IQI, a global real estate network with a presence in 32 countries, is expanding its office in Dubai. This move comes as the company sees a growing interest from both local and international investors in the UAE’s real estate market.
A strong presence in the UAE
Since opening its Dubai office in 2014, IQI has been catering to international investors looking to make real estate investments in the UAE.
The new office, larger and more equipped, will continue this mission and assist more investors looking to expand their portfolios in Dubai and other parts of the UAE.
To lead the Dubai office’s expansion, IQI has appointed Mr. Farman Lone as the new Country Head. With extensive experience working with high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and a deep understanding of the regional real estate market, Mr. Lone is set to strengthen the company’s position in the UAE market.
The UAE: A hub for international investment
IQI’s Co-Founder and Group CEO, Kashif Ansari, spoke on the growing significance of the UAE for investors: “The UAE is an increasingly significant destination for inbound investment and a growing source of outbound property investments.”
Ansari explained that the UAE’s stable business environment, world-class infrastructure, and luxury lifestyle are key reasons why more investors are choosing the country as a safe and attractive option.
He also highlighted the increasing interest in cities beyond Dubai, such as Abu Dhabi, due to changes in property ownership rules and the rise of luxury developments in other Emirates.
IQI’s global network
IQI’s reach goes beyond the UAE, with expertise in global markets including North America, the UK, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The company connects international buyers to investment opportunities in residential, commercial, and industrial real estate.
Daniel Ho, IQI’s Co-Founder and Group Managing Director, shared how the company facilitates international investments: “Local buyers can find overseas property through our international network. Our Atlas super app enables agents from different markets to collaborate on transactions. Our JUWAI marketing portals drive lead generation. And our IQI Academy provides top-tier training for our real estate experts.”
IQI also supports UAE developers by marketing their projects through international real estate portals like Juwai.com and through exhibitions and roadshows across different countries.
Increasing wealth and demand in the UAE
The UAE continues to attract wealthy investors, with markets like India, Pakistan, and China being among the largest sources of investment. The rising number of millionaires in the UAE has further fueled demand for real estate. According to Haroon Anwar, who heads Juwai IQI’s Global Wealth Office, “Real estate is a cornerstone of wealth management for many HNWIs from Asia, and Dubai remains a prime market.”
Anwar also mentioned that 2024 saw the UAE leading the world in millionaire migration, attracting more than 6,700 millionaires. This trend is expected to continue, with Dubai’s population growth accelerating as more people move to the city for its business opportunities and high quality of life.
Dubai’s future outlook
Dubai’s real estate sector is experiencing significant growth, with transactions in the residential market increasing by 39% in volume and 33% in value in 2024. This surge in demand is expected to continue as Dubai’s population grows rapidly.
In the first half of 2024 alone, the emirate added 200,000 new residents, with the population expected to hit 4 million by next year and 8 million by 2040.
IQI’s expanded Dubai office is strategically positioned to support this growing demand and help investors navigate the increasingly dynamic real estate market in the UAE.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
