by giving them the power to make decisions on their own. This helps them manage their time better and nish tasks on time. I create an environment where everyone trusts each other and works together as a team.

TomanagetheimmensesizeandscaleoftheMsheireb DowntownDohaproject,itsdevelopmentwasdividedinto fourphases.WhileFaisalhadtheopportunitytocontribute tovariousphasesandpackages,itwasPhase4thathehad theprivilegetoleadentirely.Heoversawitsdevelopment fromdesignthroughconstructiontohandover.
Notably,Phase4wasparticularlycomplex,beingintegrated withtheMsheirebMainMetrostationandfeaturing intricatedesignandconstructionelements.Hesuccessfully ledthisphasetoanon-timeandon-budgetcompletion, withoutencounteringanymajorissues.
"It was a huge learning experience for me professionally, and I am proud of the efforts of our whole team in successfully delivering the project," Faisalstated.
ForFaisal,effectivetimemanagement involvesidentifyingandfocusingon themostcrucialtasksthatdemand hisimmediateattention.This allowshimtoutilizehistime efficientlyinpursuitofthe company'sprimarygoalsand strategicobjectives.
Hisleadershipstyle, notableforitsfocusing onempoweringhisteam throughtrust,promotesa cultureofmutualrespect, collaboration,andshared responsibilitywithinthe team.Byempoweringhisteam membersandcultivatinganenvironmentwhere everyoneworkstogether,Faisalhasbeenableto enhanceproductivityandensuresupportamong colleagues.
InMDD,sustainabilityisnotmerelyalabelbuta wayoflife.Residents,shopowners,andbusinesses arealleducatedaboutthecommunity'ssustainability rulesandareexpectedtoadheretothemdiligently
I help each team member feel condent and responsible for their work, so they can contribute meaningfully to our collective goals.
Thisapproachhelpsbuildacleanerandmore environmentallyconsciouscommunity.
"We're always trying to improve, so we're making our technology and our systems for things like electricity, water, and air conditioning even better. We deploy the latest ideas to make everything more efficient, have less impact on the environment, and make life here even nicer for everyone," notesFaisal.
Accordingtohim,inateam,workingtogetherissuper importantforsuccess.It'snotjustsomethingniceto have—it'sacrucialpartofdoingwell.Makingthishappen involvesbuildingtrust,showingrespect,andletting everyonefreelysharetheirideas,allwhilekeeping responsibilitiesclear
Faisalhasworkedpurpusfullytocreateanenvironment whereeveryteammemberfeelssafetovoicetheiropinions andwhereallideasarewelcomedandappreciated.Inthis environment,teammembersfeelempoweredtoexecute theirroleseffectively.
"Trust is like the foundation of a strong building—it's really important. We build trust by being honest, dependable, and committed to our team's goals. Respect is also key. It means treating each other well, no matter our job titles," believes Faisal.
Thiscombinationoftrust,respect,andthefreeexchangeof ideasenablestheteamtoachieveremarkablesuccess.
Faisaltakesprideinbeingpartofaprocessthatnurtures suchapositiveandcollaborativeworkenvironmentwithin thedepartment.
HistimeatMsheirebPropertieshasbeenoneofhardwork anddetermination.Faisalispleasedwiththisperiodinhis career.Hehasputhisallintowhateverhehasdone, assistingMsheirebPropertiesinmeetingitsambitious goals.
Heenthusiasticallyacceptedthecompany'svisionright away.Forhim,itismorethanjustajob;itisanopportunity tobeapartofsomethingtrulymeaningful,andheis dedicatedtoassistingtheorganization'scontinuedsuccess inanywayhecan.
MsheirebDowntownDohapushedboundaries,broke limits,andshowedtheworldwhat'spossiblewhenhumancentricdesignprinciplesleadurbandesign.And,whileits pastdemonstratesitssuccess,heisoptimisticaboutthe future,whichwillseeMsheirebPropertiesexpand.
Advisingaspiringprofessionalsseekingtoadvancetheir careersintherealestateindustry,Faisailnotesthatitwill beimportanttoembracethefast-pacednatureofthefield andbepreparedforchallenges.Faisalsuggeststhata positiveattitude,strongpeopleskills,apassionforlearning, andeffectivestressmanagementareessentialqualitiesfor successinthisindustry.
Theprofessionalswhofaceeverychallengewithasmile, seeingeachoneasachancetolearnandcomeupwithnew ideas,thrive.Evenwhenthingsaretough,liketight deadlines,changingmarkets,anddemandingclients,ifyou canstaycalmandconfident,thenyouwillbesuccessfulin thisindustry.
Forthosewhohavethesequalities,realestateisfullof chancestogrowandsucceed.It'saworldwherechallenges aren'tproblemsbutchancestodogreatthings,andwhere themostremarkablepeoplemaketheirmark.

Encouraging Talent While Aligning Organizational Excellence!
Withasharpeyefortalentandastrategic
mindset,JumaBeljaflahchampionsideasthat notonlyincreaseemployeeengagementbut alsodriveorganizationalsuccess.Herealizesthatathriving workforceisthefoundationofeverysuccessfulbusiness, andhiseffortscontributetocreatingenvironmentsthat supportinnovationandvariedteams.
Humanresourceshaveevolvedfromamerely administrativefunctiontoastrategicforcethatpropels growthandinnovation.Hiscommitmenttocreatinga diverseandinclusiveworkplacehasestablishedhimasa thoughtleaderintheHRsector,withasubstantialimpact ontheorganizationsheserves.
Transforming Human Resources Through Championing Employee-Centric Initiatives
JumaistheChiefHumanResourcesOfficeratUnion Properties,withastronghistoryinhumanresources, havingworkedatMajidAlFuttaimandGMGfortwo decades.HehaseffectivelyimplementedinnovativeHR initiativesthatfocusonemployeegrowthandwell-being.
