Tell us about yourself.
I am Masood Al Awar, CEO of Medallion Associates, with over 30 years of experience in banking, government, and real estate, particularly in the UAE. My career began at Barclays Bank in Dubai, where I gained expertise in financial management. I then served as Head of the Department at Dubai Police’s General Finance Headquarters before transitioning into real estate leadership roles at EMAAR Properties, Sorouh Real Estate (now part of ALDAR Properties), Tasweek Real Estate, and Dubai Properties. These experiences have deepened my understanding of economic and societal drivers shaping the industry.
At Medallion Associates, I am passionate about developing innovative investment solutions that drive the UAE’s real estate market forward. Our focus is on creating value-driven opportunities for investors while aligning with Dubai’s broader economic vision. By leveraging strategic partnerships and market insights, we aim to redefine real estate investment in the region. Through this approach, we contribute to the sector’s sustainable growth and support Dubai’s position as a global investment hub.
Tell us about Medallion Associates.
Based in Dubai, Medallion Associates is a prominent real estate investment and advising firm that specializes in offering customized solutions to both institutional and private investors. In order to provide our clients with substantial returns and long-term growth, the firm specializes in locating high-value real estate opportunities in both the public and private sectors. Private equity placement, capital raising, joint ventures, asset management, and real estate marketing through our wide range of distribution channels are among our primary services. Medallion Associates is dedicated to promoting strategic investment opportunities in Dubai’s ever-changing real estate market thanks to its extensive network of institutional partners and in-depth knowledge of market trends.
What inspired you to start Medallion Associates?
Medallion Associates was founded to provide innovative, customized real estate investment solutions for domestic and international investors. With years of leadership experience in Dubai’s real estate and financial sectors, I recognized the need for a data-driven, strategic consultancy. The UAE presented a unique opportunity to guide investors through market complexities. Our mission is to drive sustainable growth in the real estate industry, maximizing value for investors while supporting Dubai’s long-term economic prosperity. By combining expertise with market insights, we aim to deliver tailored investment strategies that align with evolving market dynamics and investor needs.
What has been your biggest success?
Medallion Associates has built a solid reputation, offering value-driven investment possibilities and customized solutions for domestic and foreign investors. We have established ourselves as a reliable partner in Dubai’s vibrant real estate market by securing substantial private equity placements and fundraising campaigns. Our dedication to quality and strategic acumen has enabled us to support the expansion and advancement of the real estate industry in the UAE.
What projects are you currently working on?
We are currently structuring a large public-private collaboration for a project that will serve as a tourist attraction as well as a mixed-use facility. In order to guarantee strong returns, this project integrates international investment ideas and works with institutional investors. The $1 billion project will change the landscape, contributing to Dubai’s appeal as a worldwide investment hub.
What are the current investment trends in the UAE?
The UAE is experiencing several notable investment trends. These include:
Financial Services Expansion: The financial sector in Dubai is receiving a lot of attention, with hedge funds spiking by 50% to 75 firms, including well-known brands like Walleye and Tudor Capital. More than 410 financial and asset management companies are already based in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), marking a 25% increase from 2023.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): In terms of greenfield FDI announcements in 2023, the UAE ranked second internationally after the US, demonstrating its continued dominance as a top FDI destination. The UAE’s attempts to modernize and diversify its economy are responsible for this rise.
Private Equity Growth: The UAE is becoming a hub for private equity firms, with companies like Campbell Lutyens establishing offices in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). This trend underscores the region’s growing influence in global private markets.
Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) Services: The UAE’s BNPL market has grown rapidly, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.5% in 2021–2024. The market is anticipated to at a CAGR of 11.2% from 2025 to 2030, indicating that this rising trajectory will continue.
Tourism and Hospitality Investments: The UAE continues to invest heavily in tourism and hospitality, with significant developments in luxury hotels, resorts, and entertainment complexes.
A surge in demand for luxury properties: Dubai is witnessing a boom in the luxury investment sector, thanks to domestic and foreign investors. The demand for office space in financial districts like Business Bay and DIFC has significantly increased, contributing to the growth of the commercial real estate industry. Besides, there is also a growing interest in eco-friendly and sustainable developments. Dubai boasts an appealing market due to its high rental yields and robust capital appreciation.
