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As Dubai’s property market continues to garner global attention, AKFA Holding is charting a new chapter in its luxury ecosystem by stepping into real estate. In a detailed conversation, Muhammed Zekeriya Akgad, Chairman of AKFA, shares his conviction that Dubai remains one of the world’s most compelling destinations for real estate investment, from holiday homes to luxury mansions. Recent data underscores the strength of the Dubai property market. If the news reports by leading media outlets are anything to go by, Dubai recorded its highest-ever quarterly sales volume, with approximately 59,044 transactions valued at AED 169 billion, a year-over-year increase of 17%, , in Q3 2025. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi saw sales jump by 76% year-on-year, according to Real estate platform Property Finder.
While some industry insiders caution of oversupply, with projections indicating 210,000 new units to be delivered in 2025–2026 many believe the luxury end will continue to outperform due to unique location, exclusivity, and identity.
Why AKFA Steps into Real Estate
For many real estate players, rising property values, high yields, and evolving lifestyles make the timing attractive. For AKFA, the move is less reactive and more strategic — and extension of its signature luxury offering. “When you offer luxury timepieces, jewellery, private travel you already cater to a clientele who demands elevated lifestyle experiences,” says Akgad. “Real estate is the canvas for that lifestyle: a holiday home, a family mansion, these are more than assets, they are statements of identity and permanence.”
In Akgad’s view, real estate gives AKFA the opportunity to weave a more immersive lifestyle brand: one where clients can move from choosing a signature watch or jewellery piece to acquiring a residence that reflects their persona.
He adds that the firm’s entry into real estate is not about speculative plays. “We are not chasing speculative gains. We’re investing for legacy. We want to offer homes that match the rest of our premium portfolio, places that feel curated, exclusive, and timeless.”
The Market Segments That Matter
AKFA’s interest spans several categories:
* Holiday homes: As inbound tourism surges and long-stay visas draw global residents, demand for turnkey holiday residences commanded by luxury protocols rises.
* Luxury mansions and villas: There is sustained appetite for signature homes in gated communities and high-end enclaves.
* Premium resale and trophy assets: For many buyers, rare properties (corner plots, panoramic views, architectural distinction) will continue to attract capital.
“In Dubai, location is currency. But luxury is about the story. A home should not just deliver amenities — it should carry meaning,” Akgad emphasizes.
Challenges and Strategic Considerations
AKFA acknowledges that entering real estate is demanding — from regulatory compliance to execution logistics and market risk. But the firm believes its luxury heritage gives it a competitive edge:
* Integrated brand trust and reputation
* Access to a high-net-worth clientele base
* Capability to integrate real estate offerings with broader services (travel, lifestyle, concierge)
Akgad accepts the macro pressures too. “The market may soften in mid-cycle, and supply may rise. We will proceed with discipline — only projects that meet our threshold of luxury, uniqueness and value will move forward.”
AKFA is not just expanding; it is reimagining its identity as a luxury lifestyle house, where clients can live within the same ethos that defines its watches, jewellery, and travel offerings of AKFA Holding.
“Dubai already commands attention as a global stage for luxury living,” Akgad concludes. “By integrating real estate with our broader portfolio, we’re not just selling houses; we’re further shaping the narrative of how luxury is lived here in the UAE, and how it will be experienced tomorrow.”