HisskillinHRmanagement,changemanagement,and organizationalculturehasgainedhimareputationasa drivingforcebehindsomeoftheUAE'smostsuccessful workplacecultures.Hisdedicationtoongoingimprovement andstrategicalignmentensuresthatHRisanessential partnerinattaininglong-termcorporatesuccess.
Let’s know more about his journey.
EmbracingNewHorizons:AChiefHROfficer's Journey
Juma,theChiefHROfficer,hasdefinedhiscareerthrough asteadfastcommitmenttopeople,strategy,andcontinuous improvement.Hefindsfulfillmentinhisworkbutbelieves thattruegrowtharisesfromsteppingoutsideone’scomfort zone.
Thisconvictiondriveshismotivationtoexplorenew sectorsandindustrieswherehecanleveragehisHR expertiseininnovativeandimpactfulways.Thechallenges andopportunitiesfoundindiverseindustriesexcitehim, providingfreshperspectivesandthechancetocontributeto variedorganizationalsettings.
DirectingDubai'sSkylinewithPassionandInnovation
UnionProperties,apubliclylistedcompanysince1993,has establisheditselfasaleadingrealestatedeveloperinDubai.
Thecompanyspecializesincreatingexceptionalresidential, commercial,industrial,andleisurepropertiesthatoffer unparalleledqualityandvalue.Despitethechallenges posedbytheglobalfinancialcrisis,UnionPropertieshas maintainedaproventrackrecord,delivering25iconic projectsthathaveleftanindeliblemarkonDubai'sskyline.
Thecompany'sportfolioboastssomeofthemost prestigiousandinnovativedevelopmentsintheregion, includingMotorCity,GreenCommunity,UptownMirdiff, IndexTower,andLimestoneHouse(DIFC).
UnionPropertiesismorethanjustarealestatedeveloper;it isapartnerincreatingexceptionallivingenvironmentsfor society.Drivenbyapassionforexcellence,innovation,and sustainability,UnionPropertiescontinuestoshapeDubai's futurewithitsvisionaryprojectsandcommitmenttoits customers.
InhisroleasChiefHROfficer,Jumahassuccessfully drivenHRdigitaltransformationinitiativesbystayingat theforefrontoftechnologicaltrendsandcontinuously evolvingHRpractices.Herecognizesthatdigital transformationisanongoingjourneythatdemandsa commitmenttoinnovation,agility,andadeep understandingofhowtechnologycansupportandenhance theorganization'sgoals.
Hisexperiencehasreinforcedtheimportanceofadaptingto thechanginglandscapeofHR.Underhisleadership,hehas launchedthedigitalretailbusinessschool,whichaimsto
equipemployeeswiththenecessaryskillstothriveina digitally-drivenbusinessenvironment.Byembracing technologyandfosteringacultureofcontinuouslearning, hehaspositionedhisorganizationforsuccessinthedigital age.
JumahasimplementedaholisticEmployeeValue Propositionasasustainablestrategythathassignificantly impactedtheorganization.Byaddressingtherootcausesof turnoveranddisengagement,thisstrategyfocusedoncareer development,work-lifebalance,culturealignment,and sustainabilitytocreateaworkenvironmentthatmetthe immediateneedsofemployeeswhilepositioningthe organizationforlong-termsuccess.
Thisexperiencereinforcedhisbeliefthatsustainable strategiesareessentialforcreatingresilientorganizations thatcanthriveintoday'scompetitivemodel.Byprioritizing thewell-beingandgrowthofemployees,organizationscan achieveenduringsuccess,benefitingboththeirpeopleand theirbottomline.Hisabilitytoimplementimpactful, sustainablestrategieshasbeenakeyfactorindriving organizationalsuccessthroughouthiscareer.
Jumaemploysspecificmetricstomeasurethesuccessof HRinitiativesalignedwithbusinessobjectives.Hetracks productivity,employeeengagement,talentacquisition, retention,andoverallorganizationalhealth.Thesemetrics notonlyreflecttheeffectivenessofHRinitiativesbutalso ensurealignmentwithbroaderbusinessgoals,contributing tosustainedgrowthandcompetitiveadvantage.
Juma focuses on recruiting the right talent, setting clear goals, and fostering collaboration among team members.
Inanerawheredata-drivendecision-makingiscrucial, thesemetricsprovideessentialinsightsthatenablehimto serveasastrategicpartnerindrivingbusinesssuccess.By focusingonthesekeyperformanceindicators,heenhances theorganization'sabilitytoadaptandthrive.
JumafostersacultureofinnovationwithinhisHRteamand thelargerorganizationbyleadingbyexample,encouraging agrowthmindset,promotingcollaboration,empowering employees,cultivatingdiversity,aligningwithbusiness goals,andrecognizinginnovativeefforts.
Thismultifacetedapproachcreatesanenvironment conducivetocreativityandcontinuousimprovement, drivingorganizationalsuccessandcompetitivenessinthe longrun.
Jumahasemployedarangeofstrategiestochampion diversityandinclusionwithintheworkplace,significantly impactingtheorganization.Hisinitiativesinclude implementinginclusiverecruitmentpractices,fosteringan inclusiveculture,andpromotingdiversityinleadership roles.
Byactivelyrecruitingindividualsfromvariousnationalities andfocusingonincreasingfemalerepresentationin leadershippositions,hehascreatedanenvironmentwhere allemployeesfeelvalued,respected,andempoweredto contributetheirbest.
Theseeffortshavenotonlyenhancedemployeesatisfaction andretentionbuthavealsodriveninnovation,improved decision-making,andstrengthenedtheorganization'sbrand reputation.Astheorganizationcontinuestoevolve,his commitmenttodiversityandinclusionremainsa cornerstoneofitsstrategy,ensuringthatitiswellpositionedforlong-termsuccessinanincreasinglydiverse culture.Hisleadershipexemplifieshowprioritizing diversityandinclusioncanleadtoamoreresilient, innovative,andcompetitiveorganization.
