Breaking Barriers: The Top Women Shaping Real Estate in 2025

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, REM TIMES highlights some of the top women shaping the global real estate and management industries

March 05, 2025 | Deepa Natarajan Lobo | Global | Developers

In recent years, both the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia have witnessed a remarkable surge in women's involvement in the real estate sector, reflecting broader socio-economic transformations. Many women now hold influential positions as brokers, developers, investors, property management executives and PropTech professionals, contributing to the growth and transformation of the industry in the Middle East. In fact, as per a report, single women in Dubai even outpaced male buyers in 2024, collectively owning 2.71 million more homes than their male counterparts.

With the theme for 2025 being ‘Accelerate Action’, which emphasizes the importance of strategic efforts to promote gender equality, women in real estate are bringing unique perspectives, fostering innovation and diversity in the field. Their presence in the industry not only enhances business practices but also inspires future generations to pursue careers in this dynamic and rewarding field.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, REM TIMES highlights some of the top women shaping the global real estate and management industries.

Anisha Sagar

Director of Property Management - Allsopp & Allsopp Group

Anisha Sagar is the Director of Property Management at Allsopp & Allsopp Group, one of Dubai’s leading real estate firms since 2008. A dynamic and results-driven leader, Anisha brings a strategic, action-oriented approach to every facet of her role, ensuring the seamless management of one of the city’s most prestigious property portfolios. Her journey in real estate began at a young age in the UK, where she started as a Lettings Manager at a corporate firm. Driven by a passion for growth and excellence, she joined Allsopp & Allsopp in 2015 as a Senior Portfolio Manager. Through her dedication, she swiftly rose through the ranks, becoming Head of Property Management and now holding the esteemed position of Director of Property Management.

In her current role, Anisha oversees daily operations, portfolio management, and vendor relations, ensuring that contractors, maintenance teams, and real estate service providers operate at the highest standards. She has been instrumental in securing new contracts and significantly scaling business revenue, achieving an 80% increase over the past five years. Under her leadership, the company's portfolio value has grown from AED 2.5 million to AED 10 million, while delivering 7-8% returns on investment for property owners.

Having relocated to Dubai in 2015, Anisha has spent the past 10 years shaping Allsopp & Allsopp’s property management division into a powerhouse of efficiency and innovation. A proud mother of two, she is a full-time working professional who balances her career with a passion for golf and boxing.

Anisha holds a Master’s in Law from the University of Birmingham and is fluent in four languages, further enhancing her ability to connect with Dubai’s diverse clientele. Looking ahead, Anisha is focused on transforming property management through digitalisation. Her vision includes enhancing automation to improve operational efficiency, improving tenant experiences with faster response times, streamlined communication, and increased transparency, and driving sustainability initiatives, reducing energy consumption, and implementing green solutions across managed properties.

With Dubai’s real estate market rapidly evolving, Anisha’s commitment to innovation, efficiency, and sustainability ensures that Allsopp & Allsopp remains at the forefront of the industry, providing a seamless and rewarding experience for landlords, tenants, and investors alike.

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Celine Haidamous

Digital Media Sales Manager - Propertyguru.ae

From a passionate marketing graduate to a digital media sales leader, Celine Haidamous’ journey has been one of growth and ambition. With a Bachelor's in Marketing and Advertising from USJ, Beirut, and a Master's in Marketing & Communications from IAE, Grenoble Alpes, she embarked on a career in media and digital advertising and started at Choueiri Group-DMS in Beirut, gaining hands-on experience in media scheduling and digital strategies.

She then advanced through roles at Blossom Media, EBURR Agency, and MMP Worldwide, where she managed publisher portfolios and digital ad strategies. At FoxPush in Dubai, she managed programmatic campaigns and partnerships with top publishers.

Today, as Digital Media Sales Manager at Propertyguru.ae, she builds client relationships, drives sales strategies, and collaborates with teams to achieve campaign goals. With a firm grasp on digital media, she is driven to grow further, aiming for leadership roles and greater impact in the media landscape.

