As the UAE strengthens its position as a global hub for investment, real estate continues to stand out as a sector of great opportunity. From lifestyle-driven communities to large-scale mixed-use projects, the market is evolving in step with investor demand and national development goals. Union Properties PJSC—behind iconic destinations such as Motor City, Index Tower, and Uptown Mirdif —remains a key player in this transformation. In this interview, Muhammad Younis explores the sector’s outlook with Eng. Amer Khansaheb, CEO and Board Member of Union Properties, who shares his perspective on market trends, future growth segments, and the role of seasoned developers in shaping the emirate’s property landscape.
#RAKIS: As one of Dubai’s pioneering real estate developers, how do you assess the current investment landscape across the UAE’s property sector? Which trends or market forces are most shaping opportunities for developers and investors?
Eng. Amer Khansaheb: Despite its remarkable performance in 2025, the UAE Real Estate market is transitioning into a more selective phase, which should support long-term growth. At Union Properties, we believe that the country’s Real Estate segment remains strongly rooted, supported by a unique blend of economic growth, investor-friendly regulations, and sustained demand from both local and foreign buyers. Transaction volumes and values remain strong, with off-plan sales accounting for a substantial number of transactions, further reaffirming this observation. The opportunity for developers and investors is to prioritise quality over quantity, crafting projects that integrate community-focused amenities, sustainable building techniques, and exquisite architecture. This strategy has greatly benefited Dubai's market, as evidenced by Q2 2025 sales of AED 184 billion, the strongest quarter on record with over 53,000 transactions and a 49 per cent year-over-year increase. Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah's markets are also thriving, driven by strong economic fundamentals and favourable investment policies. In addition, the UAE’s Real Estate market is witnessing a rise in the number of family offices, and global institutional players, generating greater interest in larger, master-planned developments and mixed-use communities with long-term value. With high-net-worth individuals from Europe, India, China, Russia, and Africa increasingly investing in the UAE’s property market, the buyer pool is as broad as the city's skyline. As a result, I believe that this market is resilient, policy-driven, and globally competitive, and it continues to provide exceptional opportunities for well-positioned, forward-thinking developers and investors alike.
#RAKIS: The UAE is placing greater emphasis on sustainable, mixed-use, and lifestyle-oriented developments. Which segments—residential, commercial, industrial, or leisure—do you see holding the strongest growth potential in the future?
Eng. Amer Khansaheb: The UAE's emphasis on mixed-use, sustainable, and lifestyle-focused developments is changing the investment landscape in all Real Estate markets, but three interrelated sectors stand to benefit most – upscale residential communities, Grade-A commercial spaces, and specialised industrial assets. This is because these developments are more than just homes – they are also focused on creating vibrant ecosystems that attract long-term residents, global investors, and even businesses. The combination of convenience, quality of life, and long-term value has made these projects appealing to investors and end users alike. On a commercial level, the shortage of high-quality, energy-efficient Grade-A office space is driving rental growth and pre-leasing momentum, making it an appealing environment for developers capable of delivering smart, flexible workplaces. Even in times of market fluctuations, mixed-use residential projects retain their value and command premium prices. The segment has therefore become a preferred asset class for investors due to its steady rental yields and capital appreciation. Likewise, the residential Real Estate market is forecasted to reach USD 143.22 billion in 2025, growing at a CAGR of 8.66 per cent to USD 217.09 billion by 2030. As authorities prioritise walkable, green, and smart communities, developers who incorporate sustainable materials, energy efficiency, and digital infrastructure are future-proofing assets and meeting the ESG objectives that institutional investors desire.
#RAKIS: With a legacy of landmark projects like Motor City, Index Tower, and Uptown Mirdif, how does Union Properties leverage its planning expertise to remain competitive in an increasingly diversified real estate market?
Eng. Amer Khansaheb: Our decades of expertise in community development, infrastructure integration, and master planning have allowed us to build notable developments in the United Arab Emirates. Our planning process has always focused on developing communities that both residents and investors seek. Over the years, we have discovered that building communities that align with the changing goals of both residents and investors is of greater significance than following every trend in a diversified Real Estate market. Projects like Motor City, Index Tower, and Uptown Mirdif, for example, showed us what it takes to seamlessly combine residential, commercial, and recreational elements to make certain that each project offers both long-term investment value and lifestyle appeal. Today, we incorporate this knowledge into new mixed-use developments such as our Takaya development in Dubai Motor City, which combines smart building technologies, sustainable design, and a broad range of housing options to create vibrant, self-sufficient ecosystems. That is where our emphasis on 'affordable luxury' comes into play, reaffirming our goal to deliver high-quality, well-designed homes that are accessible, appealing, and offer lasting value. To make sure they stay resilient and relevant in a changing market, we thereby approach every new project with a long-term perspective, incorporating mixed-use components, green areas, and lifestyle amenities.
#RAKIS: Ras Al Khaimah is experiencing a period of infrastructure expansion and investment diversification. From your perspective, what role could seasoned developers like Union Properties play in shaping the Emirate’s real estate and urban development landscape?
Eng. Amer Khansaheb: For seasoned developers, Ras Al Khaimah's current phase of infrastructure expansion and investment diversification offers an exciting opportunity to add significant value to the Emirate's growth narrative. Given our past success in master planning and building expansive, mixed-use communities, Union Properties is in a strong position to contribute towards the development of urban environments that strike a balance between quality of life and economic prospects.
#RAKIS: How valuable are platforms like the Ras Al Khaimah Investment and Business Summit in fostering collaborations, attracting cross-sector investments, and positioning the Emirate as a competitive destination for large-scale real estate projects?
Eng. Amer Khansaheb: Events of this nature foster an environment that encourages cross-sector investments, whether they are related to residential, commercial, hospitality, or tourism projects. They give stakeholders the chance to discuss ideas, look into collaborations, and spot opportunities that might otherwise get overlooked. By bringing together government officials, investors, developers, and industry professionals under one roof, they act as an essential hub for collaboration. For developers like us, these forums provide unique perspectives on emerging industries, investor expectations, and market trends. It further solidifies Ras Al Khaimah's standing as a competitive location for major Real Estate projects by highlighting the Emirate's advantageous location, growing infrastructure, and business-friendly regulations.
