Interviews

Eng. Amer Khansaheb, CEO and Board Member, Union Properties PJSC

Leadership & Journey

• Introduction to yourself and your path to your current role

My professional expertise spans across various domains such as engineering, finance and strategic management, where I have made indelible contributions, led by a commitment to excellence, transformative leadership and long-term growth. As a seasoned Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), I bring deep insights on market trends, financial restructuring and investment strategies, leveraging which I seamlessly navigate the regional business landscape.

Furthermore, the valuable experience that I gained in strategic expansion and operational excellence during my role as the Director of Khansaheb Investment empowered me to reenvision and rebuild the Union Properties’ legacy when I became its CEO and Board Member in late 2021. Since then, I have successfully consolidated the Company’s commitment to financial recovery and operational efficiency, while developing a renewed value proposition. In addition, I have strengthened our stakeholder relations and continue to spearhead this brand-new chapter in the Company’s growth journey, aligning with Dubai’s growth vision and the UAE’s national development goals.

• Where do you find inspiration as a leader?

My leadership philosophy is inspired by the values instilled in me by my family, these values are based on the principle of doing good in life and to positively impact our surrounding. Moreover, I derive inspiration from Dubai’s forward-looking growth strategy and its dynamic Real Estate landscape, which fuels my creativity, empowering us to innovate unique solutions and deliver exceptional outcomes.

I also closely follow both consumer and investor trends, so that we can better anticipate changes, strengthening the Company’s position as a leader in sustainability and innovation. The goals of resilience, transparency and long-term value creation guide all our decisions, ensuring that we remain a progressive, sustainable and innovative market leader for years to come.

• How do you develop and retain top talent today?

Following an employee-first approach, at Union Properties, we foster a culture of continuous learning by offering various training programs and cross-functional assignments. This helps ensure that every team member is able to grow and achieve their highest potential, while meaningfully contributing towards the Company’s growth and success.

We also guide employees by establishing clear career pathways, recognising both their achievements and proactivity. We offer competitive, performance-based rewards, as well as flexible work support, aimed at enhancing employee wellbeing, both professionally and personally. We, at Union Properties, believe that nurturing talents is about creating meaningful purpose by aligning personal values with broader organisational vision. This is best exemplified by our leadership programs, executive-led workshops and mentoring initiatives, designed to positively shape the organisation’s leadership pipeline.

Market Overview

• Biggest change in the global real estate market over past five years

The global Real Estate landscape is undergoing an unprecedented transformation, led by rapid digitalisation and PropTech adoption, which have reshaped everything from property viewings to asset management. Moreover, in recent times, sustainability has evolved from being an aspirational goal to a decisive criterion for investors, tenants and regulators alike.

Meanwhile, other factors such as rising inflation, supply chain disruptions and interest rate volatility have redefined financing models and extended project delivery timelines. In addition, lifestyle preferences of buyers are also evolving, fuelling demand for hybrid and mixed-use developments that combine living, working and leisure spaces.

• Current state of the UAE real estate market

The UAE Real Estate market is witnessing a surge in demand for luxury properties due to a rise in the number of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) seeking investment opportunities. The market is expected to grow at an annual growth rate of 2.28  per cent between 2025 and 2029, achieving a trade volume of USD 759.04 billion by 2029.

Notably, rising tourist inflow and foreign investments have further strengthened the regional hospitality sector, driving demand for second homes and mixed-use developments. Furthermore, strategic government initiatives, such as visa reforms and tax-free incomes, have helped enhance investor confidence and market attractiveness. Selective moderations are also being implemented to balance supply and demand, contributing to the long-term stability of property prices.

• Union Properties’ role in supporting Dubai’s Vision 2030

At Union Properties, we have always remained committed to advancing Dubai’s ‘Vision 2030’, by developing integrated, smart and sustainable communities. We also closely collaborate with key government entities and stakeholders to develop infrastructure, community facilities and green spaces that can enhance residents’ quality of life. For instance, by adopting PropTech and implementing green practices across our developments, we reinforce the key organisational values of liveability, resource efficiency and community connectivity.

