Latest news with #FrancisAlfred
Khaleej Times
06-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Mixed use developments gaining traction in UAE real estate
In recent years, the UAE has witnessed a significant surge in mixed-use developments, reshaping the urban landscape across cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. These integrated spaces — combining residential, commercial, and recreational elements — are redefining how people live, work, and socialize. Driven by rapid urbanization, evolving lifestyle preferences, and a push for sustainable city planning, mixed-use projects are becoming central to the nation's real estate strategy. From waterfront communities to vertical urban hubs, these developments are not only enhancing convenience and connectivity but also contributing to economic diversification and long-term urban resilience in the UAE. Sobha Realty is one of the major realtors embracing this trend. 'A live-work-play community is no longer a distant vision of luxury; it's the new standard for discerning residents and professionals,' Francis Alfred, Managing Director of Sobha Realty, told Khaleej Times in an interview. Excerpts: 1. Live-work-play communities are more than a trend — they're becoming an expectation. How is Sobha designing its mixed-use developments to meet the lifestyle needs of modern residents and professionals? As demand for mixed-use developments grows, we are not just keeping the pace but leading the way. Rooted in our legacy and 'Art of The Detail' philosophy, we consistently evolve to meet the expectations of modern residents, offering a holistic living experience in one place. Sobha Hartland which was launched in 2014, is Sobha's pioneering master development which now showcases a tried and tested model of a mixed-use development, testing the appetite of investors and homeowners alike. Even more recently, Sobha Central was unveiled, a landmark residential community on Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, which brings the live-work-play vision to life by placing everything essential – and more – within walking distance. Similarly, our mega projects in Umm Al Quwain - Sobha Siniya Island and Downtown UAQ | Sobha Realty - are envisioned as self-sustaining communities where sophistication meets functionality, creating a well-integrated environment for its growing population. These are not just places to live; they are immersive experiences that elevate how people live, work, and play in today's fast-paced world. These developments are also being viewed as resilient investments. How do you see their built-in diversification playing out in the UAE's evolving economic and real estate landscape? Mixed-use developments are inherently more resilient than traditional projects. Their built-in diversification, across asset types, attracts broader range of resident profiles and generates multiple income streams, making them a lucrative conduit for long-term value creation. At Sobha Realty, this is evident in our flagship developments. A prime example is Downtown UAQ | Sobha Realty, our strategic joint venture with the Government of Umm Al Quwain. Spanning over 25 million square feet, it integrates residential, retail, hospitality and public spaces within a single master-planned ecosystem. The market response speaks volumes; over 50% of units in the first three towers were sold within the first week of launch, highlighting the strong appetite for this model. As the UAE real estate market continues to diversify, mixed-use communities are gaining prominence in meeting the evolving needs of modern residents. At Sobha Realty, we pair this trend with a strong focus on quality through our Backward Integration model; overseeing design, architecture, contracting, and construction to ensure every project delivers lasting value. The collaboration with the Government of Umm Al Quwain for Downtown UAQ | Sobha Realty is significant. How does this partnership reflect changing governmental attitudes toward integrated urban communities beyond Dubai? Our strategic partnership with the Government of Umm Al Quwain reflects a shared vision for future-ready infrastructure, economic diversification, and the creation of self-sustaining, integrated communities. Our two flagship masterplans in the emirate; Sobha Siniya Island and Downtown UAQ | Sobha Realty, are thoughtfully designed around smart-city principles and will eventually host more than 150,000 people. The government's proactive role, from facilitating approvals to supporting key initiatives; signals a strong and clear intent to position UAQ as a competitive emirate on the GCC map, providing reassurance on the partnership's progress. With a focus on economic diversification, ease of doing business, and visionary governance, UAQ is emerging as a promising destination for sustainable growth and attractive returns. Are there specific nationalities or investor profiles leading the trend around mixed-use properties? From Jan 2024 to May 2025, Indian buyers drove ~17% of qualified sales in our mixed-use developments, while Europeans across ~35 nationalities contributed ~19.3%. This reflects a strong and sustained interest in lifestyle-driven communities that offer both residential and commercial appeal. British investors have also shown steady growth, rising from 5% in 2023 to 6% in 2025, while American and Iranian buyers each contributed around 5%, with a slight uptick observed in the