At AYS Developments event in Dubai
A compelling panel discussion explored the burgeoning Dubai Islands mega-project from a real estate investment perspective during an event held in Dubai on May 31, 2025, by AYS Developers. The half-day event, endorsed by the Dubai Land Department, brought together UAE-based real estate professionals and investors.
The primary purpose of the event was to break the Guinness World Record for the largest real estate training in the world, a record previously held by Saudi Arabia.
The panel session, moderated by media personality Kris Fade, featured a diverse panel of Dubai-based real estate industry leaders: Ismail Al Hammadi, Founder & CEO of Al Ruwad Real Estate and Biznet Consulting; Loai Al Fakir, CEO of Provident Estate; Dr. Nour ElSerougy, CEO & Founder of HRE Properties; Sonia Waters, Head of Sales at AYS Developers; Nazish Khan, Founder & COO of Fidu Properties; Denis Donovan, President of Really.AI; and Spencer Lodge, entrepreneur.
The forum centred on the Dubai Islands, a flagship Nakheel project poised to reshape Dubai’s city waterfront living and tourism landscape. Spanning an enormous 182 million square feet—three times the size of Palm Jumeirah—the project combines luxury residences, 80+ hotels, cultural hubs, and beachfront amenities.
Asked about the key investment metrics in 2025, Ismail Al Hammadi stressed the importance of localised data rather than a broad-stroke approach. “The numbers talk,” he said, pointing out that every area within Dubai—whether Downtown, Jebel Ali, or Dubai Islands—demands its own ROI models and capital appreciation strategies. “Rental yield is not the only metric anymore,” he said. “You must factor in capital gains, infrastructure, and project-specific data.”
Loai Al Fakir, an early investor in Dubai Islands, passionately advocated for the project, calling it a microcosm of everything Dubai represents. “It’s got five islands, 20km of new beach, a golf course, and more than 80 hospitality venues,” he explained. Comparing its current pricing to that of the Palm Jumeirah and Bluewaters Island, he emphasised its relative affordability and future upside. “It ticks every box—residences, lifestyle, investment,” he said.
Nazish Khan, a seasoned broker, declared Dubai Islands a future-proof hybrid of tourism and residential living. “Palm Jumeirah is 62 million square feet; Dubai Islands is 182 million,” he said. “We’ll see residential values rise through tourism pull—86 hotels are planned.” He noted the impact that short-term rentals have had on the Palm Jumeirah and predicted a similar trend at the Dubai Islands.
For Dr. Nour ElSerougy, Dubai Islands is not just another project—it is the future of waterfront living. “I visited the site before making any decision,” he shared. “What makes this different is Dubai’s track record. Every time the city rebrands or reinvests, it goes for No.1. This is not about repeating Palm Jumeirah—it is about exceeding it.”
He urged investors to consider quality over hype. “Location, developer credibility, capital appreciation—these are the pillars of smart investing.”
Veteran real estate investor and long-time Dubai resident Spencer Lodge spoke from personal experience. “I have lived on the Palm for 19 years. My next move is Dubai Islands. It is close to DIFC, has golf, beaches, and is a long-term home, not just a flip.”
He praised the project’s positioning near Deira and Bur Dubai. “We are bridging new Dubai and old Dubai. That is not just development—it is cultural continuity.”
Sonia Waters addressed how AYS Developments is making entry into the real estate market in Dubai easier. “We offer three payment plans—60/40, 50/50, and 40/60 post-handover. Starting with a 10% down payment, it allows mid-level investors to enter a high-value zone,” she explained.
Denis Donovan highlighted growing international interest in the real estate sector in Dubai. “UK and European investors are leading the charge, followed closely by India, Pakistan, and Russia,” he noted. “The waterfront appeal is a consistent draw.”
Nazish Khan also drew attention to institutional momentum. “Back in 2006, this land was part of the ‘Palm Deira’ vision. After 2008, it slowed, but now it has been reborn. Early investors purchased at AED 1,200 per square foot. Today, we are seeing prices ranging from AED 3,000 to AED 3,500. This is just the start.”
He encouraged institutional funds to engage in joint ventures with developers like AYS. “Plot development offers unmatched ROI. Just look at Al Marjan Island, now trading at AED 4,000+ per sq. ft. Dubai Islands is still undervalued.”
Returning to payment plans, Dr. Nour ElSerougy advised investors to assess the price per square foot in relation to the unit value. “Ask your client: Do you have funds for the second and third instalments? Avoid cancellations by ensuring a stable payment runway,” he said. He also urged understanding the product mix: “A project heavy on studios differs from one focused on 2- and 3-bedroom exclusivity.”
To close the session, Spencer Lodge delivered a powerful message on Dubai’s market trajectory. “This is the modern-day gold rush. Only difference? Gold is limited. Opportunity here is not.”
Image: The panel discussion in progress at the AYS Developments real estate event in Dubai on May 31, 2025. Credit: Arnold Pinto