How are hedge funds driving Dubai’s real estate investment?
As Dubai develops into a major international financial center, hedge funds significantly influencing real estate investment. The influx of hedge funds has contributed to a 25% surge in company registrations at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
Major hedge funds, including Millennium Management, Balyasny Asset Management, and Point72, have established offices in Dubai, attracted by favorable tax conditions and strategic location.
This surge in hedge fund activity has bolstered Dubai’s financial sector, leading to increased capital availability for real estate projects. Hedge funds often invest in real estate through private equity, providing capital for development and acquisition projects.
Hedge funds have improved Dubai’s standing as a reliable investment spot, attracting more capital to the real estate sector. In line with worldwide trends toward sustainable and smart city initiatives, this infusion of finance and knowledge has sparked the development of upscale real estate and commercial spaces.
Dubai’s solid economic foundation and welcoming atmosphere for investors, have led to hedge funds playing a bigger role in promoting real estate. Significant financial inflows have resulted from their involvement, especially in luxury residential complexes and high-value commercial assets. In areas like DIFC and Business Bay, hedge funds support the expansion of important industries like hospitality and office space by offering significant liquidity and creative financing options. Hedge funds continue to have a significant influence on Dubai’s real estate market.
What assets should global investors be investing in right now in the UAE?
The UAE offers a diverse array of investment opportunities for global investors. Here are some sectors and assets to consider:
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): REITs provide exposure to the UAE’s real estate market without the need for direct property ownership. They offer liquidity and potential for capital appreciation. The UAE’s real estate market is expected to remain robust, making REITs an attractive option.
Mutual Funds: Mutual funds invest in a diverse portfolio of assets by pooling money from multiple investors. These funds often focus on regional equities, offering investors access to the Middle East’s growth potential. They are suitable for those seeking diversification and professional management.
Stocks: Purchasing stock in UAE-listed businesses may be quite profitable, particularly in industries like technology, real estate, and financial services. Many businesses are listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and Dubai Financial Market (DFM). However, one must carefully study the market or take professional help before making an investment.
Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) Services: The BNPL market in the UAE is projected to grow significantly, reaching US$2.84 billion in 2025. Investing in companies offering BNPL services can tap into this expanding consumer finance trend.
Technology and AI Startups: The UAE is investing heavily in technology and artificial intelligence (AI). Initiatives like the Technology Innovation Institute in Abu Dhabi are fostering innovation. Investing in tech startups or funds focusing on AI can offer high returns, albeit with higher risk.
Sustainable and Renewable Energy Projects: The UAE is committed to sustainability, thanks to projects like Masdar City in Abu Dhabi. Investing in renewable energy ventures aligns with global trends toward sustainability and offers long-term growth potential.
Gold and Precious Metals: Considering the UAE’s position as a major international trading hub, purchasing gold and other precious metals can act as a hedge against currency changes and market volatility. The tax-free environment in the UAE makes these investments even more alluring.
Islamic Sukuk Bonds: For those seeking Sharia-compliant investment options, Islamic Sukuk bonds offer returns while adhering to Islamic principles. They are a stable investment choice in the UAE’s financial landscape.
Tourism and Hospitality Ventures: With the UAE’s thriving tourism sector, investing in hotels, resorts, and related services can yield substantial returns. The government’s support for tourism infrastructure further enhances this opportunity.
Education and Healthcare Services: The UAE’s growing expat population and emphasis on quality services make education and healthcare sectors attractive for investment. The expansion of private institutions increases investment opportunities.
High-end residential properties: High-end residential properties in Palm Jumeirah and Emirates Hills, offer strong capital appreciation and high rental yields. Commercial real estate in financial hubs like DIFC and Business Bay also presents significant growth potential, driven by increasing demand from international corporations. Additionally, eco-friendly and smart city developments are becoming increasingly attractive.
Considerations for Investors:
Due Diligence: Understand market dynamics and related dangers, do in-depth research or speak with financial advisors.
Regulatory Environment: Familiarize yourself with the UAE’s regulatory structure, which includes ownership laws and tax rules.
Diversification: Spread your investing portfolio across several industries.
What would make a good portfolio for an international investor looking to invest in real estate in the Middle East?
