Women Are Still Underestimated In Real Estate

REM Times talks to Amna Bani Hashem, Executive Director of Executive Realty Real Estate, a subsidiary of Green Aventurine Holding

Amna Bani Hashem has adorned many feathers on her cap. Be it an award-winning Emirati Show Jumper, a philanthropist, and an advocate of Women’s Empowerment. A lesser-known fact is her passion for the built environment. Having always had a knack for spotting a property’s potential and playing an active role in her family’s real estate business, Amna was always able to balance all her talents with elan.
Her recent appointment as the Executive Director of Executive Realty Real Estate, a subsidiary of Green Aventurine Holding, Amna says solidifies her passion for real estate and allows her to continue discovering her path and direction within the field. “Green Aventurine Holding is headed by Chairperson Shaikha Jawaher Al Khalifa, whom our families already have a long-standing partnership and friendship with throughout the years,” says Amna, who will be working on a new real estate brokerage to cater to consumers looking for a more targeted approach to finding a luxury property. The service focuses on a limited number of the UAE’s more affluent areas, an approach that maximizes efficiency for luxury real estate consumers.
In this interview, we find out more about her journey, her view on the future of UAE Real Estate, and her view on women's empowerment.

How do you foresee the future of UAE Real Estate?

The UAE’s real estate sector has remained resilient throughout the pandemic and established itself as one of the prime locations and valued territories. Dubai real estate sales in 2022 totaled over AED 260 billion, which is the highest on an annual basis value ever in the history of the Dubai industry. We don’t see any reason for it to slow down in 2023 as demand and supply is very balanced at the moment as well.
Dubai is already attracting more skilled and wealthy migrants from the region and around the world such as Russia, where the investment climate has become less favorable. This migration will likely fuel the real estate market throughout 2023 moving forward.

We know you are an advocate for women’s empowerment, tell us why this topic means a lot to you and how you think gender equality has progressed in the UAE.

Women are still underestimated in sports and real estate, and that is also a fact in many industries. As a woman in sports, I always had to work extra hard in everything that I do. The UAE has made significant efforts to progress gender equality and for women to excel in any field professionally, which is a true testament to the country’s devotion to its people.

When you are in a world that is highly dominated by men, how do you ensure that your voice is heard?

Becoming successful in general takes a large amount of dedication, hard work, and determination. Real estate is tough and, as with anything worth doing, it takes commitment and consistency. Women are still underestimated, like with many other industries, and there are still many obstacles for us to overcome and it has become a personal mission for me. I want to be an example for women all over the world, to show them that with a productive mindset, hard work, and commitment, they can achieve any dream, no matter what people say. Sometimes you don't need to say anything at all, instead make your voice heard by taking action.

What is a message that you would send to other young women?

Young women, you need to believe in yourself and your goals. That is key for you to keep going when things get tough, always have confidence in your convictions. A young woman has the chance to reach big levels if she works hard and has the drive and determination to. Finally, don’t forget to have fun and enjoy your youth, we are only young once.