From importing luxury Italian furniture in the early ‘90s to redefining Dubai’s supercar scene and eventually entering high-end real estate, NABNI Developments has always moved with ambition and detail.

Today, under co-founder and CEO Badr Abdulla Alhelo Alsuwaidi, the company is steering its third era, one shaped by design-driven projects, premium materials, and a refusal to follow the cookie-cutter path. With a portfolio that includes Dubai’s first smart building and, most recently, the first standalone Waldorf Astoria residential tower outside the US, Alsuwaidi reflects on the legacy that shaped NABNI and the vision driving its next chapter.

How has your family’s entrepreneurial journey shaped the way you approach business today?

The values of hard work, integrity, and the vision to build for the future rather than just the present are values that have been passed down through the generations. My father instilled in us the importance of ensuring risk is calculated, how to find resilience, and the value of never compromising on quality.

These principles continue to define NABNI’s approach today. As the third generation steps in, they offer a fresh perspective on technology, embrace sustainability, and continue to push boundaries of the ever-evolving definition of luxury.

From Creekside trading to pioneering Dubai’s supercar scene, and now real estate, your family has constantly evolved. What drives that spirit of reinvention across generations?

Our journey has always been guided by a deep appreciation for quality, whether it’s the unmistakable roar of a world-class supercar or the elegance of hand-selected marble from a remote Italian quarry. Our passion for excellence, paired with meticulous attention to detail, has consistently shaped our family’s business ethos.

With each new chapter, we’ve embraced innovation. From building and launching the world’s largest Lamborghini showroom – and ultimately becoming the brand’s global sales leader, to being the first developer in Dubai to focus exclusively on high-end commercial properties tailored to the city’s fast-growing business sector, reinvention has been central to our growth.

As Dubai evolved, so did we. We made a strategic pivot into the luxury residential space, responding to rising demand from both local buyers and international investors. This led us to develop in Al Furjan and, most recently, to launch the Waldorf Astoria Residences Dubai Business Bay, which is the flagship of our portfolio.

With this project, we’re offering a curated lifestyle that combines sophisticated architecture, bespoke services and enduring value for residents. At the heart of everything we do is the desire to create something extraordinary – led by our passion, imagination and commitment to detail.

With the Waldorf Astoria Residences Dubai, designed by Carlos Ott, what statement did you want NABNI to make about Emirati-led luxury real estate?

The UAE has established itself as a key market on the global luxury property stage, and by bringing the first standalone Waldorf Astoria Residences outside the US here, NABNI only stands to underline this.

Collaborating with such a storied brand and bringing the project to life with renowned leaders in the realm of design, such as Carlos Ott and HBA, is a statement in itself.

In terms of lifestyle and offerings, the ‘Residences’ will set new standards in luxury living on an international level, with discreet elements of Middle Eastern design incorporated that ground the tower and bring a strong sense of identity.

As third-generation family members begin to join the business, how are you passing on values like mentorship, resilience, and humility while still encouraging innovation?

Generational wisdom has always guided our journey, and the notion of perpetuating our values within our culture. We engage the younger family members through programmes that pair them with leaders who embody our core principles.

Through storytelling, hands-on involvement and open dialogue, we hope to instil resilience and humility as essential traits. We encourage fresh perspectives by fostering an environment where innovation is not only welcomed but expected… Youth bring a new energy, outlook – and most importantly, the courage to challenge the status quo. This balance ensures that our legacy is honoured, even as we continue to evolve.

Dubai’s real estate landscape is changing rapidly. How is NABNI adapting to evolving buyer preferences, particularly in the luxury segment?

With Waldorf Astoria Residences Dubai Business Bay, we have pushed the boundaries of luxury living – our target audience is HNWIs who appreciate quality and are looking for a certain lifestyle that is seamless. The sleek, sculptural tower features exquisite finishes and contemporary fixtures; every inch exudes quality, refinement and excellence. Residences are beautiful, comfortable, feature advanced smart technology, and are among the largest on the market. Amenities include the world’s highest ‘Golf-in-the‑Sky’ simulator, adult and family pools, spa facilities, yoga and meditation zones, fitness studios, multipurpose gathering areas and the famed Waldorf Peacock Alley lounge. In terms of services, guests can choose from wellness offerings to a 24/7 concierge, housekeeping, secretarial offerings, and so much more. This level of quality, amenities and servicing makes us stand apart.