American segment this year. These patterns highlight the sustained demand from globally mobile investors who value the convenience and connectivity of integrated developments. The growing interest among Indian and British nationals, in particular, points to rising confidence in the UAE's real estate market and in the long-term value of mixed-use communities designed for future-ready lifestyles. Tokenization has entered the real estate conversation in Dubai. How do you foresee digital asset models like tokenization shaping investment in mixed-use projects? Tokenization is a groundbreaking initiative that broadens access to real estate by enabling more investors to enter the market with greater ease and confidence. While the tokenization approach in mixed-use projects is still maturing, the model allows investors to diversify their holdings and exposure across multiple asset classes within a single development, offering flexibility, liquidity, and access to traditionally high-barrier opportunities. As the regulatory and technological framework continues to evolve, tokenization is poised to reshape investment strategies and unlock new value in the mixed-use real estate space. Going ahead, does Sobha Realty consistently see mixed-use developments as the central focus of its portfolio across the UAE? Absolutely. Mixed-use developments have always been a central pillar in Sobha Realty's long-term portfolio strategy across the UAE, especially after being rigorously tested and developed through the initial model of Sobha Hartland. As buyer preferences evolve, today's homebuyers and investors are no longer just looking for standalone residences; they are seeking complete ecosystems that seamlessly integrate their entire lifestyle of living, working, and leisure in an all-encompassing home. Sobha's master-planned communities are purposefully designed to meet this shift, combining residential, commercial, and lifestyle components within a single, cohesive environment. A testament to this is Sobha Siniya Island, which recorded a 20-22% price appreciation within its first year, demonstrating not only market demand but also growing confidence in the mixed-use mode. With over five decades of experience in developing master communities, Sobha Realty has evolved through different market cycles, always staying ahead of the curve. Today, governments increasingly view us as a trusted partner in shaping future cities; ones that not only well-built, but thoughtfully integrated and future-ready.
Zawya
13-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Backward integration drives Sobha Realty's expansion and project efficiency
Backed by more than four decades of engineering and real estate expertise, Sobha Realty stand out in the UAE's highly competitive property market through its fully backward-integrated model. 'Sobha Realty is the first developer to pioneer this business model in the UAE, and the only major real estate player that is fully backward integrated in the region,' said Francis Alfred, Managing Director of Sobha Realty. 'This is spearheaded by Sobha Modular Industries and complemented by an integrated operational network. The luxury developer adopted a strategic approach by identifying key construction bottlenecks—such as bathrooms, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) modules, facades, and other critical elements. These insights formed the basis of the backward-integrated model, allowing for greater control, efficiency, and scalability. 'Our rapid success in implementing these technologies has paved the way for expanding modularisation across more areas of the construction process,' said Alfred, who is helming the company's evolution towards factory-based modular construction, sustainable building methods, and end-to-end operational self-sufficiency. 'Modular construction is rapidly emerging as the new norm, and we believe it will become mainstream in the near future,' he noted. Alfred said the company is currently testing volumetric modular construction, which will allow it to offer fully modular solutions for various geographies. 'As building codes and approvals for modular construction continue to evolve in the UAE, we are optimistic about the prospects of fully modular buildings,' he said. He added that the company continues to invest in research, prototyping, and capability-building to manufacture and deliver complete modular solutions. On the business front, the company is expanding its footprint both within the UAE and internationally. Following its successful entry into the Umm Al Quwain (UAQ) emirate with the launch of Sobha Siniya Island in 2024, Sobha Realty announced its next phase of expansion through the new Downtown UAQ project. 'Furthermore, we are entering the Abu Dhabi market as part of our commitment to shaping the UAE's luxury real estate landscape,' stated Alfred. 'On the international front, we have already expanded in key global markets, including the U.S. and Australia, as part of our long-term growth vision.' He credited Sobha Realty's fully backward-integrated model as a key enabler of the expansion, providing greater control over quality, cost, timelines, and environmental impact throughout the development cycle. 'We have always built and maintained our integrated ecosystem in the markets we operate, and we will follow the same approach as we grow into new regions,' he emphasised. Alfred also highlighted Mission 70:70, Sobha Realty's initiative to transform construction execution in the region by automating repetitive tasks and enabling skilled professionals to focus on high-value work. 