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Elizabeth Joseph

Director of People & Culture - Land Sterling

Elizabeth Joseph is an accomplished HR leader with over 24 years of experience in shaping people strategies across diverse industries, including real estate. A Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) certified professional, Elizabeth has held key roles such as HR Consultant, HR Manager, Business Partner, and Director of International HR. Her deep expertise in talent management, employee engagement, and workplace culture has made her a trusted leader in the field.

As Director of People & Culture at Land Sterling, Elizabeth leads with a clear vision, ensuring the company attracts, develops, and retains top professionals in an industry where people are the driving force behind success. She is committed to building high-performing teams and fostering a workplace culture that thrives on expertise, collaboration, and adaptability—essential qualities in a fast-paced, client-focused sector.

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Hiba Jaber

Senior Advisor & Trainer - IEREI

Hiba Jaber graduated from the University of Illinois in Chicago with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and has been a Consultant and Instructor at Dubai Real Estate Institute (DREI) and Innovation Experts Real Estate Institute (IEREI) conducting real estate sales and leasing brokerage laws and regulations training in Dubai, Sharjah and Bahrain.

Prior to moving to Dubai in 2000, Hiba was a Senior Auditor at KPMG Chicago Office, an International Audit and Consulting Firm.  In 2001, Hiba assumed the position of Membership Coordinator at the American Business Council, Dubai, then in 2004, she joined Landmark Properties; a Dubai real estate Company, as its Chief Operation Officer leading 200 professionals and managing the Human Resources, Accounts and Finance, Brokerage and Legal Departments.

Hiba is a member with the National Association of Realtors (NAR), an International Realtor Member, and holds the Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB) and Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR) designations.

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Javeria Aijaz

Managing Director - HITEK Services

Javeria Aijaz is the Managing Director of HITEK Services, part of the Farnek Group, which she joined in 2011 as ICT Manager. Focused on pushing boundaries, Javeria is changing the trend from traditional FM to smart FM that empowers buildings to be intelligent, resilient and sustainable. In particular she is passionate about innovative, AI technology-driven FM solutions and has developed and implemented several Mobility, Cloud, IoT based Remote Monitoring and BMS/EMS solutions including smart wearables.

Javeria is committed to developing a robust strategic business path for HITEK, which has already led to HITEK’s expansion into Saudi Arabia, by securing partnerships with public and private entities, supporting Saudi Vision 2030. Recognised for her talent and leadership, Javeria has been the recipient of numerous industry awards, as an exceptional technocrat and thought leader in smart FM and building solutions.

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Karina Meirmann

Real Estate Expert and Influencer -

Karina Meirmann is a dynamic leader in Dubai's real estate market, specialising in high-value property transactions and the rising demand for plots. With a background in neuroscience from one of the top universities in the USA, she brings a unique perspective to the industry, combining analytical thinking, behavioral insights, and strategic decision-making. This expertise allows her to understand client motivations on a deeper level, negotiate effectively, and navigate complex market dynamics. Beyond sales, Karina is a skilled mentor and dealmaker, leading a high-performing team while continuously identifying market opportunities. As a content creator, she shares insights into real estate trends, investment strategies, and the Dubai lifestyle, engaging a growing audience through her Instagram, @karina_meirmann. Her approach to business is rooted in expertise, integrity, and a relentless drive for success.

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Louise Heatley

Co-Owner and Managing Director - Exclusive Links Real Estate

Moving to Dubai in 1996, Louise witnessed first-hand the growth of Dubai and the introduction of freehold sales into the property market in 2002.  As a seasoned investor and overseas property landlord and developer, her passion for property management was realised through the establishment of Exclusive Real Estate in 2005. As Managing Director, she led the company through an industry merger in 2011 and was instrumental in establishing Exclusive Links Real Estate as one of the UAE's leading brokerage firms. She also hosts the company podcast – Property Talk from Louise’s Lounge and is regularly seen gracing the covers of property magazines as a recognised and respected leading lady in Dubai real estate.