AsChiefHumanResourcesOfficer,Jumahasledthe transformationofanadministrative-focusedHR functionintoapeople-centricapproach.Hisexperience hasshownthatthisshiftnotonlybenefitsemployees butalsosignificantlycontributestotheorganization's overallsuccess.Byembracingapeople-centricHR function,hehaspositionedHRasavitalpartnerin achievingbusinessgoalsandfosteringathriving, innovativeworkplace.
Oneofthemajortransformationsheisproudofis leadinghisteamfromanHRadministrativeroletothat ofanHRBP(HumanResourcesBusinessPartner).This strategicshifthasenabledHRtoworkmoreclosely withbusinessunits,providingtailoredsolutionsand supporttodriveorganizationalgrowthandemployee engagement.
Jumafocusesonrecruitingtherighttalent,settingclear goals,andfosteringcollaborationamongteam members.Byinvestinginemployeedevelopmentand empoweringteamswithautonomy,heprovidesstrong leadershipandpromotesapositiveorganizational culture.
Juma focuses on recruiting the right talent, setting clear goals, and fostering collaboration among team members.
Heemphasizestheimportanceofcontinuously evaluatingperformancetosustainoutstandingresults. Hebelievesthathigh-performingteamsthrivenot solelyonindividualexcellencebutinanenvironment wherecollaborationandmutualsupportdrivecollective success.Hiscommitmenttotheseprinciplesfostersa dynamicworkplacethatconsistentlyachieves exceptionaloutcomes.
JumabelievesthatHRplaysamultifacetedandcritical roleindrivingbusinessgrowthinitiatives.Byaligning talentstrategieswithbusinessgoals,fosteringagrowthorientedculture,anddevelopingstrongleaders,HR enhancesemployeeengagementandleveragesdatafor strategicdecision-making.
SupportingorganizationalchangeisalsoessentialforHR's contributiontogrowth.Asbusinessesnavigatean increasinglycomplexandaggressivepanorama,he emphasizesthatHR'sstrategicinvolvementingrowth initiativesisvitalforensuringthattheorganizationnotonly growsbutthrivesinthelongterm.
Jumabelievesthatsuccessionplanningismorethanjusta riskmanagementtool;itisastrategicimperativethatdrives organizationalsuccess.Hisexperiencehasshownthata well-designedsuccessionplanningstrategycanensure businesscontinuity,enhanceemployeeengagement,and buildastrongleadershippipeline.
Byfocusingonidentifyinganddevelopinghigh-potential talent,providingthemwiththenecessarytoolsand experiences,andfosteringacultureofcontinuouslearning, hehasleveragedsuccessionplanningasacatalystfor sustainablegrowth.Inarapidlychangingbusiness environment,heemphasizesthathavingaclearand proactiveapproachtosuccessionplanningisessentialfor anyorganizationaspiringtothriveandsucceedinthelong term.
Jumarecognizesthatintoday’srapidlyevolvingbusiness domain,digitaltransformationisessentialfor competitiveness.HeemphasizesHR'spivotalroleasa changedriver,ensuringthattechnologyandpeoplealign harmoniouslyforoptimaloutcomes.
Byadoptingathoughtfulandstrategicapproach,he facilitatessmoothtransitions,empoweringemployeesto adapteffectivelywhileminimizingresistance.His leadershipinchangemanagementfostersanenvironment wherebothtechnologyandpersonnelcontributetothe organization’ssuccessduringthesecriticaltransformations.
Inconclusion,hisphilosophyontalentmanagementand acquisitioninadiverseworkforceiscenteredonthebelief thatdiversityisakeydriverofinnovation,engagement,and success.Hebelievesthatbyadoptinginclusivepracticesin bothrecruitmentandtalentmanagement,organizationscan unlockthefullpotentialoftheirdiverseworkforce,creating

adynamicandthrivingenvironmentwhereallemployees cancontributeandsucceed.Ultimately,embracingdiversity isnotjustaboutdoingtherightthing—it’saboutdoingthe smartthingforthelong-termsuccessoftheorganization.
Jumaemphasizestheimportanceofengagingwith executiveleadershiptoalignHRstrategieswithoverall businessgoals.Hebelievesthatunderstandingthebusiness terrainandbuildingstrongrelationshipswithexecutivesare crucial.
BytranslatingbusinessgoalsintoHRinitiativesand effectivelycommunicatingHR’svalue,hetransformsHR fromasupportfunctionintoastrategicpartneressentialfor achievinglong-termobjectives.
ThisalignmentnotonlyenhancestheeffectivenessofHR butalsoensuresthattheorganizationoperatescohesively towardssharedgoals,ultimatelydrivingsuccessand fosteringacollaborativeworkenvironment.
ealestatenolongerrevolvesaroundjustthree fundamentals—thelocation,theconstruction,and theownership.Presently,thepropertymarketis deeplyinfluencedandshapedbythefourfactors:economic changes,digitaladvancements,socialexpectations,and environmentalconcerns.
Asaresult,themainfactorsbehindthisrevolutionreshape thepropertiesthataredeveloped,leased,valued,financed, andexperienced.Thechangesthatusedtotaketheirtime arenowhappeningfast,andtheplayerswhoprevailare thosewhounderstandthatpropertyisnotonlyaphysical assetbutalsostrategic,data-driven,andhuman-centricin nature.
Technologyischangingthewaywedobusinessatevery leveloftherealestatejourney
Whatitformerlytookseveralweekswithrecusantand repetitivepaperworkandsitevisitscannowinmostcases bedoneinatimefraction.Itisnotjustspeedthatis involvedinthechange;theotheraspectsthatcomeintothe picturearetransparency,convenience,andinformed decision-making.Throughtechnology,realestateis becomingmoreopentothepublicandefficientbecause techtools,ontheonehand,lowerthebarriers,andonthe other,increaseinsight.
