Meet the Community Champions of the UAE

June 13 marks International Community Association Managers Day. As part of its new and ongoing series ‘Community Champions’, REM TIMES recognises the top community management professionals of the UAE

June 13, 2024 | Megha S Anthony | UAE | Community Management

In the heart of our neighbourhoods, the community association managers are truly the unsung heroes who tirelessly work behind the scenes to make sure that our communities thrive. On the occasion of International Community Association Managers Day which falls on June 13, it’s time to shine a well-deserved spotlight on these dedicated professionals who make the lives of common people better every day.

REM TIMES is thrilled to announce its new series, Community Champions, which will highlight exceptional professionals from around the world. Starting with the UAE and moving on to cover USA, Australia, South Africa, South America, the UK, Asia Pacific, and Middle East, the series will celebrate the expertise and dedication of these professionals and the positive impact they have on their communities.

Here’s wishing all the community managers across the globe a very Happy International Community Association Managers Day. Your unwavering commitment and hard work make our neighbourhoods truly better places to live in.

(This recognition is not a mere ranking but a celebration of contributions. The honorees are listed in alphabetical order.)

Adel Gasan

CMCA - AMS

Adel Michael Gasan - CMCA, AMS, is an esteemed industry professional with over 15 years of expertise managing large-scale communities.

Presently managing the iconic Palm Jumeirah, Adel has a reputation for unparalleled commitment and hands-on leadership. He exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional community manager. His commitment to professional excellence is further demonstrated by his contributions to industry education and volunteering for his local CAIME chapter. His dedication to continuous learning and community service underscores his expertise and unwavering dedication to his profession.

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Ali Zaidi

CMCA - AMS

Ali Zaidi works at Nakheel Communities as a Senior Portfolio Manager. At Nakheel, Ali oversees the operations, maintenance, and performance of a diverse and complex portfolio of properties and assets, ensuring high standards of client satisfaction and compliance.

Holding a Master of Science (MSc) in Facilities Planning and Management from Heriot-Watt University, along with a CMCA from the Community Association Managers International Certification Board (CAMICB) and an AMS from the Community Associations Institute, he possesses strong expertise in community association management, proptech, and project planning. He applies this knowledge to streamline processes, optimise resources, and enhance value for stakeholders.

With over a decade of experience in community management at reputable firms, he has managed sophisticated facilities, properties, and assets while maintaining high standards of maintenance and client satisfaction.

Known for being results-oriented and proactive, Ali thrives on innovation, strategy, and collaboration, with a track record of delivering successful projects and achieving operational excellence.

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Ana Jerinki

Senior Community Manager - Mansions Owners Association Management

Ana Jerinkic entered the Owners Association Management industry in 2016 and has since established herself as a dynamic and innovative leader. She is currently the Senior Manager, Mansions Owners Association Community Management. 

Throughout her career, she has successfully managed a variety of complex projects, showcasing her adaptability and expertise. Ana's management approach is distinguished by her creativity, strong focus on innovation, and deep understanding of residents' needs. Her ability to think outside the box and prioritise the well-being and satisfaction of the community she serves sets her apart as a forward-thinking and resident-centric manager.

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Clara Pinto

CMCA - AMS and PCAM

Clara Pinto is a Community Manager at Provis. Her career in Dubai's real estate sector began in 2004, starting with roles in office administration and customer service before transitioning to community management. This diverse background has equipped her with comprehensive operational knowledge and a deep understanding of body corporate, owners' association, and jointly owned property management.

Clara has a passion for working with people and a proven track record of successfully managing community associations, ensuring the satisfaction of all stakeholders. Her experience with major developments in Dubai has allowed her to gain extensive expertise in managing various entities and property portfolios.

Continuous education has been crucial to Clara's professional development. She holds CMCA, AMS, and PCAM credentials, along with NEBOSH and IOSH certifications, among many others related to community management. Additionally, she volunteers with CAIME and serves as a proctor for CMCA examinations in Dubai.

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Ekaterina Bakeeva

CMCA - AMS, PCAM

Ekaterina Bakeeva, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, began her career in the hospitality industry 13 years ago after relocating to the UAE. A few years later, she transitioned into the community management industry by chance. Over the past 11 years, she has thrived in this field, climbing the corporate ladder from coordinator to director. Recently, Ekaterina's journey took an inspiring turn as she shifted to teaching, a role that came naturally to her over the past two years. Her passion and dedication to the profession have also led her to mentor junior professionals in the industry. Additionally, she is a passionate volunteer for CAI, an organisation that brings together community professionals not only in Dubai but across the world.