'We aim to shift 70 percent of on-site work into a controlled factory environment by developing innovative offsite products,' he explained. 'This transition will enhance precision, improve quality, boost efficiency, scalability, and accelerate project timelines.' The second '70' focuses on optimising the workforce within the company's factories through lean manufacturing and automation. 'In a conventional setup, 100 workers may be required to run operations, but under Mission 70-70, we will operate with just 50,' he noted. 'We've already witnessed a remarkable impact through Sobha Modular, and with Mission 70-70, we are poised to expand this impact across multiple domains—driving large-scale change and setting new industry benchmarks.' Interview excerpts: Sobha has clearly invested heavily in its backward integration model. What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) you use internally to assess the success and efficiency of this model over time? At Sobha Realty, our backward integration model is central to our commitment to delivering exceptional quality and value. To evaluate its effectiveness, we monitor several key performance indicators: • Project Delivery Timelines: We track the adherence to project schedules, aiming for early or on-time completions. Thanks to our backward integration model, our projects are delivered on time as per the original project delivery plans. • Quality Assurance Metrics: We assess the quality of our projects through internal audits and customer feedback. At Sobha Group, we use German capabilities across our quality control team to ensure that all our projects adhere to and exceed the highest standards, both on the market level and internationally. • Customer Satisfaction: We regularly survey our clients to identify satisfaction levels, focusing on aspects like build quality, design, and overall experience. • Sustainability Benchmarks: Our commitment to sustainability is measured through rigorous certifications and assessments. Sobha One recently received the Middle East's first Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy (SLE) certification from Singapore's Building and Construction Authority (BCA). It has also been awarded the Whole Life Carbon badge, underscoring the project's dedication to low-impact development and eco-conscious design. Several other projects are currently pursuing LEED certifications across various rating systems. Sobha Realty achieved an impressive score of 91 in the 2024 Annual GRESB ESG Assessment, marking a significant improvement from its 2023 score of 72. With backward integration comes a higher fixed cost base and greater CAPEX exposure. How does Sobha de-risk its model financially during periodic downturns in the real estate market? Real estate development is not an isolated industry, it requires extensive network support and supply chain related to different industries, including steel, glass, façades among many others. Sobha Realty recognises that connecting multiple industries with the real estate industry can carry some exposure to market fluctuations. However, our backward integration strategy is built with long-term resilience in mind. Each vertical within our ecosystem is established not only to support internal demand, but also to have the potential to operate as an independent profit centre. This reduces dependency on a single revenue stream and opens up opportunities to serve external markets. While the model is capital intensive, it allows us to keep liquidity within the group, streamline payment terms, and gain significant intangible benefits across the supply chain. Moreover, our fixed costs and capital expenditure are carefully planned based on projected volumes and long-term savings. We are also developing a 5–10-year roadmap for each business vertical to ensure diversification and greater protection against sector downturns. Many developers are still reliant on third-party contractors despite the risks. Why do you think the industry has been slow to adopt backward integration, and how does Sobha's model offer a sustainable long-term edge? Shifting to a backward integration model is a strategic move that requires extensive planning and investment from real estate developers. It involves high capital investment, careful operational planning, and expertise across various domains. Thanks to our backward integration model, we ensure: • Quality Control: Full oversight of design, materials, and construction ensures top-tier standards. Our quality efforts are spearheaded by German Master Craftsmen to ensure German quality — the golden standard in the real estate industry. • Timely Delivery: Sobha Realty's model eliminates delays originating from external suppliers' failure to meet delivery timelines. The latest example is the early handover of Creek Vistas Grande in Sobha Hartland, where residents received their keys six months ahead of schedule. • Innovative Designs: In-house capabilities enable unique, custom-built developments. Sobha Group proudly employs over 500 in-house designers and architects. • Sustainability: We ensure green building practices throughout our supply chain. • Backward integration also protects our operations from global supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures. By relying