Sustainability and smart technologies are increasingly important in property development. How is NABNI incorporating these trends into your projects?

Sustainability is at the forefront of all of our developments; for example, Waldorf Astoria Residences Dubai Business Bay embodies sustainable living through a combination of design, materials, and technology. It features energy-efficient architecture that maximises natural light and ventilation, reducing reliance on artificial cooling and lighting. The structure incorporates sustainable building materials such as recycled steel, low-VOC paints, and FSC-certified wood. In addition, it uses cutting-edge green technology, including greywater recycling systems and high-efficiency insulation to lower overall energy and water consumption. Every detail minimises environmental impact while maximising comfort and luxury. Our design approach integrates with the tower’s natural surroundings, enhancing both environmental health and resident quality of life, contributing to a sustainable future.

Alongside these initiatives, Waldorf Astoria Residences Dubai Business Bay units are equipped with intelligent home automation systems that give residents control over lighting, climate and appliances to optimise comfort and energy efficiency. Smart sensors and AI-driven monitoring track water and power usage in real time, promoting sustainable habits. Advanced building management systems streamline energy distribution across the tower, while discreet smart access control enhances security.

A standout feature is the AI-powered mobility experience. Our smart lifts are linked to license plate recognition, so when a resident’s vehicle enters, the system detects their arrival and ensures a private elevator is waiting.

What emerging opportunities or challenges do you see for Emirati developers in a post-pandemic, globalised real estate market?

Post-pandemic, we’ve seen both risks and opportunities for Emirati developers: on the positive side, Dubai has solidified itself as a global gateway for investment, attracting HNW clients who are not only in search of a residence but also a lifestyle that offers security, connectivity and world-class facilities. This presents endless opportunities for developers to promote properties, leveraging branded residences, hospitality partnerships and smart, sustainable living solutions that appeal to discerning international buyers. At the same time, the market is becoming more competitive and more astute, which means that developers must balance growth with speed and discipline, keeping quality, design excellence and regulatory compliance in focus to stay ahead. Also, incorporating green solutions and smart tech is no longer a choice; it is becoming an expectation in gaining global investors’ interest.

For Emirati developers, the challenge is to differentiate authentically while staying aligned with Dubai’s broader vision as a forward-looking, globally competitive and cosmopolitan city. In my opinion, those who can combine local insight with international standards will be best positioned to thrive in this new era.

How do you balance honouring your family’s legacy with seizing opportunities in a fast-changing global real estate landscape?

Balancing legacy with the future is always delicate, but it is about staying true to the values that built our strong foundation while embracing change – to ensure we remain relevant in a fast-changing world. Our family’s legacy has always been defined by certain principles, and these guide every decision we make today. At the same time, we recognise that the global real estate market is evolving rapidly, and to succeed, you need to be hugely innovative.

By combining the trust and credibility earned over generations with forward-looking strategies, we ensure our projects are not only rooted in heritage but also designed for the future. It is this dual approach of honouring where we come from whilst seizing new opportunities that allows us to create developments that stand as both tributes to our past and investments in the generations to come.

AD Ports Group said on Thursday it has agreed to sell its 9.77 per cent stake in NMDC Group to Alpha Dhabi Holding for Dhs1.6bn ($436m).

The port operator received the stake ahead of NMDC’s listing in February 2022 from Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company – ADQ.

In less than four years, the investment delivered a total shareholder return of 17 per cent, based on dividends received and capital gains, using book value as of Q3 2025 as a reference.

The divestment forms part of AD Ports Group’s plan to monetise non-core assets when market conditions are favourable.

It is the company’s third non-core sale this year, following the sale of land at Khalifa Economic Zones – Abu Dhabi (KEZAD) to Mira Developments and the sale of two logistics warehouses in KEZAD to Aldar Properties.

AD Ports Group to use proceeds from sale to fuel projects

Proceeds from the transaction will be used to reduce debt and redeploy capital into higher-returning projects, the company said. AD Ports Group reported net debt of Dhs17bn as of September 30.