Thepeople'slifestylepatternsareundergoinga transformation,andtherealestateindustryneedstoalign itselfwiththesechanges.Theremoteworktrendhas broughtaboutaneedforflexibleworkingareas,co-housing alternatives,health-centeredfacilities,andmixed-use communitiesforaneasyblendingoflivingandworking. Thebuyersandtenantsaretheoneswhodeterminewhatis mostimportant,andthus,apartfromtheareameasuredin
squaremeters,theygivecomfort,connectivity,and wellbeingthefirstpriority.Presently,thehousesmustbe capableofprovidingenvironmentalquality,digital infrastructure,outdooraccess,andsocialspace.The developershavestartedtocreatethehousingenvironment thatnotonlymatcheswiththeindividualdailyroutinesbut alsowiththecommunitylifeanddoingso,theyare acknowledgingthatlifestyleisthemainfactorthat determinespropertyvalue.
TheEnvironmentally-FriendlyChoiceasaBusiness Imperative
Environmentalfriendlinesshasstoppedbeinganoptionand isactuallyamajorfactorthatinfluencesbothinvestment decisionsandpropertydevelopment.Buildingspoweredby energy-efficientdesigns,materialsthatemitlittlecarbon, certifiablegreenbuildingpractices,andinfrastructurethat canwithstandextremeweatherarealreadyinfluencingthe preferencesofbuyersaswellasthestandardssetbythe regulators.Theinvestorsarethusconcernedwiththe sustainabilityandresilienceoftheirinvestmentsinthelong termandatthesametime,theoperationalcostswillbe lowered.Thepropertymarketisincreasinglyfocusingon solarpanels,waterconservation,andnature-friendly design,amongotherthings.Hence,thebuildingsof tomorrowaregoingtobetheonesthatservebothhumanas wellasnature.
Oneofthemainreasonswhyinvestorsseethemarketso clearlyisdata.Insteadofgoingwiththeirgut,buyersand developersemploypredictiveanalyticstoevaluatedemand patterns,demographics,rentalpotential,andriskexposure. Theuseofsuchintelligencemakestheinvestmentdecisions morestrategicandresilient.Realestateportfoliosare craftedwithgreatcareandprecision,andtheyare

diversifiednotonlyacrossdifferentgeographicallocations butalsoacrossvariousassettypesandusagecategories. Dataisoneofthemostpowerfulagentsbehindthe transformationofrealestateasituncoversthepotential wherehumanintuitionaloneisnotenough.
Withtheevolutionofthecities,realestateisatthecrosspointofurbanplanningandhumanexperience.Intelligent citiesadoptvariousdigitalsystemstomakethingslike transport,energymanagement,andresourcedistribution moreefficient.Intermsofrealestate,thisimpliesthatboth buildingsandneighborhoodscanreactintelligentlytotheir environmentiftheyhavebeendesignedtodoso.The developersaregettingonboardwiththekindof infrastructurethatnotonlysupportselectricvehiclesbutis alsoarchitecturallyclimate-responsive,hassharedmobility hubs,andusesdigitallymanagedenergy,water,andwaste services.Consequently,thebuiltenvironmentisnot unchanging,ratheritisflexible.
Theprocessthatishappeningnowissuchapowerful conversion:therealestatesectorisgraduallybecoming morehuman-centric.Oneofthemainwaysdevelopers achievethisisbyputtinglessemphasisontheactual constructionofthebuildingsandmoreonthedesignofthe experience.Community,nature,culture,andconvenience arethemostimportantthingsthatthevaluablerealestate connectsitsresidentswith.Theindustryhasbeenmoving furtherandfurtherawayfromthemonotonousfloorplans andfar-flungcomplexesofthepastandinstead,itisturning tothosethatprovidetheconditionsforcommunity, productivity,andhealthiness.Humanexperienceis becomingthemaincriterionforsuccess.



Youhavetofallinlovewithwhatyoudo.”Diana
Magariu,awardwinning“WomanatWork Leadership”,“MiddleEast’sWomanLeaders”,and CEOofKeyOneRealtyGroupwouldalwayssay.Her passionforrealestatehassincecreatedaplatformwhere newandseasonedinvestorsreceivethebestservicecatered totheirspecificneeds.WhilemostconsiderSalesVolume asaKeyPerformanceIndicator(KPI)forgrowth,forKey OneRealtyGroup,revenueisonlyaby-productofamuch moreimportantfocus:qualitycustomerserviceand experience.
KeyOneRealtyGroupisapremierrealestatesolutions providerinDubaiwithareputationforexcellence. Understandingthatcustomerexperiencehasmorevalue thanthepropertyitself,isthecompany’smainfocus.This isevidentinourcorevaluesfirstembodiedbyDianawho says,“Ourclientsarenotjustpayingfortheproperty,but
Diana Magariu CEO
alsofortheexperience.Othercompaniesmayofferthe sameservices,buttheexperiencemakesallthedifference.”
Establishedin2006byDianaMagariuherself,thecompany startedwithonlythreebrokersfocusingonthesalesand leasingofresidentialandcommercialproperties.Thename “KeyOne”wasderivedfromthekeytounlockingdoorsof opportunitiesforthecompany,itspeopleandclientswith thevisiontoberecognizedasnumberoneintheDubaireal estateindustry Today,nearingits15thyearanniversary,the companyhasexpandedtooversixtypeopleworkingona varietyofprojects,servicingseveralclientsinfour divisions–RealEstateBrokerage,PropertyManagement, HolidayHomesRentalandInteriorDesign.Makingsure thatthe6pillarsofgrowthvitaltotheircontinuedsuccess andgrowthisembracedbyoldandnewteammembers.