Furthermore, in line with Dubai's ‘Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033’, we are actively reshaping our portfolio to address rising demands for mixed-use communities and tech-integrated living. We also ensure that every project meets the evolving standards of luxury, sustainability and integrated urban living, as exemplified by our developments like ‘Takaya’ that prioritise superior quality and sustainable urban planning. Our projects reflect the UAE’s vision of developing sustainable, integrated communities that foster social cohesion, economic growth and environmental stewardship, enabling us to stay ahead of competitors.

At Union Properties, we consider Real Estate not merely as a commercial pursuit but as a strategic enabler. We strive to ensure that the growth of this vital sector aligns with key government priorities such as housing, tourism, foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction and smart city development, while advancing the goals of the ‘Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan’ and the ‘UAE Green Agenda 2030’. We also remain committed to supporting economic diversification, elevating residents’ quality of life and delivering environmentally responsible developments to shape a sustainable future.

Innovation & Technology

• Most important transformation companies need to embrace to grow successfully

Digitalisation is no longer an option for key business verticals, but a strategic imperative for growth and long-term success. In the Real Estate sector, the adoption of smart infrastructure and Internet of Things (IoT) has also become critical, as they enable properties to adapt, self-optimise and respond to occupant behaviour. Ideally, companies should also integrate ESG metrics into their real-time data systems to ensure transparency, improve performance tracking and boost investor reporting.

• How is Union Properties incorporating innovation to future-proof developments?

Future-proofing our buildings is an important aspect of what we do as a forward-looking developer. Right from the early stages, we ensure our buildings are designed to cater to future trends and needs, such as carbon footprint reduction and EV chargers. We also leverage digital tools to facilitate immersive pre-sales experiences, investor presentations and better tenant experiences.

Furthermore, we utilise data analytics to gain deeper insights into tenant behaviour, which enables us to personalise our services, optimise efficiency and reduce costs.

• Next technology with biggest anticipated impact on real estate

Present trends indicate that AI-powered platforms have the greatest potential to transform the Real Estate sector by delivering predictive market insights, portfolio optimisation and dynamic pricing strategies. Similarly, cutting-edge IoT ecosystems are poised to play a pivotal role by creating smart buildings that can learn and adapt, enhancing comfort, enabling predictive maintenance and optimising energy usage. Additionally, the increasing popularity of PropTech platforms is bridging landlords, service providers, and communities, offering a highly personalised experience, greater convenience and increased engagement.

Sustainability

• How Union Properties aligns its strategies with sustainability goals?

At Union Properties, all our operations, decisions and even community initiatives are guided by sustainability. This is best exemplified by our flagship project, “Takaya”, which features green building designs, smart infrastructure and over 450,000 sq. ft. of landscaped spaces, encouraging all our residents to embrace a healthy lifestyle.

Moreover, advanced BMS systems and efficient resource management have reduced power and water consumption by up to 30 per cent across our communities. Remarkably, our subsidiary, Dubai Autodrome, upholds sustainability by adopting solar energy and engaging communities through inclusive events. In addition, all our projects undergo stringent ESG assessments, ensuring long-term value, resilience and alignment with Dubai’s sustainable urban vision. 

• Observed demand for green or environmental impact–focused properties

Based on current market trends, both tenants and investors are prioritising certified and sustainable properties, even when they have to pay premium rents or increased property prices. ESG-conscious individuals also tend to choose workplaces and residences based on low-carbon credentials and wellness-focused amenities. Additionally, institutional capital flow for environmentally responsible Real Estate portfolios is rising, reflecting a broader trend favouring sustainability.

RISE Summit & Expo

1. Importance of events like RISE

Events like RISE Summit and Expo play a key role in convening innovators, startups, investors and developers, while promoting cross-sector collaboration. Such platforms serve as ideal avenues to share insights on PropTech, sustainability and other trends shaping the Real Estate sector’s future. These events further help showcase futuristic smart developments, attract investment and build partnerships across global and regional ecosystems.

2. Expectations for next year’s summit and expo

In the coming year, we expect active participation from forward-thinking global PropTech players and sustainable urban venture leaders. The event will continue to serve as a unique platform to launch and showcase our latest smart community pilot projects and ESG ventures.

In the future, we will leverage the event to bolster our relations with investors, municipalities and tech disruptors, thereby accelerating our strategic roadmap. Moreover, the event will continue to unveil critical insights on how to refine strategy and form alliances, positioning Union Properties at the forefront of future-forward urban development.

Want to get involved at RISE 2026? Register now.