on our in-house manufacturing units, we reduce dependency on external vendors and service providers. We leverage locally available raw materials and operate within a self-sufficient supply ecosystem. As a result, we ensure uninterrupted progress and deliver projects on schedule, all while upholding the highest standards of quality. With over 40,000 workers under direct employment, how does Sobha manage labour productivity and cost optimisation without compromising on quality or timelines — particularly during market slowdowns or lean phases? At Sobha Realty, we recognise that an evolving workforce and rapid technological advancements require forward-thinking solutions that enhance efficiency and drive engagement. Our people-driven initiatives leverage smart technology to streamline processes, upskill employees, and create a seamless work experience. In line with our commitment to continuous learning and professional growth, we have introduced the Sobha Skill Hub, our proprietary learning management system. This platform offers a wide array of courses and training modules, ensuring employees have access to relevant learning resources that help them develop critical skills and stay ahead in the industry. These efforts, coupled with our constant drive to engage and motivate our people, help us maintain our competitive edge in terms of quality and delivery across business cycles. As a testament to our efforts, Sobha Realty has been re-certified as a Great Place to Work for 2025–2026, and this recognition is a reflection of what we hold most dear: our people. How does Sobha Realty embed sustainability into its developments? Sobha Realty's robust backward integration ensures seamless communication and consistent sustainability messaging across all entities. This approach enables the development and implementation of optimal designs that deliver maximum sustainability impact. Our in-house development, design, construction, and FM teams lay the foundation for sustainability standards at the early stage of every project, which result in high performance and climate-resilient developments and masterplans. All new developments within Sobha Realty's portfolio – including the masterplans – are pursuing global green building certifications, by embracing a judicious blend of active and passive strategies, including energy efficient designs and technologies, water saving solutions, as well as cutting-edge indoor air quality and HVAC systems. Each development reflects a deep respect for the environment by thoughtfully integrating both mitigation and adaptation measures. Currently, more than 25 upcoming projects are pursuing green building certification, and all future projects and masterplans are well positioned to achieve the highest levels of sustainability. The use of sustainable materials, low-carbon technologies, and an effective waste management system contributes to circularity in our construction processes and aligns with the UAE's circular economy policies. Our backward integration model targets the completion of 70 percent of site-related works at the factories, which significantly reduce the environmental footprint of each project. For example, our Sobha Modular Facility minimised on-site impact by delivering ready-to-install aluminium facades and bathroom pods. This approach not only reduces waste and material transport from multiple locations to the construction sites, but also positively contributes to the Whole Life Carbon footprint of our developments. (Reporting by Rajiv Pillai; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
Zawya
15-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Global real estate transformations led by technology and startups on day two of IPS
Dubai, UAE: Discussion sessions and presentations continued on the second day of IPS 2025, highlighting the most prominent global trends in the real estate sector. This year, the event focused on Startups and propTech technologies, which have become the backbone of the future of real estate development around the world. The sessions ranged from in-depth market analyses and showcases of smart solutions powered by artificial intelligence and blockchain, to exploring innovative business models offered by promising companies working to redefine the concepts of real estate marketing, digital experiences, and international real estate investment. A specialized panel, in a session titled " Global Directions & Trends of Real Estate Market," reviewed the profound transformations facing the global real estate sector. Participants discussed how to adapt their strategies to the future in a dynamic and rapidly evolving environment, from planned communities and urban innovation to integrating artificial intelligence and social responsibility into the foundations of real estate development. Francis Alfred, Managing Director and CEO of Sobha Realty, spoke about the real estate sector's transition from developing individual buildings to integrated residential communities. He emphasized that customers are no longer just looking for a residential unit, but rather for an cohesive lifestyle that includes green facilities, schools, and health centers. This reflects families' desire to live, work, and study in a single environment that prioritizes comfort and quality of life. He explained that his company has planted more than 10,000 trees as a strategic environmental step aimed at lowering temperatures, enhancing