“This agreement with Alpha Dhabi is a result of the group’s durable commitment to intelligently managing its assets and value creation strategies, with the proceeds strengthening the group’s financial position and capital structure,” MD and group CEO Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi said.

He added: “Under the wise guidance of our leadership in the UAE, AD Ports Group is focused on efficiently managing its asset portfolio and deploying its financial strengths to increase shareholder value, enhance the services delivered to our customers, and fulfil our primary mission of enabling trade. In the future, we will continue to actively manage our asset base to unlock and maximise value.”

Hamad Salem Al Ameri, MD and group CEO of Alpha Dhabi Holding, said the acquisition “underscores our commitment to investing in high-impact industrial verticals that support Abu Dhabi’s diversity and inclusion agenda”, adding that the strategy focuses on scalable opportunities aligned with national priorities while balancing industrial growth with environmental responsibility.

With the purchase, Alpha Dhabi’s holding in NMDC Group will rise to about 77 per cent.

In October, AD Ports Group sold land in KEZAD’s Al Mamourah district to Mira Developments in a Dhs2.47bn deal.

On November 11, it completed the sale of two built-to-suit logistics warehouses in KEZAD to Aldar Properties for Dhs570m.

As Saudi Arabia accelerates the transformation of its holy cities under Vision 2030, developers are redefining what urban living, mobility, and community experiences will feel like for millions of Muslims visiting Makkah each year. Among the early movers shaping that future is Arabian Dyar, the developer behind Dayar Al-Haram — a multi-phase residential and mixed-use destination within Masar, the 3.5-kilometre urban spine being built by Umm Al-Qura.

Speaking at Cityscape Global 2025, Anis Al Habshi, vice president of Arabian Dyar, reflected on the company’s long-term commitment to the holy city and its role in raising the standard of livability and hospitality for Muslim communities worldwide. “We started our Dayar al-Haram project about four or five years ago, and we have already committed to buy several pieces of land from the master developer, Umman Pura. We have already started construction of the first phase to be completed next year,” he said.

Foreign ownership regulations — long a topic of anticipation — are also shaping buyer interest. “When we first started a couple of years ago… there’s been talk about foreign ownership being buying. But now things are getting more straight on. There’s been talk that more details of foreign ownership will be released in January,” Al Habshi noted. “To all intents and purposes, in Makkah and Medina, I think it will be strictly reserved for Muslims… for obvious reasons.”

Whether purchased for family use or investment, the demand is clear. “Many of them want to buy for second residences… a good number of interest for people who want to buy for investment purposes,” he added.

Shaping the future of Makkah through Masar

A central element of Arabian Dyar’s strategy is its integration within Masar, the major urban redevelopment programme designed to modernise and elevate the experience of visiting Makkah. Al Habshi believes Masar represents a turning point for structured, well-planned urban development around the holy sites.

“I’m just guessing, but I think maybe there was no master planning for the holy cities except for the mosque proper,” he said. “So there comes a developer, a master developer by the name of Umm al Qura, which developed Masar… this linear project, 3.5 kilometres long.”

Arabian Dyar has been involved from the earliest stages. “We have the ability to do so very early on, which was 4 1/2 years ago, and we are the first movers. So to that extent, we have first move advantage,” he said. The company’s role is to deliver high-quality residential and hospitality offerings — from upper mid-market to luxury — “so that the whole Muslim world can enjoy living in quality… while they do their pilgrimage.”

Masar’s objective is not simply development but elevating the entire ecosystem around the Haram, from mobility corridors to branded residences and hospitality clusters. Arabian Dyar sees itself as a long-term partner in making that ambition real. “We want to help Umm al Qura to make this Masar a reality,” he said.

Innovation, sustainability and partnerships

Al Habshi described the company’s approach to innovation with refreshing realism. “It’s always easy to talk about innovation, but sometimes we don’t walk the talk,” he said. Still, sustainability is a clear priority — “in terms of the materials that we use, and also in terms of the architecture design.”