Developmentlikethiswasdefinitelynotoverlookedbythe masses.IntherecentAfrica&ArabiaPropertyAwards 2020–2021,KeyOneRealtyGroupreceivedthetitleof “BestRealEstateAgencyandMarketing”inDubai.Inthe yearsbeforethat,theywerebestowedtheawardof
“MiddlesEastMostPromisingBrandAward”in2019and “AwardforBrandExcellenceinRealEstateSector”in 2020.
Ofcourse,successdidnotcomewithoutdifficultiesforthe company Withtheunexpecteddownturnin2009thatleft manytochoosetoleaveDubaiandseveralcompanies close,andthethreatthecurrentpandemicposestothereal estateindustry,Dianacontinuestopersevereandkeepthe companytoserveasasupportfortheirinvestors,offering solutionstoproblemsthatariseduringthesedifficulttimes. Thus,developingandunderstandingtheimportanceof buildingrelationshipswithclientsthroughexcellent customerserviceandexperience.
Indeed,KeyOneRealtyhasachievedmassivegrowthinthe past15yearsintheDubairealestateindustry.Managing residentialpropertiesworth3billionUSDinassetvalue, servicingover1000clientsmonthlybothlocallyandabroad andhavingaportfolioofover1500unitsofmanaged propertiesandexclusivelymanagedbuildings.
Fromthedateofestablishment,thecompanyhashadover 50,000salestransactionsforoff-planandsecondary markets.
Inaddition,theinteriordesigndivisionwhichwaslaunched only2yearsagohassuccessfullycompleted2hugeinterior andlandscapedesignprojects,with10otherongoing projectslocatedinItaly,Germany,Switzerland,UAEand Slovenia.Evenwiththeonsetofthepandemic,KeyOne RealtyGroupsurpassedtheirsalestargetby5%,proving thattheteamtranscendswhatmanyrefertoasacrisis.
Undoubtedly,thesuccessofthecompanywouldnotbe madepossiblewithoutthepeoplebehindthescenes.Diana MagariubelievesthatpeoplearethegreatestassetofKey OneRealtyGroupandmustbeconsideredwiththesame importanceastheirclients.
Withtheaimtodevelopafamilialrelationshipwithher team,Dianasays,“Ourpeoplespendmoreoftheirtimein theofficethanattheirownhomes.Theirexperienceinthe companyshouldbefulfillingandpurposeful.” Sheadds, “Wehirewithalong-termvisiontobuildrelationships. Manyofourformeremployeesareactuallystillconnected withus;wewatchtheirkidsgrowandevenparticipatein someoftheirfamilygatherings.”Shealsobelievesthat havingaclearvisionasaleaderwhopeoplecanresonate withandfollowiskeytofindingtherightfit.“Iftheysee yourvisionandacceptitforthemselves,theywillhavethe
Key One Realty Group is indeed one of the companies to watch out for in 2021and the coming years. “ “
willingnesstoworktowardsthatgoalbecausetheybelieve init,too.”Infact,shehashighregardforbeginnerswho arewillingtolearnandmakeadifferenceintherealestate industry.Shesays,“Iamnothiringtotakeadvantageof theirskills.Instead,IwouldlikeKeyOneRealtyGroupto growwiththem.”
ButwhatinspiredDianaMagariutobecomeapioneer intheRealEstateSector?
Theideabeganformingoutofherpassionforrealestate eversinceshewasyoung.GrowingupinItaly,shewas alwaysfascinatedwiththearchitectureandinteriordesign inthecountry,whichsparkedherinterestintherealestate industry.Visitingdifferentproperties,Dianaapplaudedthe beautyandmasteryoftheircraftsmanship,oftenimagining familiesanddifferentindividualslivinginsuchbeautifully designedhomes.
Eventually,DianamovedtoDubaiintheearly2000sand sawhugepotentialintheDubaimarket.Theindustrywas beginningtotakeshapeinthecountryandmore opportunitiespresentedthemselveswithfuturisticprojects inthepipelinesuchasDubaiMarina,thePalmJumeirah andtheBurjKhalifa.Shewasalsodeeplyinspiredbythe clearvisionofHisHighnessSheikhMohammedbinRashid AlMaktoumtocontinuouslydevelopthecityforthefuture generations;Dianasawherownvisionreflectedinhis.She grewtoloveDubaiandtoher,itisthecityofthefuture. Withadvancedtechnologyandinfrastructuresthatwere seeminglypulledoutfromsciencefiction;therewerejust limitlesspossibilities!
Allthesebecameacatalysttoherdecisiontostart contributingtothecitybyprovidingaplatformthatfirst gaveaglimpseofhowitfeelstoliveinDubaiand eventuallyinvitingthemtostayandsettleinwhatshe believesasthefuturecapitalcityoftheworld.
SowhereisKeyOneRealtyGroupheadingfromhere?
AccordingtoArabianBusiness(January,2021),Dubai propertyissettodeclinebyupto8%in2021on oversupply.Duetofalteringdemand,pricesofresidential propertieshavecontinuouslybeendrivendownbymore than30%,whichhasbeenmadeworsebythecoronavirus pandemic.However,KeyOneRealtyGroupbelievesthat thesituationwillnotstoptherealestateindustryfrom adaptingandthrivingduringthesedifficulttimes.The industryisstillalive,discoveringwaystoflourishand offeringnewsolutionsintegratingrealestatetomodern technology;thus,givingbirthtoPropertyTech,or PropTech.
TherearethreesolutionsthatKeyOneRealtyGrouphave startedexploring.
• CustomerRelationshipManagement(CRM)
Withtheincreaseofmanagedpropertiesandclients,the teamaimstoensurethateveryonestillexperiencesthe samequalityofattentionandcustomerexperience.Key OneRealtyGroupisontheworkstodevelopingamobile applicationthatadaptsandprovidesaplatformforeasy accesstodataforourclients.Amongthebenefitsofthis platformistheabilityforlandlordstobeabletoreceiveupto-datestatusesoftheirmanagedproperties.
