Gulf Business Panel: Breaking Ground: The UAE Real Estate Outlook When: February 20, 2025 8:00 am Where: The Westin Mina Seyahi Dubai The GB Business Breakfast Briefing: Real Estate Edition is a premier gathering of industry leaders, investors, and stakeholders that will explore the evolving landscape of the UAE real estate market. Under the theme “Breaking Ground: The UAE Real Estate Outlook,” the panel event is set to provide critical insights into current trends, future opportunities, and the driving forces shaping the industry across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah. Confirmed speakers for our event include Daniel Hadi, CEO Middle East for Engel & Völkers; Taimur Khan, head of research & development at JLL; Fibha Ahmed, vice president of property sales at Bayut, and Tatiana Veller, managing director of Stirling Hospitality Advisors, among many more. Through thought-provoking panel discussions, industry recognition with the Game Changers Awards, and networking opportunities, this breakfast briefing session promises to be an invaluable platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration. EVENT GALLERY Full Event Video When: 20/02/2025 8:00 am Where: The Westin Mina Seyahi Dubai Agenda 08:00 am: Registration & Breakfast 09:00 am: Welcome speech by Manish Chopra, Publisher, Gulf Business 09:05 am: Chair’s opening remarks by Gareth van Zyl, Group Editor, Gulf Business 9:20 am: Panel Discussion 1 – Will Dubai’s Property Boom Continue? Dubai’s real estate market has been on a record-breaking run, fuelled by foreign investment, regulatory reforms, and a surge in luxury developments. However, with interest rates fluctuating and supply concerns emerging, will this growth continue, or is a slowdown on the horizon? This panel will break down the key drivers behind Dubai’s real estate boom and examine the factors that could shape its trajectory over the next five to ten years. Key Themes: Can the boom be sustained? Examining potential headwinds such as interest rates, rising supply, and global economic shifts. Foreign investment and golden visas – how policy changes are reshaping demand from high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors. The rise of off-plan sales and luxury developments – are we entering an overheating phase or still seeing healthy growth? Moderator: Taimur Khan, Head of Research MEA at JLL Speakers: Fibha Ahmed, Vice President of Property Sales, Bayut Ravi Bhirani, MD, Anax Developments Stefan Schmied, Leader IMEA, LIXIL International Dounia Fedi, Managing Director, eXP Dubai 10:00 am: Q&A 10:15 am: Keynote speech: Issa Ataya, CEO, Alef Group 10:20 am: Panel Discussion 2 – The New Growth Hubs: Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi & Sharjah While Dubai dominates the UAE’s real estate spotlight, other emirates are making their mark as investment destinations. Ras Al Khaimah’s Al Marjan Island developments, Abu Dhabi’s mega-projects, and Sharjah’s shift toward luxury and sustainable housing are changing the landscape. How do these markets compare in terms of ROI, growth potential, and investor sentiment? Key Themes: Ras Al Khaimah: How Al Marjan Island and the Wynn Resorts project are redefining the emirate’s real estate appeal. Abu Dhabi: The role of government-backed investment zones and major projects like Yas Island in attracting foreign capital. Sharjah: The emergence of high-end, sustainable developments and whether Sharjah’s affordability advantage will continue. Moderator: Gareth van Zyl, Group Editor, Gulf Business Speakers: Issa Ataya, CEO, Alef Group Andrew Thomson, Partner, Head of Real Estate, Hotels & Leisure, Al Tamimi & Company Fouad Bekkar, CEO, Coralytics 10:50 am: Q&A 11:05 am: Keynote Speech: Osman Celiker, Managing Director, IRTH Group 11:15 am: Panel Discussion 3 – UAE’s Property Market 2025: The Next Big Moves As the UAE’s real estate sector matures, transparency, homeownership trends, and regulatory shifts are driving the next phase of growth. This discussion will explore how Dubai’s freehold expansion, new data transparency measures, and the evolving role of RERA will shape investor confidence and overall demand in 2025 and beyond. Key Themes: The rise of homeownership in the UAE – what’s driving the trend, and how is it changing buyer profiles? Expansion of freehold areas – how recent policy moves are creating new investment zones and reshaping the property map. Improving market transparency & data access – the impact of better reporting tools on pricing trends and investment strategies. Dynamic RERA index – its evolving role in ensuring price stability and market confidence. Supply vs. demand – will growth continue, or is the market approaching saturation? Moderator: Anand Menon, CEO, LION EDGE Consultancy Speakers: Daniel Hadi, CEO Middle East, Engel & Völkers Louis Harding, CEO, Better Homes UAE Osman Celiker, Managing Director, IRTH Group Imran Farooq, CEO of Samana Developers 11:45 am: Q&A 11:55 am: Game Changers Awards Ceremony 12:15 pm: Closing Remarks EVENT GALLERY For sponsorship opportunities and for event tickets details, please email Manish Chopra [email protected]