From icons to infrastructure: Union Properties CEO on GCC’s real estate evolution

For decades, the real estate in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region has been synonymous with iconic skylines, ultra-luxury offerings, and landmark locations.

These hallmarks have defined an era of bold ambition and aesthetic excellence. But today, they are no longer enough. We are witnessing a fundamental shift in the forces shaping the region’s real estate sector.

A new value matrix is emerging – one built on integrated urban design, infrastructure-driven growth, digital transformation, and environmental resilience. This is a structural evolution, rather than a stylistic one, and it demands strategic reorientation across the industry.

Rise of master-planned, mixed-use communities

One of the most visible and powerful indicators of this shift is the growing dominance of master-planned, mixed-use communities. The market is increasingly gravitating toward walkable, self-contained urban ecosystems that combine residential, commercial, retail, and leisure components in a single, coherent design. These developments are not just aesthetically appealing but economically resilient.

For institutional investors and occupiers alike, integrated communities offer great benefits, including higher occupancy, longer lease tenures, and more stable, long-term returns. This demand is driven by rising consumer expectations for lifestyle, convenience, and work-life balance, all of which are inherent to well-designed mixed-use ecosystems.

These shifting preferences are reshaping the industry’s understanding of liveability and long-term value.

Infrastructure as catalyst for real estate growth

Simultaneously, infrastructure is playing an instrumental role in driving real estate expansion. Across the GCC, massive investments in transport, logistics, utilities, and smart mobility are unlocking new opportunities for real estate expansion and elevating land values while also boosting connectivity and enhancing quality of life.

In Q1 2025 alone, GCC real estate transactions totalled $78.2bn, representing a growth rate between 20.5 per cent and 22.3 per cent compared to the same period in the previous year. Dubai led the market, accounting for nearly half of the region’s total transaction value with $38.7bn in sales.

These figures underscore the market’s shift from speculative growth toward infrastructure-aligned, value-driven expansion. Proximity to modern infrastructure hubs is also increasingly becoming a critical factor in shaping investor preferences and influencing land value dynamics.

Digital revolution in real estate

Alongside physical infrastructure, digital transformation is another defining force in the real estate landscape. From AI-driven design and virtual property platforms to digital transaction models, technology is fundamentally reshaping how we plan, build, and manage real estate.

The rise of smart technologies is driving greater efficiency, transparency, and engagement across the value chain. Dubai’s leadership in integrating tokenisation into its real estate registry, through a government-backed model, is a global benchmark in regulatory foresight and innovation.

Furthermore, across the region, digital infrastructure is being aligned with smart city initiatives and sustainability standards to future-proof urban development.

Sustainability and ESG taking centre stage in real estate sector

Sustainability has also become central to real estate strategy across the region. Beyond compliance with evolving environmental regulations, sustainable buildings are now outperforming traditional assets in terms of tenant retention, operational efficiency, and investor preference.

Regulatory frameworks are tightening, but the market shift goes beyond compliance. Developers and investors are recognising that sustainable practices are central to long-term profitability.

From speculation to long-term value creation

The GCC real estate sector is maturing. Family offices, sovereign wealth funds, and global institutions are now focusing on long-term, income-generating assets that align with ESG principles.

Individuals are prioritising value-based and purpose-driven investments that emphasise stability, transparency, and resilience. This evolution reflects a broader recognition that long-term value lies in systems and not just in surface-level appeal.

Engineer Amer Khansaheb is the CEO and board member of Union Properties.

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