• ExploringDigitalCurrenciesinpurchasingproperties.
Theworldisheadedtoapaperlesssociety.Withtheriseof cryptocurrenciessuchasBitcoinandEthereum,itcanbe foreseenthatcashcouldbecomeanobsoletemeansto purchaserealestatepropertiesinthefuture.Infact,buyin BitcoinandcashoutistrendingintheUAErealestate marketaccordingtoGulfNews(January,2021).
Fewcanunderstandhowdigitalcurrencieswillworksoon, butKeyOneRealtyGroupisaheadontheirresearchin developingsystemsthatcanutilizethesecurrenciesinthe saleandleasingofpropertiestoenhancecustomer experienceandtransactionconvenience.
• Connectingpeopletopropertiesinforeignmarkets.
Thepandemichasquarantinedtheworld,notonlytotheir homes,butalsointothedigitalspace.Thedistancebetween twopeopleisnolongerimportantwithadvanceonline communicationtoolsandcloudtechnology,peoplecan transactatlongdistances.
DianaMagariuseesmorepossibilitiesinthemarketnow morethaneverbefore;thebordershaveexpandedfrom localtointernational.Havingestablishedanexcellent portfolioinbridgingbothlocalandforeignmarketstothe Dubairealestateproperties,shenowseesthepossibilityof utilizingtechnologytoexpandtheirarrayofpropertiesthistime,connectinganymarkettopropertieslocated outsidetheUAEbythedigitalhighway.
Withemphasisonfurtherenhancingcustomerexperience, projectsinthepipelinecontinuetopositionKeyOneRealty Grouptobuildinglongtermrelationshipsandpartnership withtheirclientsinboththephysicalworldandthedigital space,offeringaone-stopshopsolutionfortheirrealestate needs–fromconsultationtopostpurchase.Dianatakes prideinthefactthatfornearly15longyears,customers havereturnedandre-establishedrelationshipwithKeyOne RealtyGroup.
Anyadviceforbuddingstart-upsandentrepreneursinthe industry?
ForDiana,beingawarethatthattherealestateindustryis notaneasyindustrytoworkintoisfirstandforemost.In fact,realestaterankedasthe5thmoststressfulindustryin theUAEaccordingtoGulfNewsin2016.Onemusteasily beabletoadapttothechangesaswellasbequickto learningnewtrendsintheindustry.Nonetheless,shepoints outthathavingastrongpassionandaclearlong-term visionwillhelpovercomethedifficultiesthatcomewiththe realestateindustry–orinanyindustryforthatmatter.
Finally,asKeyOneRealtyGroupnearstheir15th anniversaryintheUAEmarket,Dianaaimstoexpandthe company’sterritoryfromtheUAEtootherpartsofthe world.Withthecurrentadvancementoftechnology matchedwithherstrongpassionandlong-termvisionfor thecompany,aswellasherteam’shighregardfor providingexcellentcustomerserviceandexperience,the possibilitiesareendless.KeyOneRealtyGroupisindeed oneofthecompaniestowatchoutforin2021andthe comingyears.


Efficiencyandinnovationhavebecomeacuteinthe
currentrealestateview,whichismarkedby quickeningtechnologicaladvancementsand changingmarketsubtleties.Thesectorfacesmany obstacles,suchasdisjointedworkflows,inefficientbusiness relations,antiquatedtechnology,andadearthofreal-time datathatcanimpedesuccessfultransactions.
Thereisagreaterneedthaneverforintegratedsolutions thatimprovecommunicationandsimplifyoperationsas stakeholdersattempttonavigatethesecomplexities.
MarkusHoecherl,whohasspentmorethan20years revolutionizingrealestatepractices,isemergingasa transformativeleaderinthiscontext.Heisthecreatorof thecentralizedB2BmanagementplatformDomunus, whichaimstomakecomplicatedtransactionseasier.
Besideshisentrepreneurialendeavors,healsoteaches commercialassetmanagementasanadjunctprofessorat NYU'sSchackInstituteofRealEstate.Inadditionto makinghimapivotalroleinthecontinuousdevelopmentof realestatepractices,hisdedicationtoefficiencyand innovationopensthedoorforamorestreamlinedfuturein theindustry
Let’s explore his path ahead!
PioneeringSimplicityinRealEstate
Markusisaprominentfigureintherealestatesector, boastingmorethan20yearsofexperiencewithan emphasisoninnovation.Hefoundedandservesasthe presidentofDomunus,acentralizedB2Bmanagement platformdesignedtoenhancecommunicationamongreal estaterepresentativesorbrokers,buyers,sellers,andservice providers.
Thisplatformimprovesefficiencyandraisesthelikelihood ofsuccessfultransactionsbypromotingteamworkand utilizingreal-timedata.Markushasasolidfoundationin realestatedevelopmentandinvestmentmanagement.He hasmanagedteamsfrommanypartsofthe worldandwas partofateamoverseeingprojectsworthover$30billion.
Markushasplayedasignificantroleinthedevelopmentof phase1ofNewSongdoCityandhasalsoexpandedthe footprintofStarwood’sWHotelbrand.Alongsidehis professionalendeavors,heimpartshisexpertiseon maximizingrealestatevalueasaprofessoratNYU.He gainedrecognitioninGermanyforhisarchitecturaland urbancontributions,andcompletedhisMasterofScienceat ColumbiaUniversity,supportedbyaDAADscholarship.
Markusisdrivenbyhismotto,"LessisMore,"whichhe impliestosimplifyrealestatetransactions.Thisconceptis abouttotransformthissectoroftheindustryandwasthe catalystforDomunus'scompanyestablishment.
Markus is driven by his motto, "Less is More," and wants to simplify real estate transactions.