Investing in the Middle East offers diverse opportunities, but crafting a balanced portfolio requires careful consideration of various factors.
Here’s a guide that will help:
Diversify Across Key Markets:
- UAE: Dubai’s real estate market is renowned for its luxury properties and high rental yields. The city continues to attract both local and international investors, making it a cornerstone for any Middle Eastern real estate portfolio.
- Saudi Arabia: Non-Saudis can now invest in publicly traded companies owning real estate in Mecca and Medina, thanks to the recent policy changes.
- Egypt: Cairo’s downtown area is undergoing a renaissance, opening lucrative investment opportunities in heritage properties and mixed-use developments.
Consider Different Asset Types:
- Residential Properties: High demand for luxury and affordable housing in urban centers presents opportunities for rental income and capital appreciation.
- Commercial Real Estate: Office spaces in financial districts like Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District are in demand, offering stable returns.
- Hospitality Sector: With tourism on the rise, investing in hotels and resorts, especially in tourist hotspots, can yield substantial returns.
Leverage Real Estate Investment Platforms:
Platforms like Stake allow investors to access income-generating real estate deals in high-growth markets, starting from modest amounts.
Assess Market Trends and Economic Indicators:
Stay informed about regional economic policies, demographic shifts, and infrastructure developments, as these factors significantly influence real estate values.
Engage with Local Experts:
Collaborate with local real estate professionals and legal advisors to navigate regulatory landscapes and identify investment opportunities tailored to your objectives.
A diversified mix: International investors in the Middle East should include a diversified mix of high-growth residential, commercial, and retail properties, with a focus on prime locations in Dubai. Incorporating sustainable, high-value developments, as well as projects that cater to both luxury and affordable segments, is essential to balancing risk and reward. Investors should also consider properties with strong rental yields and long-term capital appreciation, while focusing on sectors with growing demand, such as technology hubs and tourism. Aligning investments with Dubai’s vision for smart cities and green initiatives will ensure long-term profitability.
What are your top strategies for attracting international capital for high-value real estate projects in Dubai?
Our approach is centered on establishing trust through transparency, providing reliable results, and emphasizing Dubai’s potential as a safe, lucrative market. We engage with international investors by holding roadshows, international conferences, and utilizing our robust network of institutional partners. We highlight Dubai’s economic stability and growth potential by providing customized investment possibilities that complement the objectives of international investors. In order to lower risk and make Medallion Associates the go-to partner for institutional investors in Dubai’s real estate market, we also employ cutting-edge financial models and open investment frameworks.
You recently launched an Institutional Investors Office. Tell us more about this.
The launch of our Institutional Investors Office marks a pivotal move in Medallion Associates’ strategy to attract and engage large-scale institutional investors. This dedicated office provides a specialized focus on opportunities, offering customized investment solutions that cater to the unique needs of institutional players. By combining deep market insights with innovative financial structuring, we aim to create seamless, impactful partnerships that drive growth and value. Our goal is to make Medallion Associates the go-to partner for institutional investors seeking strategic involvement in Dubai’s flourishing real estate market.
What do you see as the future of real estate investing in Dubai (and the UAE)?
The future of real estate investing in Dubai and the UAE is incredibly promising, driven by innovation, sustainability, and economic diversification. With government initiatives focusing on smart cities, green buildings, and technological advancements, the real estate sector will continue to evolve, attracting more global investors. Additionally, Dubai’s status as a hub for international business and tourism will fuel demand for both commercial and residential properties. I see Medallion Associates playing a central role in shaping this future, focusing on high-impact projects that align with Dubai’s vision for a sustainable, digitally advanced, and globally competitive real estate market.
What are your goals for the next 5 years and beyond?
In the next five years, I aim to position Medallion Associates as a top contributor to Dubai’s real estate market, attracting international investors. My goal is to establish the company as a key player in shaping the city’s future developments, particularly in sustainable and smart real estate solutions. We want to fuel Dubai’s economic growth, contributing to its standing as a global hub for investment and innovation.
How can readers find out more about you and Medallion Associates?
Readers can learn more about Medallion Associates from our official website – www.medallionassociates.com or following our social media channels. We are always open to engaging with potential investors, industry peers, and anyone interested in exploring the dynamic world of real estate investments in Dubai and the broader Middle East.