quality of life, and achieving sustainable environmental value within their communities. Saeed Mohammed Al Qatami, CEO of Deyaar, addressed the importance of strategic planning in the face of volatile market cycles. He emphasized that a realistic reading of the current situation should not replace advance planning, noting the importance of data-driven forecasts to accurately understand supply and demand and maintain flexibility. He added that strong governance and advanced infrastructure in Dubai give the sector a competitive advantage, but he emphasized the need to continue focusing on the well-being of residents and developing five-year action plans that reflect actual market behavior. Adel Sajan, Group Managing Director of Danube Group, highlighted his company's focus on creating solutions that focus on customers' actual needs. He explained how, in 2014, the company noticed that 80% of Dubai's population—the majority of whom are expatriates—lived in rentals, and introduced a 1% monthly payment plan to facilitate home ownership. He emphasized that the addition of more than 40 amenities in residential complexes, such as gyms and rooftop pools, played a pivotal role in increasing customer satisfaction, with many willing to pay more to improve their daily quality of life. Speaking about Danube's future projects, he noted that the company is planning modern infrastructure, including air taxi landing pads and advanced transportation options, with clear support from the Dubai government, which he described as "unparalleled" in encouraging real estate innovation. Sadiq Jaffer Sulaiman, CEO of Maysan Properties, spoke about integrating social responsibility into development strategies, emphasizing the importance of creating sustainable and affordable projects that meet the needs of residents and contribute to the natural growth of cities. He pointed out some regional projects, which includes residential, commercial, hotel, and retail components, reflecting a comprehensive urban vision to support the growth of the region's business and residential environment. For her part, Engineer Katralnada BinGhatti, CEO of Bin Ghatti Holding, explained that efficiency and speed of implementation are an essential part of their business model, contributing to lower costs, mitigating risks, and accelerating the achievement of desired results. She spoke about artificial intelligence as a key tool the company relies on, as it helps analyse data, automate the user experience, and improve pricing models. She also revealed the integration of smart systems that provide real-time control over resource consumption, enhancing project efficiency. Regarding the luxury real estate market, she noted that the company has been keen to provide a luxurious and integrated lifestyle, even in densely populated areas such as Business Bay, as customers in this segment are willing to invest more when luxury and comfort are combined. For his part, Hamad Al Abbar, Managing Partner of LMD, emphasized the pivotal role of the Dubai Land Department in consolidating the emirate's position as one of the most dynamic and reliable real estate markets in the world. He said: "Through its forward-looking policies, digital transformation, and investor-friendly regulations, the Dubai Land Department has contributed to strengthening Dubai's position on the global real estate scene. Events like IPS are a clear testament to the department's ongoing commitment to promoting innovation, fostering a culture of collaboration, and achieving sustainable, long-term growth in the emirate's real estate sector." An exciting panel discussion titled "Startups Transforming Real Estate through Emerging Technologies" highlighted the technological advancements taking place in the real estate sector. Moderated by Anna Totova, CEO of CoinsTelegram, the panel addressed the fundamental changes resulting from the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, the Internet of Things, augmented and virtual reality, and data analytics. Tutova noted that this revolution reshapes property management and enhances operational efficiency, while also driving overall growth in the real estate market. The UAE's role in embracing this digital revolution was also highlighted, with reports revealing that 58% of real estate companies in the country are investing in new technologies. Furthermore, studies predict robust growth in the global real estate market, reaching $5.85 trillion by 2030, while Dubai's real estate market is expected to exceed AED 1.4 trillion as the Dubai Land Department accelerates its efforts towards tokenization Maria Foster, Business Development Manager at Eva Properties, shared valuable insights into the transformative impact of technology in the sector. She emphasized the importance of artificial intelligence in improving customer experience, pointing to tools such as virtual assistants and chatbots that help bridge communication gaps and increase customer engagement. Foster drew attention to the shift from the traditional real estate approach, based on multiple intermediaries, to more streamlined processes supported by smart contracts and blockchain technology. She emphasized that adopting these tools is no longer just a competitive advantage, but rather a necessity to ensure transparency and efficiency in transactions. She said, "Technology is important, but good service is what remains with the customer after the sale. Sometimes, the