MarkusandhisteamatDomunusareatthe forefrontofsubstantialsettlementsthatimpactthe NationalAssociationofRealtors(N.A.R.)and changesinthebrokerageindustry.Through offeringacentralizedtoolthatsimplifies transactionsandprovidessignificantsavingsfor mid-tohigh-volumebusinesses,theirplatformtackles operationalandfinancialchallenges.


Domunusservesasanetworkingcenteraswell,bringing brokerstogetherwithavarietyofbusinessprofessionals andsupportingconnectionsthatleadtonewbusiness.Users benefitfrommoreopportunitiesandsavingsbecauseofthe networkeffectbeingstrengthenedbythisexpandinguser base.
Throughtheintegrationofresidentialandcommercialreal estatenetworks,Domunusassistsbuyers,sellers,brokers, andserviceprovidersinidentifyingmoreopportunities whileatthesametimefindingthemostsuitablepartnersat thebestprices.Finally,Domunusgivesbrokersthetools theyneedtoexpandmorequicklyandworkmore effectivelyinamarketthatisdevelopingswiftly
Throughouttime,realestatetransactionsinvolvea disjointedprocessandarethereforeexpensive.Multiple serviceprovidersandfragmentedcommunicationsystems arefrequentlyjuggledbybrokersandhigh-volumesellers, resultingininefficienciesandanestimated$50billionin lossesfortheU.S.industry.
MarkusestablishedDomunus,amanagementhubforreal estatetransactionsthatcentralizesandsynchronizesthe businessandworkbetweenallstakeholders–thinkofthe contractsbetweentheparties,tasks,documents,and communication.Thissimplifiedmethodimproves cooperation,accountability,andclarity.
Domunusprovidesrepresentativesorbrokerswhohandlea largevolumeofinquiriesandtransactionswithreal-time visibilityandinsightsintoprogress,possibledelays,plus importantmetrics.Domunusmaximizesproductivityand lowersthepossibilityofoversightinrealestatetransactions bybringingstakeholderstogetherandofferingacomplete managementsolution.
Withacentralizedmanagementhubthathelpsagentsofall sizessavetimeandmoney,Markusandhisteamat Domunusarechangingthebrokeragesector.
Domunusincreasesefficiencyandcollaborationby providingafulltoolkit,whichcouldsavebigbusinesses tensofmillionsofdollars.
Domunusisaneffectivenetworkingtoolthatcreatesnew relationshipsthatleadtoleadsandsales.Thenetworkeffect increaseswitheverynewuser,startingaviciouscycleof costsavingsandopportunitygains.Brokers' competitivenessandexpansioninthemarketarefurther increasedbytheexclusivedealstheycanaccessthrough serviceprovidernetworks.
Usingadigitalplatformthatstreamlinestheprocessfor buyers,sellers,brokers,andserviceproviders,Markus'sis modernizingrealestatetransactions.Throughadirectlink orQRcode,buyerscansubmitoffersfast,andsellerscan respondhastilybyreceivingreal-timeofferswithallthe necessaryfinancinginformation.
BecauseDomunusprioritizesfunctionalityofthe transactionovermarketing,iteliminatestheneedfor additionaltools,simplifyingtheentireprocessfromthe initialoffertoclosing.Brokerscaneffortlesslyinvite interestedpartiestotheplatform,allowingforthesmooth processingofqueriesandoffers.
Domunususesreal-timetransactionvisibilitytoreduce wastefultimeandresources,whichincreasescustomer satisfactionandacceleratesbusinessgrowth.Fasterand moreefficienttransactionsaretheoutcomeofthis.
Aplatformthattransformsreal-timedataintouseful insightsforbusinesseshasbeencreatedbyMarkusandhis teamatDomunus.Domunusgivesuserstheabilityto effectivelyunderstandtransactionsubtletiesthrough processanalysisandbottleneckidentification.Incontrastto conventionalsoftwarethatdependsondigitalchecklists, Domunusprovidestransparencyandvisibility,allowing userstotrackadvancementanddivinesetbacks.
Withtheuseofpricingtrendsandmarketinsightsfromthis creativesolution,clientscandecidewhentoact.Intheend, Domunusservesasaconcentratedcenterforefficient operations,strongnetworking,andanexpandingleadpool, aidinguserstoacquireaviableadvantageandgrowmore promptly
MarkusandtheDomunusteamputinagreatdealofeffort duringtheplatform'splanninganddevelopmentstagesto satisfytheurgentrequirementsandpreferencesofevery user
Theirthoroughbusinessplanning,carefulmarketresearch, andregulargatheringofuserinputallattesttotheir dedicationtoauser-centeredapproach.Perhapsthemost satisfyingpartoftheirjourneyhasbeenreceiving confirmationfromusersthroughthisfeedback,whichnot onlysupportstheiranalysisbutalsoatteststotheproductmarketfitoftheircentralizedmanagementhub.
Becauseofitsdisjointedprocesses,therealestatesector suffersfromexcessivecostsandinefficiencies.An estimated$50billioninlossesoccursannuallybecauseof themanagementofnumerousserviceprovidersand disjointedsystemsbetweenthebuyerandsellersides.
Withacomprehensiverealestatetransactionmanagement solution,MarkusandhisteamatDomunustakeonthese challenges.Theirplatformenablesallpartiestosynchronize communication,tasks,documents,andtimelines,improving accountabilityandclarity
Domunusprovidesbrokersmanagingahighvolumeof inquiriesandtransactionswithreal-timeprogressvisibility, assistingintheidentificationofdelaysandbottlenecks.The platformfacilitateswell-informeddecision-makingby offeringinsightsintonecessarymetrics.
Domunus,inshort,optimizesefficiencyandlowersrisksof oversightanddelaysbybringingstakeholderstogether, centralizingdata,anddeliveringactionableinsights.
