7 days ago
Field notes from building a billion-dollar luxury brand
When I started my journey in Dubai real estate in 2006, I was often the only woman in the room. Being in this position is not alien to me – after all, I was the only girl in my computer science class in university. I thought I was prepared for what lay ahead. I wasn't entirely wrong, but I also wasn't entirely I've learned over nearly two decades of building Kleindienst Groupand our flagship island project, The Heart of Europe – now part of a $6 billion global portfolio – is that the real estate industry isn't just changing because of market forces. It's changing because of who's driving those forces. Increasingly, that's Rise of the "She-Elite"
The numbers tell a compelling story. A recent reportrevealed that seven out of ten Indian women (70%) preferred real estate as an investment asset class compared to other forms of investment. And this trend extends to high-value purchases, with 20% of women homebuyers targeting luxury properties above Rs 1.5 here's what the statistics don't capture: women aren't just buying properties. They're the silent drivers behind luxury real estate decisions, making critical choices about where and how families live. They're becoming what I call the "she-elites" – prosperous women gathering momentum not only in buying, but also in selling and developing big-budget someone who's been on both sides of this equation, as a developer and as a woman navigating a male-dominated industry, I can tell you that this shift represents more than market dynamics. It represents a fundamental change in how we approach luxury Leadership DifferenceWhen we began developing The Heart of Europe on Dubai's World Islands, I brought a different perspective to the table. Not because I'm a woman, but because of how my lens shaped the way we approached everything, from hiring to hospitality our workforce: today, we employ 1,600 people across our island development, and womenwomen make up 30% of the team. Of those, 36% hold leadership positions. This didn't happen by accident – it's the result of a hiring approach that prioritises attitude and invests in developing my role, I've had the privilege of witnessing so many stories of growth. To lead is to become a conduit for your team's highest potential, and not just manage their current Beyond BarriersThe challenges are real. Cultural biases and limited mentorship opportunities still stand in the way of women climbing the corporate ladder. But I've learned that authenticity, i.e., staying true to your North Star while balancing personal and professional ambitions, becomes your greatest career hasn't been defined by a single defining moment but by a constant process of reflection and growth. Especially in environments where leadership is still a billion-dollar brand taught me that leadership isn't about fitting into existing moulds, it's about creating new why at the Heart of Europe, we work differently. We're the only development with a coral research institute that grows reef-building species 50 times faster than in nature, producing over 5,000 coral specimens annually. We created the world's first Floating Villa, complete with submerged bedrooms offering underwater views of tropical sea innovations didn't emerge from traditional thinking. They came from diverse teams with bold ideas, from leadership that values different perspectives, and from believing that thinking different is a strength, not a Collaborative FutureThe strongest way to overcome industry challenges isn't to work against the existing structure, but to work within it collaboratively. Male allyship matters. When men in influential positions use their platforms to advocate for equality and collaborate with female counterparts, we create more balanced, fair workplace real estate industry is at an inflection point. By addressing biases and promoting inclusivity, we're not just benefiting women – we're contributing to the growth and success of the industry as a whole. The rise of women, as both decision-makers and developers, isn't just a trend to observe; it's a force to years in, The Heart of Europe stands as more than a development success story. Its European architecture brings distinct personality to Dubai's luxury landscape. Buddha-Bar Hotel & The Floating Villas have redefined offshore hospitality. Our zero-discharge marine policies set new environmental standards. But what I see is proof of something deeper: when vision meets diverse leadership, you don't just build properties – you build future of luxury real estate won't be shaped by who's been in the room the longest, but by who brings the freshest perspective to the table. And increasingly, that perspective is decidedly female.(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, Parisa Seif, Managing Partner at Kleindienst Group.)(Disclaimer: The views, opinions, recommendations, and suggestions expressed by experts/brokerages in this article are their own and do not reflect the views of the India Today Group. It is advisable to consult a qualified broker or financial advisor before making any actual investment or trading choices.)- Ends
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