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Lynne Akkawi

Founder-CEO - Prime Owners Association Management Services

Lynne Akkawi, a pioneer entrepreneur, and the Founder & CEO of Prime Owners Association Management Services LLC (PAM), believes that success is a deeply personal journey characterised by happiness, fulfilment, and making a positive impact. Her remarkable achievements in the real estate management industry are a testament to her unwavering dedication, boundless energy, and unwavering passion.

Lynne's professional journey began in the banking industry before her passion for real estate was ignited. Her diverse background, spanning banking, finance, property development, and property management, equipped her with invaluable skills and experience. As the founder and CEO of PAM, Lynne is committed to leveraging technology, AI, and smart solutions to enhance the quality of life for residents. By integrating AI-driven efficiency and green energy initiatives, she strives to create sustainable, energy-preserved buildings that align with Dubai’s vision for a smarter future. Her adaptability and cross-industry learning have been instrumental in PAM's success.

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Mahwussh Alam

Founder - One Perfect Group

Mahwussh Alam is a forward-thinking leader who has built One Perfect Group into a trusted name across multiple industries. Under her leadership, One Perfect Stay has become a key player in the short-term rental market, One Perfect Space has set new standards in interior design, and One Perfect Estate has established itself in real estate. With over a decade of experience, she has navigated shifting market trends, economic downturns, and evolving guest expectations, always staying ahead of the curve. Today, One Perfect Group manages over 200 properties, a testament to her vision and strategic growth.

What sets Mahwussh apart is her ability to blend strategy with adaptability. She has fostered long-term partnerships, introduced dynamic pricing models, and expanded into new markets—all while ensuring her team has access to the best learning opportunities through global conferences and industry collaborations. She is also an active voice in the industry, frequently speaking at leading events such as SCALE and Skift, industry panels, and webinars alongside experts like Paul Stevens and Mark Simpson, where she shares insights on market trends, operational efficiency, and business strategy.

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Nadia Ibrahim

Middle East Director - Sustainability- Ricardo Plc

With over 20 years of experience across the UAE and the broader Middle East, Nadia Ibrahim has become one of the leading voices in sustainability, specialising in net-zero strategies, decarbonization, circular economy, waste management, and climate change advisory. As Middle East Director for Sustainability at Ricardo PLC, Nadia leads the development and implementation of cutting-edge sustainability solutions, helping organizations, governments, and private sector entities transition to low-carbon and sustainable business models.

A prominent advocate for circular economy principles and Zero Waste solutions, Nadia is a Board Member for the TRUE Waste Council (US Green Building Council), where she helps lead initiatives that guide companies towards Zero Waste certification. She is also a Board Member for the Advanced Net Zero Program under the Dubai Supreme Council, focused on accelerating net-zero cities across the region. Nadia’s commitment to sustainability extends to her past work with the United Nations Global Compact – UAE Chapter, where she promoted responsible business practices and sustainability within the private sector.

In addition to her consultancy role, Nadia is a sought-after speaker and panelist at major regional sustainability events, including COP28, where she shares her expertise on climate action, sustainable development, and ESG performance.

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Nevine Alrayes

Sales Consultant - Crompton Partners

Nevine Alrayes is a dedicated real estate professional and a passionate advocate for women in the industry. As a mother of four, she took a career break to focus on her family but later reignited her passion for real estate, joining Crompton Partners as a Sales Consultant.

Nevine not only helps clients find their dream homes but also empowers women by emphasizing investment as a key aspect of financial independence. Through her platform @aradiha_uae, she shares investment tips, market insights, and success stories, inspiring women to take charge of their financial future.

Her journey is a testament to resilience, proving that it’s never too late to restart a career and achieve success. Her message to women balancing work and family is, “The impossible is possible—it just takes a little longer.”

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Sabine El Najjar

KSA Managing Director - VP Commercial, Silkhaus

Sabine is the VP of Commercial at Silkhaus and KSA Managing Director, where she spearheads Silkhaus commercial strategy and company launch and growth in the Kingdom.