personal touch is what makes the real difference," pointing to the balance between digital innovation and human interaction embraced by Eva. Foster also advocated for fractional ownership as a modern means of diversifying real estate investments, explaining that these tools provide greater opportunities for individuals to participate in large projects with less capital, contributing to a broader investor base. Haris Khan, Founder and CEO of Connect AI Solutions, discussed how artificial intelligence is radically transforming the real estate sector. His company is a pioneer in providing AI-powered automation solutions for real estate, most notably the launch of the UAE's first intelligent voice assistant specifically for real estate inquiries. Khan emphasized that integrating customer relationship management (CRM) systems with intelligent automation enables industry professionals to redirect resources to address weak points, enhancing overall efficiency. He pointed out that the system developed by the company responds to property inquiries within minutes, which not only improves the customer experience but also helps generate higher-quality leads. Khan also spoke about fractional property ownership, noting that many investors are reluctant to purchase outright due to high deposits. However, tokenization and fractional ownership, open the way for individuals to invest with smaller amounts, diversify their portfolios, and contribute more effectively to the economy. He added, "Traditional methods are no longer viable," emphasizing that adopting smart solutions is key to achieving transparency, increasing efficiency, and enhancing customer satisfaction. For his part, Bilal Moti, Founder and Chairman of Wind Mills Real Estate Valuation Services, provided insights on how to maintain excellence in a crowded and rapidly evolving real estate market. He explained that having a strong brand and innovative offerings has become essential to standing out among the thousands of players in the market. He pointed to the importance of leveraging platforms like Bayut and Property Finder to enhance property visibility and describing them as effective tools that help reach a wide range of customers. To keep pace with the evolving market, Moti presented the Maxima platform, an AI-powered valuation tool developed in-house. The platform provides instant valuations using market data and advanced analytics, covering multiple areas such as tax assessment, sustainability, and ethics, underscoring the company's commitment to finding smart and integrated solutions. Moti also discussed the importance of tokenization in real estate, given its role in enabling fractional ownership and improving asset liquidity. He praised Dubai's leadership in this field, saying, "It is encouraging to see the government support innovations like tokenization, as this is a pivotal step towards making real estate more accessible and attractive to investors." Showcasing and Launches The live demonstration area at the exhibition featured a number of developers who gave presentations on the most prominent investment destinations in global markets. Homzly, the propTech innovator officially launched its cutting-edge platform at IPS 2025, setting a new benchmark for the off-plan property market. Designed for visionary investors, homeowners, and global buyers, it redefines the experience by blending immersive technology with AI-powered intelligence to deliver smarter, data-driven real estate decisions. With features including interactive 3D maps, real-time market analytics, personalized AI recommendations, and secure end-to-end digital tools, Homzly empowers users to navigate the market with clarity, confidence, and unmatched convenience. 'We're not just building a platform—we're building trust and enabling global agility in property ownership' said Mohammed Khalifa, Founder and CEO of Homzly Tackling long-standing industry challenges like fragmented information, lack of transparency, and complex processes, Homzly offers a streamlined, no-middleman solution that transforms how people explore and invest in property. Shortly after the launch, Homzly saw itself positioned at 146th rank which establishes its strong mark in the industry. Dugasta Properties showcased their luxury living projects at the IPS 2025. Strategically located with seamless access to key amenities, these properties offer modern studio apartments, 1BHK, 2BHK and 3 BHK with premium facilities and a compelling investment package—including guaranteed returns, zero service charges, and a secure buyback option. Moonsa Residences 2 is coming up in Dubai's thriving International City Phase 2 (Warsan 4) setting a new benchmark for sophisticated urban living. Terra Tower is a premium residential development located in the heart of Dubailand. This property offers luxury living with panoramic city views and family-friendly surroundings. Al Haseen-3 and Al Haseen-4, takes you to a step into modern sanctuary and is crafted to elevate your lifestyle. It is located in Dubai Industrial city and will be ready for handover by end of 2026 or early 2027. Among the prominent participants, Hi-Human, a marketing agency specializing in the real estate development sector, presented at IPS, focusing on its integrated services and the opportunities available in the Indonesian market. Founded in 2019 in Asia, Hi-Human has since expanded its operations to Dubai, Jakarta, and Bali, with