Architecture in Makkah is deeply rooted in cultural vernacular. “We have the Makkah style of architecture, which started with the Hijaz,” he explained. “In Riyadh… we talk about the Salmanic or the Najdi architecture. So we do our part, and not only that, we are happy… when we submit our plans to the Royal Makkah authorities, they’ve got third-party guidelines. So that makes our job a lot easier.”

Partnerships form another foundation of the company’s strategy. “We are partnered with Masar, whom we buy land from, the Uman Kura. Then we will partner with very good consulting firms,” he said. Co-investment opportunities are emerging too, with investors expressing interest “in the last one year… in terms of co-development.”

While not explicitly discussed in the transcript, Arabian Dyar has been exploring technology partnerships — including early work on AI-driven real estate intelligence with global technology firms — reinforcing its intent to future-proof its projects.

Watch video here:

Supporting Vision 2030 through large-scale delivery

Arabian Dyar has been playing an active role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s national housing goals and supporting Vision 2030’s commitment to improve quality of life across the Kingdom.

“In the last about six years, the company has built and developed and handed over about 6,000 units… both apartments and villas. So we’ve, on the average, delivered about 1,000 units per year,” Al Habshi said. Much of this has been delivered through collaboration with the National Housing Company (NHC).

“In doing that, what we’ve done is that we are trying to help our government… to achieve the target of having 70 per cent of the Saudi population have their own homes by 2030,” he said. “So we make money along the way, but at the same time, we contribute positively and meaningfully.”

For the company, delivering premium living environments in Makkah — the spiritual heart of the Muslim world — carries responsibility beyond commercial success. It is about raising standards, improving community experience, and enabling pilgrims and residents to enjoy a higher quality of life in one of the world’s most sacred cities.

In a world where business rarely pauses, the Polo Classic Cup offers something increasingly rare: a moment for global leaders to slow down, connect with intention, and build relationships that endure far beyond the event itself.

Debuting this December at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Abu Dhabi, the Polo Classic Cup serves as the ADFW Speakers’ Welcome — a curated gathering designed to unite C-suite executives, investors, family offices, policymakers, and international guests in a refined, high-touch environment. Set against the grandeur of one of the region’s most iconic hotels, the event seamlessly blends Arabian hospitality with a sport rooted in heritage.

At the heart of this experience is AIOKA, a global leader in premium hospitality and corporate event innovation. For over a decade, AIOKA has delivered world-class brand moments across continents — from renowned Formula One hospitality platforms to high-level corporate summits, leadership forums, and immersive experiential activations. Their philosophy is simple: corporate hospitality should drive connection, influence, and commercial value.

The Polo Classic Cup embodies this approach. AIOKA’s international expertise ensures every touchpoint — from guest journey to staging, entertainment, and hospitality — reflects global standards while honouring local culture. The result is a polo experience that feels both modern and timeless, paying tribute to the UAE’s heritage while resonating with today’s influential business community.

Conceived as a platform for meaningful dialogue, the event places as much importance on the conversations around the field as the action on it. In line with the UAE’s commitment to fostering global discourse and shaping the future of finance, it creates an atmosphere that is elevated yet relaxed, luxurious yet welcoming. Exhibition matches featuring the esteemed Ghanoot Racing & Polo Team punctuate a programme of curated networking moments designed to spark valuable interactions among high-profile attendees.

With Abu Dhabi Finance Week emerging as one of the world’s most dynamic platforms for global finance and investment, the Polo Classic Cup plays a pivotal role: it sets the tone for the week ahead. It gathers the voices shaping tomorrow’s markets and gives them the space to connect, reflect, and build rapport before the pace of ADFW begins.

Ultimately, the Polo Classic Cup is more than a welcome event — it is an invitation to experience the UAE’s heritage, hospitality, and global ambition in one remarkable afternoon. And it stands as a testament to AIOKA’s ability to transform corporate gatherings into moments of impact, influence, and genuine human connection.

Cityscape Global has rapidly evolved into one of the most influential real estate platforms in the world, mirroring the scale and ambition of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 transformation. At the centre of this growth is Tahaluf, the organiser behind the mega-event’s expansion in size, scope and economic impact. Speaking with Gulf Business at Cityscape Global 2025, Rachel Sturgess, senior vice president at Tahaluf, outlined the indicators of success shaping this year’s edition — from record-breaking deal value to new sector pavilions, networking formats and long-term industry initiatives.

