UAE Real Estate Leaders Urged to Rethink Urban Growth Strategy

Real Estate

UAE Real Estate Leaders Urged to Rethink Urban Growth Strategy

By Badar Rashid Alblooshi, Chairman, Arabian Gulf Properties

As the UAE navigates a new era of urban transformation, real estate leaders are being called upon to rethink the future of development with a stronger emphasis on human-centered, sustainable, and inclusive growth. Badar Rashid Alblooshi, Chairman of Arabian Gulf Properties, emphasized the need for a mindset shift in a recent statement highlighting the evolving role of the sector.

Historically, the success of property development in the region was gauged by the scale and grandeur of what was built. But today, Alblooshi argues, the real measure lies in how developments are built — and more crucially, for whom.

With the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan laying out a vision for a greener, better-connected, and community-driven city, Alblooshi believes that the responsibility for delivering this vision must be shared between public policymakers and private stakeholders. “Developers, designers, planners, and operators must embed the principles of smart growth, sustainability, and inclusive design into every decision we make,” he stated.

Alblooshi outlined three core areas where UAE real estate leaders must focus their efforts:

1. Prioritizing Mixed-Use Livability

Modern residents expect more than just residential units — they want complete, walkable neighborhoods that integrate housing with culture, education, healthcare, retail, and leisure. According to Alblooshi, livability is no longer a luxury but a basic expectation that developers must meet.

2. Adapting to Changing Lifestyles

Rapid shifts in work-life dynamics — from remote work to evolving family structures — require flexibility in design and services. This includes multipurpose communal spaces and tech-enabled service models that cater to residents' dynamic needs.

3. Viewing Community as a Long-Term Asset

Beyond structures and infrastructure, true value is created when people feel a sense of belonging. Alblooshi advocates for investments in placemaking — such as green areas, local business ecosystems, and innovative mobility solutions — to enhance both social and economic sustainability.

“Real estate is no longer just about buildings. It’s about vision,” Alblooshi stated. “We have the responsibility to contribute to the UAE’s national development not only economically, but culturally and civically.”

He concluded by urging developers to recognize the profound impact of their decisions: “The cities we build today will define how people live tomorrow. Let’s get it right.”