imminent plans to launch in London, establishing itself as a strategic link between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Hi-Human describes itself as the "outbound marketing office" for real estate development companies, removing the complexity of marketing and transforming ideas into exceptional and impactful experiences. It offers strategic and creative services across four core areas: digital presence, concept development, branding and websites, and event management. The company has extensive experience in visual identity building, digital marketing, customer experience enhancement, and lead generation. Hi-Human believes that every project requires a customized strategy stemming from a thorough understanding of the target market and client objectives, ensuring measurable results that enhance visibility, trust, and long-term loyalty. Serge Sokolov, Founder and CEO of Hi-Human Agency, said "We help real estate developers tell a deeper story, centered around lifestyle, belonging, and human connection. Real estate marketing is no longer about selling a unit, but about creating an experience." This emphasizes the importance of the human aspect in real estate marketing, explaining that excellence is no longer just about offering beautiful properties, but rather about offering an integrated lifestyle that reflects the spirit of the community. The presentation on Spain also focused on highlighting the unique advantages that make it an ideal destination for foreign investors, homeowners, and entrepreneurs, providing an in-depth look that guides potential buyers on the most important aspects to consider before deciding to purchase a property there. Spain has been described as the "California of Europe," thanks to its sunny weather, vibrant culture, and attractive lifestyle, along with a stable financial environment. With the growing international demand and strong market fundamentals, supported by a positive outlook from Caixa Bank, Spain remains one of the most prominent destinations for real estate investment, combining lucrative opportunities with a high quality of life, making it a smart and sustainable investment choice.
ME Construction
14-02-2025
- Business
- ME Construction
Sobha One awarded Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy (SLE) certification
Sustainability Sobha One awarded Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy (SLE) certification By In addition to SLE certification, Sobha One has also been recognised with the Whole Life Carbon badge Sobha Realty has announced that its flagship Dubai project, Sobha One, has been awarded the Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy (SLE) certification by Singapore's Building and Construction Authority (BCA). This achievement makes Sobha One the first building outside Singapore to earn this certification, highlighting Sobha Realty's commitment to environmentally friendly living experience, said a statement from the developer. In addition to the SLE certification, Sobha One has also been recognised with the Whole Life Carbon badge in testament to the project's dedication to low-impact development and eco-conscious design. The Green Mark certification is a globally recognised benchmark for environmental resourcefulness, assessing projects across five critical categories: Resilience, Whole Life Carbon, Health & Wellbeing, Intelligence, and Maintainability. Sobha One's innovative design delivers best-in-class energy performance, achieving an impressive 60% energy savings compared to 2005 standards, a testament to Sobha Realty's ethos of 'Art of The Detail', said the statement. Francis Alfred, Managing Director of Sobha Realty commented, 'Sustainability is a commitment woven into every aspect of our work. With Sobha One becoming the first building in the Middle East to achieve the Green Mark Platinum SLE certification, we are proud to set new standards in responsible living and low-carbon development. This milestone reflects our dedication to innovation, quality, and environmental responsibility; aligning with global sustainability goals and the UAE's Net Zero vision for 2050.' This achievement reflects attention to quality, climate-friendly leadership, and design that characterises every Sobha Realty development. Backward Integration model by Sobha Realty maintains complete control over the development process, integrating advanced technologies such as CAFM, Common Data Environment (CDE) platforms, digital twins, and predictive maintenance dashboards. Sobha One also aligns with climate risk assessments and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework to mitigate and manage climate risks, the developer pointed out. The project's pre-certification will be verified post-construction to ensure compliance with the international sustainability standards. Sobha Realty's dedication to environmental stewardship likewise aligns with the UAE's Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative and global climate goals, while demonstrating the company's leadership and clear strategy for emissions reduction through ESG reports, Greenhouse Gas (GHG) assessments and GRESB benchmarking assessments. Administered by Singapore's Building and Construction Authority (BCA), the Green Mark Scheme sets a global standard for sustainable design and best practices in construction. These innovations drive energy efficiency, resources optimisation, and long-term operational performance.