The momentum was clear from day one. “What we did announce on the first day of the show — His Excellency, the Minister, announced — was that there would be 43 billion US dollars of deals announced on the main stage over the first two days of the show,” Sturgess said. “We’ve seen those announcements happen yesterday and today. And it shows a really strong indicator for the investment that’s happening in this sector, in the real estate sector in Saudi Arabia.”

More deal announcements are expected as the show concludes, supported by a dedicated hub where “partnerships, agreements [are] being signed throughout the full four days as well,” she added.

This year’s event also set new records for participation. “We’ve got over 550 exhibitors this year. We have 200 developers exhibiting — that’s a significant increase from last year,” said Sturgess. The floorplan reflects the diversification of the Kingdom’s real estate market, with expanded zones for banking, architecture, design, PropTech, sports, and stadium infrastructure.

Enhancing the visitor journey: Format innovation and sector-specific networking

Cityscape Global 2025 spans 166,000 square metres — “more than double the size of the event when we launched it in 2023,” Sturgess noted. That growth has been accompanied by deliberate improvements to the visitor experience.

“We really focus on the visitor journey,” she said. This includes enhanced wayfinding, a more intuitive event app, and new experiential elements across the venue.

A major highlight this year has been the expansion of specialised B2B and matchmaking formats. “We have lots of off-site networking — we launched Cityscape Nights this year,” Sturgess shared. “Last night there was an investor dinner, tonight there’s a different evening networking event taking place.”

On-site activity has also intensified. “Just over here as well, you can see the investor lounge where there’s, I think, 350 to 400 one-to-one investor meetings happening today. We have one-to-one developer meetings and specific developer networking,” she added. Elsewhere on the grounds, the Sports Integrity Awards brought together leaders across the region’s fast-growing sports infrastructure sector.

Because Cityscape now hosts exhibitors from traditional real estate, PropTech, sports, architecture, and finance, the focus is on curating connection points for each stakeholder group. “We want to ensure that we’re providing networking opportunities for the right people to be connecting during the event,” said Sturgess.

Watch video here:

Building long-term legacy: Beyond deals to talent, innovation and sustainable growth

While Cityscape Global generates substantial deal flow, Sturgess emphasised that the event’s legacy extends beyond commercial announcements.

During the opening programme, the team presented a progress update on the commitments made during the 2023 edition — a new step reflecting the show’s maturing role as a development platform. “We talked about the progress of the announcements that we made in 2023 and an update from the partners on how those projects have progressed,” Sturgess said.

The event also plays a role in nurturing future talent and advancing new technologies. “We have a student competition where winners can have internships and programmes for their development,” she explained. A range of startup and scale-up competitions showcase innovation across PropTech and sustainability — with prize money but, more importantly, exposure to major Saudi investors and developers. “A lot of them are also looking for how they can take their company to the next level — the opportunity for them to pitch in front of judges from major companies in Saudi and how that progresses.”

This approach reinforces Cityscape’s purpose as not just a marketplace, but an enabler of ecosystems — from entrepreneurship to project delivery.

The next five years: Expanding sectors, new formats, and the evolution of Saudi cities

Sturgess highlighted that Cityscape Global will continue to grow as Saudi Arabia accelerates its national urban development agenda.

“Cityscape is such an exciting event because we’re growing so much each year. The market is growing in that respect as well,” she said.

One of the most notable additions this year was Estaad — a dedicated stadiums and sports infrastructure pavilion, launched at a time when Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in new venues and global sports assets. “That is particularly exciting with all the new stadium projects that are happening in Saudi and sports being really at the heart of community building,” she added.

Sturgess emphasised that Cityscape Global is no longer just a real estate event — it is a platform for the very shape of future cities. “We’re not only talking about pure real estate,” she said. “We’re talking about the evolution of cities in Saudi. Cities are being built from scratch, which is not happening really in many places around the world.”

With new city-scale developments, giga projects, and infrastructure clusters rapidly emerging across the Kingdom, Cityscape Global is positioned to play a defining role in connecting capital, talent, technology, and global partnerships.