PARISA SEIF, MANAGING PARTNER AT KLEINDIENST GROUP
The numbers are in, and they’re bigger than we’ve ever seen before: Dubai has just recorded nearly AED 500 billion in property sales in the third quarter of 2025 — an extraordinary half a trillion dirhams. It’s yet another benchmark for the city’s unstoppable momentum. And while the world may look on with astonished admiration, for me, it’s a moment of quiet pride. Pride because, in more ways than one, we’ve been part of this story.
And by “we,” I include myself among many: the professionals who’ve called Dubai home since 2000 and the leaders, innovators, and visionaries shaping the industry that reflects the ambition of this city we call home.
In nearly two decades here, I’ve witnessed the rise of a remarkable city that consistently embraces the extraordinary. While global markets pause and recalibrate, Dubai surges forward, keeping the rest of the world on its toes. This city has never been content with the ordinary. But here’s what those record-breaking headlines don’t tell you: there is a quiet force that’s been driving them — one led by a new wave of talent, with women playing an increasingly pivotal role.
Paving a Path
When I started my journey in Dubai real estate, I was one of few women in the industry. My experience taught me to listen differently, observe carefully, and lead with conviction.
What I’ve learned while building Kleindienst Group and our flagship island project, The Heart of Europe — now a $6 billion six-island destination on the World Islands in Dubai — is that the real estate industry isn’t just changing because of market forces. It’s changing because of who’s shaping those forces.
The Numbers Behind the Movement
In 2024, women accounted for 34% of all property investors in Dubai, investing more than AED 118 billion through over 50,979 transactions. This represents a leap of over 50% in both value and volume from just two years prior. In the first half of 2025 alone, 30,487 women engaged in nearly 34,792 real estate transactions, investing over AED 73.2 billion.
These aren’t just statistics — they signal a fundamental shift in investor behaviour and market dynamics. Across diverse backgrounds and life stages, a new generation of female investors and industry leaders are emerging — more strategic, globally minded, and deeply engaged in shaping the future of Dubai’s luxury real estate landscape.
Beyond Transactions: Understanding the Why
In my perspective, today’s female investors and industry leaders are approaching real estate with a more strategic and long-term mindset — and this is redefining what luxury means in Dubai.
Off-plan properties, for instance, are increasingly attractive due to lower initial entry costs and strong ROI potential. This reflects a shift away from short-term speculation toward value-driven, sustainable investment behaviour. Leading this momentum are female investors from across the Emirati, South Asian, and East Asian communities, reflecting Dubai’s truly global and inclusive property market.
Demanding For More
What I’ve observed is that today’s female investors and industry leaders look beyond square footage and skyline views. They’re driving demand for branded residences, waterfront properties, and eco-friendly developments — homes that align with smart, sustainable, and community-oriented living environments.
Our projects at The Heart of Europe occupy this precise intersection between experiential living and the growing push for eco-friendly, waterfront properties. We are the only developer with a marine ecosystem and reef rehabilitation program under our Coral Institute.
A second home is more than four walls and an amazing view. In today’s attention economy, it often means asking how we help refocus and heal our connections. That’s why Hygge Hotel, one of our recent developments that was launched for sales, is designed around the Danish principle of finding joy in slow living. And its success shows that the market is ready for a new approach to wellness and living well.
The Leadership Difference
Luxury real estate is being reshaped not only by female investors but also by female leaders driving change from within. Research shows that transformational leadership — a style that focuses on developing team members’ full potential — is increasingly prevalent. Unlike more traditional approaches that primarily manage tasks, transformational leaders lead by example, build strong connections with their teams, and create lasting positive impact within both their people and their organizations.
When we began developing The Heart of Europe on Dubai’s World Islands, I brought a different perspective to the table: from our hiring practices to the design of our hospitality experiences. Our approach prioritizes attitude and invests in developing skill. I believe that every person has an entrepreneurial spirit that can be nurtured, and this belief shapes the way I lead. To lead is to become a conduit for your team’s highest potential, not just manage their current capabilities. When you combine diverse perspectives with bold ideas, you don’t just build properties — you build a culture of challenging conventions. Today, our team is made up of talented professionals from varied backgrounds, with many holding leadership positions.
Building Beyond Barriers
My career hasn’t been defined by a single moment, but by a continuous process of reflection and growth, especially in industries where leadership structures are still evolving.
The challenges remain real — from cultural biases to limited mentorship opportunities — yet I’ve learned that authenticity, staying true to your north star while balancing personal and professional ambitions, is your greatest asset.
The most effective way to overcome industry challenges isn’t by working against existing structures, but by collaborating within them. Open communication, mutual respect, and shared purpose create more balanced, inclusive, and high-performing workplaces for everyone.
The Path Forward
The real estate industry in Dubai is at an inflection point. By addressing biases and fostering inclusivity, we’re not just supporting a broader range of participants — we’re strengthening the growth and success of the industry as a whole. The emergence of new voices and perspectives among decision-makers and developers isn’t just a trend to observe; it’s a force to harness.
The future of luxury real estate in Dubai won’t be shaped by tenure in the room, but by who brings the freshest ideas and insights to the table.
