Staff Report
Dubai, UAE
The UAE’s real estate sector continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and growth, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi leading the way, according to a senior industry official.
Quoting a research report by CB Richard Ellis (CBRE), Ashish Parakh, Group Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of Sobha Realty, says, “Property values in Dubai rose by nearly 14 percent in the year to June 2026, while Abu Dhabi recorded an 18 percent year-on-year increase in apartment values and a 14 percent rise in villa prices in Q2 2025.
“This sustained momentum is driven by the UAE’s robust economy, supportive government policies such as the Golden Visa, the country’s openness to long-term residency for international talent, a rising influx of high-net-worth individuals, and the UAE’s exceptional quality of life and world-class infrastructure, he said, while participating at the America Property Expo (APEX) 2025, which is underway in Miami, Florida.
“Our participation at the America Property Expo 2025 offers an excellent opportunity to engage with global investors and industry peers, and to showcase the most attractive investment and luxury living opportunities in the UAE’s thriving property market,” he added.
Starting his career as a management trainee in 2017, Ashish Parakh advanced through the ranks to become the Group Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Sobha Realty, Dubai, through a series of successes. In his current role at Sobha Realty, he leads three departments: Marketing, Sales Strategy, and Channel Relations, curating strategies and setting goals that motivate teams to succeed.
He has spearheaded several successful initiatives for the company and is a strong proponent of hard work and perfectionism. In addition to maintaining high standards of operation, his leadership skills foster positive thinking, teamwork, and a strong work ethic.
In an interview with the Gulf Property, Ashish Parakh elaborated his thoughts while in Miami, Florida. Excerpts:
Gulf Property: What makes Sobha Realty stand out compared to similar luxury real estate developers globally?
Ashish Parakh: Our unwavering commitment to quality, craftsmanship and lifestyle curation. Guided by our philosophy of ‘The Art of Detail’, we uphold the highest standards in design, construction, and communication, creating unique, personal experiences for every client. Our reputation within the UAE and beyond, as well as our increasingly global footprint, can give buyers confidence in future-proof investments.
Through in-house construction via our Backward Integration model, sustainable design, and premium materials, Sobha ensures homes that combine elegance, livability, and enduring value. Essentially, when it comes to luxury real estate development, our legacy is that what we build will last the test of time.
Gulf Property: How does Sobha embed sustainability and wellness into its residential and mixed-use developments?
Ashish Parakh: For Sobha Realty, sustainability and wellness are inseparable from quality. Our backward integration model and modular construction capabilities reduce construction waste, optimise resource use, and lower carbon emissions, while our projects are designed to meet stringent green certification standards that we are committed to achieving for all our new projects.
On the other hand, wellness is woven through all our developments by way of elements such as open spaces, landscaped green zones, walking and cycling trails, gyms, pools, yoga and meditation areas, and clean indoor air, all of which result in homes and mixed-use environments that support healthier, sustainable living.
Sobha Realty’s commitment to sustainability has been recognised globally. In 2024, the company scored 91 in the GRESB Assessment, placing it among the top 4 percent of global entities striving for excellence in ESG performance.
Further exemplifying this commitment, our flagship Dubai project, Sobha One, has been awarded the prestigious Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy (SLE) certification by Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA), the first building outside Singapore to achieve this distinction. In addition, Sobha One has also been recognized with the Whole Life Carbon badge, reflecting our dedication to low-impact development and eco-conscious design.
Through these initiatives, Sobha Realty not only delivers luxury and quality but also creates developments that are environmentally responsible and foster wellness for all residents
Gulf Property: How is Sobha Realty positioning itself to attract international investors at APEX Miami 2025?
Ashish Parakh: Our presence at the APEX 2025 marks a strategic step in our journey to redefine luxury living worldwide. At APEX 2025, we are showcasing our expanding UAE portfolio, from integrated mixed-use communities and ultra-luxury residences in Dubai to our visionary master developments in Umm Al Quwain, bringing real estate investors and luxury seekers from the US market closer to the unparalleled opportunities the UAE has to offer.
Sobha Realty distinguishes itself through its unique Backward Integration business model, in which every detail from design to delivery is meticulously managed in-house. The model ensures al Sobha Developments, as well as being delivered on time, meet the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship increasingly expected by international investors.
Gulf Property: What aspects of your projects, design, quality, and amenities will appeal most to the US buyer or investor?
Ashish Parakh: As Sobha Realty continues to expand across the UAE and international markets, we remain committed to our production discipline that has defined our success for more than five decades. Through our unique Backward Integration model, in which design, manufacturing, and construction are managed entirely in-house, we maintain full control over quality, and timelines.
This approach ensures consistent quality, refined materials, and thoughtfully planned layouts. For homebuyers, it means move-in-ready residences offering peace of mind and everyday comfort. For investors, it guarantees reliable, timely delivery, strong capital appreciation, and integrated communities designed to preserve long-term value with operational excellence.
Furthermore, Dubai and the UAE are home to a highly diverse population, representing virtually every nationality. Our buyer profiles are therefore extremely diversified, and Sobha Realty’s position as the second most recalled real estate brand in the UAE is a testament to our deep understanding of what different markets desire. Many of our buyers are Americans, which underscores our insight into U.S. buyers’ preferences and expectations; ranging from design aesthetics to lifestyle amenities, allowing us to consistently create projects that resonate with international investors and residents alike.
Ends
Also read: UAE developers aim to foray into US$110.83 trillion US real estate market at APEX 2025