 

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Freejo Francis

CMCA, AMS - President of CAI Middle East Chapter

Freejo Francis is a prominent figure in the community management profession, demonstrating exceptional expertise and a track record of influential leadership. With over 22 years of diverse experience in Facility Management, Customer Services, Hospitality Management, Property Management, and Owner’s Association Management, he has overseen a wide range of residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects, including Retail and Malls. His background includes roles in International Cruise Ships and hotel chains, supported by master’s degrees in hospitality and business administration.

Currently serving as the President of CAI Middle East Chapter, Freejo Francis has set new industry standards and fostered collaboration across the GCC. His accomplishments, such as receiving the IRECMS Gold Winner award for Best Community Management Professional in 2023, underscore his strategic vision and commitment to excellence. His leadership has improved operational efficiency, resource management, and stakeholder satisfaction, cementing his status as a key figure in community management. With a passion for innovation and a dedication to excellence, Freejo Francis is actively shaping the future of the community management industry, advocating for success and sustainable growth.

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Glen Aranha

PCAM, CPM, AMS - CMCA

Glen Aranha is a seasoned professional in the Community Association and Property Management industry in Dubai and has been associated with the community management industry for over a decade. 

Among the very few practitioners in the region who have premier professional credentials from both the CAI (Community Associations Institute) and IREM (Institute of Real Estate Management), he is one of the first certified IREM trainers in the Middle East region. He holds a Masters in Business Administration from the prestigious S.P. Jain Institute, one of the top 20 B-Schools in India, and holds various specialised course certifications in community management. 

He currently works with Dubai Holding Community Management and has managed communities for reputed developers, including DAMAC and the Al Wasl Group.

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Jennifer Andal

CMCA, AMS - PCAM

Jennifer’s journey in Dubai’s real estate sector is a testament to hard work and dedication. Starting as an Owners’ Association Executive in 2014, she climbed the ranks to become the Director of Better Communities. With extensive experience from working with major developers, Jennifer expertly manages diverse property portfolios. Her professional credentials include the esteemed PCAM designation and a recent election to the Board of Commissioners for CAMICB – US. Additionally, she contributes to the CMCA Exam Development Committee for international exams and proctors the examinations in Dubai.

Jennifer's career is marked by a thorough understanding of every operational detail. This deep expertise in Owners’ Association and Jointly Owned Property Management allows her to offer valuable guidance to her team. Jennifer believes a strong leader must master all aspects of their role to effectively train, motivate, and inspire their team to provide exceptional service. Her journey exemplifies the power of commitment and comprehensive knowledge in achieving professional excellence.

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Mohamed Kotb

RERA Compliance, M100, Director - OA & Compliance, DAMAC Group/LOAMS

Mohamed Kotb, RERA Compliance, M100, is currently the Director - OA & Compliance, DAMAC Group/LOAMS. He is a seasoned professional in community management with a strong focus on compliance and regulatory adherence. His expertise includes a comprehensive understanding of budgets, owners' committees, and the regulations, laws, circulars, and compliance requirements set forth by RERA.

Throughout his career, Mohamed has demonstrated a commitment to building and training successful management teams. His course, ‘Train & Build a Successful Management Team’, covers essential aspects of community management such as budgeting, effective owners' committee management, and thorough knowledge of RERA regulations. Mohamed's dedication to excellence and his in-depth industry knowledge make him a valuable asset in the field of community management.

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Muhammad Osman Mumtaz,

CMCA - AMS

Muhammad Osman Mumtaz, CMCA, AMS, has been immersed in the community management industry since 2017. Despite a background primarily focused on client-facing roles throughout his career, he found unparalleled satisfaction in the direct impact and meaningful difference that community management offers.

As we unite in celebrating community managers worldwide, Muhammad reflects on the honour of standing alongside professionals who are pivotal in enhancing the daily lives of customers, whether residential or commercial stakeholders. He extends warm wishes to all on this Community Managers Day, encouraging everyone to take pride in the profound impact their dedication makes.

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Sunayna Bhambhani

AMS - PCAM

Sunayna Bhambhani, AMS, PCAM, is an experienced community manager with over 14 years of expertise in the field. She has successfully managed high-rises, horizontal, vertical and mixed-use developments across Dubai. 

Known for her exceptional organisational and leadership skills, Sunayna excels in fostering vibrant and cohesive communities. Her extensive experience and dedication to enhancing community living standards have made her a respected professional in the industry. 

Sunayna's commitment to excellence and her ability to handle diverse management challenges set her apart as a leading figure in community management in Dubai.

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