Prior to Silkhaus, Sabine was Managing Director for Kitopi in Saudi Arabia, leading the market’s growth. She previously worked at McKinsey & Company as an Engagement Manager and at Strategy&; in the Family, Investments, and Real Estate Practice, advising major GCC clients on a range of topics.

Sabine holds an MBA from London Business School and a BA in Political Science, with top honors, from the American University of Beirut. With deep expertise in scaling businesses and driving strategic growth, Sabine is passionate about unlocking the potential of new markets and building innovative platforms for commercial success.

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San Banerjee

Co-Founder & CEO - ADDA

San Banerjee is the Co-Founder & CEO of ADDA – The Community SuperApp for apartment residents. With an MBA in Finance & Decision Sciences from Louisiana State University and a degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering from the College of Engineering, Chennai, she blends technical expertise with strategic leadership to drive innovation. She leads ADDA’s strategy, product positioning, customer outreach, and global expansion.

San envisions every residential community as a hub of collaboration, sustainability, and positive impact—bridging gaps through technology and fostering meaningful connections. Under her leadership, ADDA has become a trusted partner for over 3,500 communities worldwide, setting new benchmarks for connected living.

An expert in Community & Property Management, San is a sought-after speaker at global conferences and forums. In Dubai, she has been part of COP28, the Smart Built Environment Forum, and multiple IRECMS panels.

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Svetlana Vasilieva

Head of Secondary Sales - Metropolitan Premium Properties

Svetlana Vasilieva’s journey to becoming one of real estate’s most powerful women is a story of grit, growth and unwavering leadership. She began her career in 2006 at DAMAC Properties, where the 2008 financial crisis tested her resilience. Faced with frustrated clients and complex challenges, Svetlana turned setbacks into solutions, reinvesting funds and keeping a steady hand on the wheel.

Her path wasn’t linear. In 2014, Svetlana took a bold leap into Russia’s oil and gas sector. It was a tough transition, stepping out of Dubai’s international scene into a new world. Yet, she emerged stronger, returning to Dubai with renewed ambition and to take her career to new heights.

With roles at Asteco, JLL and Al Futtaim Group under her belt, Svetlana joined Metropolitan Premium Properties in 2021. Her quick rise to Head of Secondary Sales is a testament to her leadership, proving that women can lead with both strength and heart, inspiring others along the way.

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Tatiana Tonu

CEO - Object 1

Tatiana Tonu is the CEO of Object 1, a real estate development company specialising in modern, elegant apartments. With over 20 years of experience in real estate across Europe and the UAE, Tatiana has been instrumental in driving the company’s growth and success in Dubai’s competitive market.

Under her leadership, Object 1 has scaled its development volume by 55 times and increased sales by 200%. Her strategic vision and the team's dedication have established Object 1 as one of the top developers in Jumeirah Village Circle and Triangle.

Tatiana’s focus on innovation and sustainability supports the company’s expansion plans, including a future move into the Abu Dhabi market, while maintaining its core values of elegance and functionality.

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Zarah Evans

Co-Owner and Managing Partner - Exclusive Links Real Estate

Originally from the UK, Zarah began her career in a senior management position in sales and marketing with Qantas Airways in Australia. She moved to Dubai in 1997 with a leading real estate and relocation firm, spending the next seven years traveling the world promoting the UAE and establishing six additional offices throughout the Middle East and GCC. In 2007, Zarah was appointed a partner at Links Gulf Real Estate, which, through a merger in 2011, was renamed Exclusive Links Real Estate.

As joint owner and managing partner, Zarah spearheaded the company to become a market leader. Once voted the most influential female in the industry, Zarah is a respected professional who has contributed to many property seminars and publications on various property matters. After 22 years in Dubai, Zarah made a lifestyle change in 2019 to live full-time in Scotland, where she continues to support Exclusive Links from behind the scenes, maintaining her position and interests in the business.

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