Page 94 - Forbes - Asia (December 2019 - January 2020)

4 I PROMOTION www.forbesmiddleeast.com

Building Prospects For Prosperity

Jyotsna Hegde, President of Sobha Realty, speaks about investment opportunities

in the real estate market in the Middle East, and how she intends to stand out.

There has been a lot of discussion
recently about real estate challenges
in the Middle East. What are your
thoughts about the market currently
and how do you plan to face issues in
supply and demand?
Like any global market, Dubai faces
challenges emanating from the cyclical
nature of the real estate business. What
is important to understand is how
we are working towards improving
the fundamentals of the business and
boost the demand drivers, which
restores long-term investor confidence
in the market. In the recent past, the
government has undertaken a slew of
measures that have improved positivity
in 2019. In new businesses it’s important
to be agile with the portfolio mix and be
able to understand emerging consumer
needs, which help to mitigate short-
term supply shocks.

In your opinion, how secure is an
investment in Middle East real estate

and where do you think are the key
opportunities?
Among global cities, Dubai arguably
offers the best value for quality real
estate investment today. Supported by and Shanghai has contributed immensely courtesy of the passion and vision of our
strong investor and end-user protection to our brand growth, and the company Founder and Chairman, PNC Menon.
policies and a generally conducive socio- is well poised to breach the US$1 billion Also, in a market where projects are
economic environment, Dubai should mark in revenue in the coming years. sometimes delayed, we at Sobha Realty
feature in any real estate investment prioritize deadlines and treat them with
portfolio—whether you are a veteran or With so many luxury developers in the extreme seriousness.
looking for your first acquisition. Middle East market, how does Sobha
Realty face competition and distinguish What are your expansion plans for the
You were promoted into a new role last its projects? coming year?
year. What are your new goals? Sobha Realty is a backward integrated Sobha Realty is on a high-velocity growth
In my capacity as the President of Sobha real estate company, and there are trajectory to become a US$1 billion
Group, my continued focus remains certain standards that go with the company in the coming years and towards
on building centers of excellence and brand. Intuitive design, unparalleled this we are actively exploring organic and
leadership capabilities within the craftsmanship and timely deliveries are inorganic growth opportunities in Dubai
organization as we embark on a high- all pillars that boost our brand equity and the rest of the GCC, several of which

velocity growth trajectory aided both and establish us as a premium player in will be unveiled in 2020.
by organic and inorganic developments. the segment. Another factor that sets
Our global outreach in 2019 in London us apart is the legacy of 40 years that is www.sobharealty.com