Zawya
13-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sobha One: First in the Middle East with Green Mark Platinum SLE, reinforcing sustainability commitment
Dubai, UAE: Sobha Realty, a leading global luxury real estate developer, has announced its flagship Dubai project, Sobha One, has been awarded the prestigious Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy (SLE) certification by Singapore's Building and Construction Authority (BCA). This milestone achievement makes Sobha One the first building outside Singapore to earn this distinction, highlighting Sobha Realty's commitment to environmentally friendly living experience. In addition to the SLE certification, Sobha One has also been recognised with the Whole Life Carbon badge in testament to the project's dedication to low-impact development and eco-conscious design. The Green Mark certification is a globally recognised benchmark for environmental resourcefulness, assessing projects across five critical categories: Resilience, Whole Life Carbon, Health & Wellbeing, Intelligence, and Maintainability. Sobha One's innovative design delivers best-in-class energy performance, achieving an impressive 60 per cent energy savings compared to 2005 standards, a testament to Sobha Realty's ethos of 'Art of The Detail'. Francis Alfred, Managing Director of Sobha Realty, said: 'Sustainability is a commitment woven into every aspect of our work. With Sobha One becoming the first building in the Middle East to achieve the Green Mark Platinum SLE certification, we are proud to set new standards in responsible living and low-carbon development. This milestone reflects our dedication to innovation, quality, and environmental responsibility; aligning with global sustainability goals and the UAE's Net Zero vision for 2050.' This achievement reflects the meticulous attention to quality, climate-friendly leadership, and design excellence that characterises every Sobha Realty development. Leveraging its unique Backward Integration model, Sobha Realty maintains complete control over the development process, integrating advanced technologies such as CAFM, Common Data Environment (CDE) platforms, digital twins, and predictive maintenance dashboards. These innovations drive energy efficiency, resources optimization, and long-term operational performance. Sobha One also aligns with climate risk assessments and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework to mitigate and manage climate risks. The project's pre-certification will be verified post-construction to ensure compliance with the highest international sustainability standards. Sobha Realty's dedication to environmental stewardship likewise aligns with the UAE's Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative and global climate goals, while demonstrating the company's leadership and clear strategy for emissions reduction through ESG reports, Greenhouse Gas (GHG) assessments and GRESB benchmarking assessments. Administered by Singapore's Building and Construction Authority (BCA), the Green Mark Scheme sets a global standard for sustainable design and best practices in construction. With Sobha One earning this distinguished certification, Sobha Realty reaffirms its position as a global leader in low impact real estate development, driving innovation and excellence across the industry. About Sobha Realty Sobha Realty is an international luxury developer committed to redefining the art of living through sustainable communities. Established in 1976 as an interior decoration firm in Oman by PNC Menon – a visionary entrepreneur – the company has grown its presence with developments and investments in the UAE, Oman, and India. For nearly five decades, Sobha Realty has been redefining the real estate value chain through 'Backward Integration' by leveraging its inherent in-house capabilities of conceptualisation, design, and development. Today, the firm has developed into one of the most prominent and premium real estate developers in the UAE and aims to become a global real estate developer with its essence, the 'Art of the Detail,' remaining deeply embedded in the organisation's DNA. With a proven track record of delivering projects ahead of schedule, the company has eleven masterplans across the UAE and is continually expanding its presence in the city with a number of other prominent projects. The flagship community of Sobha Realty (Sobha Hartland) is a thriving community that is home to over 11,000 residents. Sobha Siniya Island, Sobha Realty's masterplan and it's very first-ever luxury island project, features luxury villas, mansions, and resorts in a serene island setting.