ThefounderofDomunus,Markus,sawaneedforamajor improvementintransactionsoftware,whichfrequently focussesonthemarketingaspectsaheadoftransaction processing.Hisvisionwasforaplatformthatwouldhelp buyers,sellers,representatives,andserviceproviderswork togethermoreeasilyandexpeditecomplicatedrealestate transactions–essentiallybenefittingall.
Thedevelopmentprocessconcentratedonresolvingthe distinctobstaclesthateachstakeholderfaces,likeprocess frictionandpartnerconnectionissues.Themarketplace poweredbyDomunusstreamlinesdataandinformation, increasingtransactioneffectivenessandeconomy.
Markusrecognizedearlyonthattheseissuesextendbeyond therealestatesectorandaffecttheaviation,import-export, andlegaltaxindustries.Domunusintendstofirstmakea nameforitselfintherealestateindustrybeforemovingon totheseotherindustries.


Realestateisgoingthroughafundamentalchange. Whatusedtobeafocusonland,buildingsand ownershipisnowshiftingtowardsintelligence, connectivityandlifestyledesign.Sinceitisinfluencedby technology,demographicchangeandnewsustainability requirements,theindustryoftomorrowisnotmerelyabout buildingsanymore,butaboutthesystemsandexperiences thatsurroundthem.
Thenextwaveofrealestateisverymuchalignedtothe coreprinciplesofthe21stcentury:itisdynamic,datainformed,andhuman-centered.Livingsmarter,investing smarter,andbuildingsmarteriswhatitisallabout.
SmartCities:InnovationBuiltintoInfrastructure
Smartcitiesrepresentthenextstepinurbandevelopment. Theymergedigitalsystemswitheverydayinfrastructure,
thusallowingforautomatedtransportation,energyefficient use,transparentgovernance,andbetterpublicservices.
Therealestateconcernisnotstandingapartfromthecity anylonger—onthecontrary,itisevenmoreintertwined withit.Therearenewbuildingscomingupthataremadeto communicatewithpublicdatanetworks,modify consumptionofenergyonthespot,andbeofhelpto sustainableurbangrowth.Hence,inasmartcity,properties arenomorepassiveelementsofalivingecosystembut rather,theybecometheactiveonesandthatwaytheynot onlyraiseefficiencybutalsothedailyexperienceofthe residents.
Realestateinvestmentisonthewayoftransformingfroma gameofluckintoaseriousscientificendeavor.The availabletechnologiestoinvestorstoday,suchasAI, forecastingtools,andpredictiveanalytics,areallowing themtoevaluatepatterns,anticipatedemand,andmake decisionswithconfidence.
Onemajorareaofinvestmentwheresmartinvestmentcan showitstruecolorsisinthefieldofclimateresilience—a house/flatwhichisreadytocopewithclimatedisasters, madeoutofappropriatematerials,andsituatedinalocation thatissafeforlong-termgrowth.Furthermore,thesedigital toolsallowtheglobalmarketofinvestorstoopenupas wellwhichmeansthatindividualsandinstitutionsmayfind itmucheasiertoachievethedesireddiversificationinterms ofbothregionsandassetclasses.Theend-resultisbetter decisionsthatarelessrisky,withmorerobustaswellas future-proofportfolios.
Theeraofsustainabledevelopmentasamereattractive featurehaslongpassed—itisnowseenasbeing instrumentalfortheveryideaoflong-termvalue.Hence, theindustryisprogressivelysettingitselftargetsvia improvementofthegreenbuildingstandards,usingclean energy,andembracingthetrendofenvironmentally friendlyproductsandmaterials.Moreover,projectsarealso designedbasedonwaterconservation,carbonemissions, andpollutionofnatureamongothers.
Suchmeasuresnotonlyleadtobetterperformanceofa propertybutalsotoitsappealtobuyersandtenantswhoare eco-conscious.Sustainabilityisgraduallymakinga
transitionfromjustbeingoneofthemarketingpointsto becomingthepredominantinvestmentcriterion,signaling thatrealestatehastofunctionresponsiblyifitwantsto keepitsplaceinaworldwithclimatechange.
Realestatedevelopersnowadaysaredeeplyengagedinthe processofredefiningtheconceptofcommunity. Neighborhoodsliketheseofferavarietyofopportunities suchasliving,working,shopping,andevenrecreationall theseinthesharedenvironmentswhichhelptheseactivities togrowandtheresidentstofeelinvolvedandconnected. Citiesarebeingtransformedintospacesthataresaferand betterforwalkingaswellasbeingmoresocialand integrated.Communityamenities,e.g.,gardens,wellness facilities,culturalspaces,coworkinghubs,helppeopleto establishrelationshipsandalsoofferthemtheopportunity toleadhealthierlifestyles.
Thistransitionisverymuchaboutawidelyrecognized growingidea:valueismoreandmorebeingmeasurednot onlybythesquarefootagebutbythequalityofthe experiencethatismadepossible.
Thecomingdaysofrealestatearefarfrombeingpassive, rathertheywillbeinteractive,learningandevolving.The propertieswillbemoreandmoreinapositiontomonitor thedatathemselves,beaheadofanyissuesandeven communicatewiththeirenvironment.Long-term investmentswillbecomethenorm,guidedbyinsightrather thanhastyspeculation.Digitallyorganizedcitieswillexist forthesakeofsafety,sustainability,andopportunities.
Realestateisgoingtobeaneraofsmartcities,smart investments,andcleverliving.Itisindeedafuturethatis notmerelybasedonthetangiblephysicalstructures,but alsoonelementssuchasconnectivity,designthinking,and thevisionofimprovedhumanenvironments.
Thosewhowillmakeitinthisnewsettingaretheoneswho realizethatbuildingsarenolongersimplyconstructed—on thecontrary,theyaredesignedtobesmart,flexible,and capableofimprovinglife.




















































