28-07-2025
Abdulla Al Shaibani: The Architectural Fabric of Dubai
Abdulla Al Shaibani, CEO of Alphabeta Properties, has built his venture with an aim to contribute significantly to the architectural and cultural fabric of Dubai. In this interview, he dives into the trends shaping the UAE's real estate landscape and how thoughtful design, tenant satisfaction, and digital transformation are redefining modern living.
Now in its third edition, Business Leaders in the Middle East brings together sharp insights from across the region. These aren't mere interviews; they're windows into how leadership is evolving in a world shaped by rapid digital transformation. Technology touches nearly every industry now, and these leaders show us how to navigate change with purpose.
When starting Alphabeta Properties, we originally set out to offer a much higher quality rental product in Dubai's real estate market. The goal was to raise the standard, both in terms of design and service. From the beginning, our ambition has been to become Dubai's leading build-to-lease developer, with a clear focus on delivering well-designed, purpose-built spaces for tenants.
With M77, we introduced the UAE's first-ever rental auction model, completely redefining how rental units are leased and challenging conventional market norms. It was a bold concept, and the response proved its value. In a groundbreaking achievement, all units on the rental auction in M77 were fully booked within a mere two weeks of the rental auction, establishing anew benchmark in the Dubai real estate landscape. Despite the competitive market, an impressive 70% of bidders opted for the 'rent now' option, securing their residences at M77 at a premium of 60% above the market value. Q-East is our most ambitious project so far and marks a major milestone for Alphabeta Properties, with its launch scheduled for Q4 of this year. Located in Al Quoz, it's a mixed-use development that brings together residential, retail, and commercial components in a way that aligns with how people live and work today.
Al Quoz has long been recognised for its industrial and creative energy, and with Q-East, we're building on that foundation to introduce a more modern, thoughtfully designed community. The development features a mix of high-end penthouses, versatile commercial spaces, and retail spaces, all designed to add lasting value to the area and raise the standard for what's expected in this part of the city.
The rapid growth of the UAE's construction market has brought with it rising costs and frequent material delays. The real challenge has been delivering projects on time and within budget, without ever compromising on quality. To manage this, we've had to stay agile, plan with precision, and collaborate closely with our partners, ensuring that even under pressure, our standards remain consistently high.
When it comes to implementing new policies or changes, we take a measured and thoughtful approach. Everything is clearly communicated, with structured steps and written guidelines to ensure transparency. We roll out major changes gradually to avoid disrupting day-to-day operations, and we always make space for feedback. That open dialogue helps the team feel involved and respected. As a result, we face very little resistance, and when someone isn't aligned with the direction, the next steps are usually straightforward and handled with mutual respect.
We focus on creating a product that genuinely reflects how people want to live today. What sets us apart is our commitment to thoughtful design, from the overall architecture down to the layout and finishes. We don't follow trends for the sake of it; we build with purpose and detail, making sure every element adds value to the living experience. Our developments are built around the needs of a new generation – people who expect quality, functionality, and a sense of space. We believe luxury is about how a space feels, how it flows, and how well it supports day-to-day life. That mindset carries through everything we do, from the materials we choose to how we interact with tenants. Tenant satisfaction is at the core of our work. It's not a marketing line. It's what drives our decisions and has been the biggest factor behind our reputation and growth in the market.
There's always new technology being introduced, and we're constantly testing what works best for our business. For example, we've implemented home automation systems and building management software that use machine learning to optimise utility savings. We're also working to digitise the entire rental process and move away from physical contracts. The goal is to simplify and improve the experience for both the business and the tenant.
In my view, the most surprising trend has been the sheer number of apartments being sold, despite clear demand in the market for low-rise, villa-style units. Developers are focused on maximising GFA (gross floor area) on plot sales, but the real appetite seems to be for lower-density living, something that's not being adequately addressed. My concern is whether the market can absorb the volume of the new apartment supply. It feels like a large portion of that demand is coming from speculative investors rather than genuine end users, which could create challenges down the line.
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