Schedule

Registration & networking

Delegate registration and networking
The 2026 Real Estate Leaders’ Summit opens in the main hall at the Dubai, UAE. Delegates & speakers can register, enjoy breakfast/snacks, visit booths and connect with their peers from the regional construction industry.

Introduction

MC event introduction and welcome
Welcome to the Real Estate Leaders’ Summit event mechanics and what’s lined up for the day.

Jason Saundalkar

Welcome Speech – Jason Saundalkar, Editorial Director – Built Environment & Heavy Industry Divisions, CPI Trade Media
CPI Trade Media’s Jason Saundalkar welcomes speakers and delegates to the summit and discusses the event’s key themes and focuses.

Jason Saundalkar, Editorial Director – Built Environment & Heavy Industry Divisions, CPI Trade Media

Keynote address

TBC

Content to be announced soon.

First panel discussion

Balancing Supply & Demand

The UAE’s real estate market continues to expand at pace, bringing both opportunities and complexities in balancing supply and demand across residential and commercial segments. As new inventory enters the market, questions remain around affordability, evolving rental dynamics and investor expectations. At the same time, Grade A commercial assets continue to command strong premiums, while technology is beginning to reshape how projects are valued and managed. This panel will explore how developers, investors and stakeholders can navigate these shifts and position themselves for sustainable growth in 2026 and beyond.

• Overview of the supply and demand landscape for freehold and leasehold residential offerings in the UAE in 2026 and 2027. What are some of the current opportunities and challenges?
• What is the demand for affordable housing in key UAE markets such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi – how can this be addressed effectively in the near- and long-term, and how are developers reshaping strategies around affordability and inclusivity?
• What is the current state of the rental market for residential real estate in the UAE? How is the market expected to develop in 2026 and 2027?
• Grade A commercial real estate commands significant premiums across the UAE – how much appetite is there for this commercial real estate in the near- and long-term? Why aren’t more developers focusing on commercial real estate development?
• Current investor mindsets and how can developers ensure that they stay ahead of this curve and ensure they are successful with developing and selling/leasing their projects?
• How are tools such as AI and predictive analytics reshaping property valuations and management?

Moderator to be announced

Speakers to be announced

Presentation one

TBC

Content to be announced soon.

Networking

Coffee break

Break for coffee, networking and booth engagement.

Second panel discussion

Standing the Test of Time, Delivering Long-Term Quality

The focus is shifting from speed of delivery to the long-term quality and resilience of assets. With new regulations raising the bar on building standards, alongside evolving construction methods and supply chain considerations, developers are rethinking how projects are designed and delivered. This panel will bring together industry leaders to explore how to ensure consistent quality, balance cost and performance, and meet rising expectations from investors, residents and regulators alike.

• Construction quality can differ wildly from project to project, what needs to be put in place by authorities to ensure the overall baseline is raised in the UAE? What does Dubai’s new law on building quality and safety means for developers and construction companies going forward?
• What are the key issues affecting real estate project quality and long-term longevity in the country?
• How can developers and players in the construction supply chain secure profits and ensure projects are delivered to a high standard?
• In-house vs. traditional delivery. Certain developers are taking construction in-house to keep tighter controls on quality, delivery dates, costs etc. Is this the way forward or is it better to rely on tried and tested processes for project design/delivery?
• What impact has the recent regional disruption and closure of the Strait of Hormuz had in terms of project development? For materials that are important touch points for investors/residents and central to overall asset quality, are regional alternatives available to ensure quality does not suffer?
• What impact can modern delivery methods – such as prefabricated or modular construction and 3D printing – and the use of green materials and circular principles have on asset quality?

Moderator to be announced

Speakers to be announced

Presentation two

TBC
Content to be announced soon.

Networking

Lunch
One hour break for buffet lunch, networking, and exhibition activities.

Third panel discussion

The Evolving Residential Real Estate Landscape

Residential real estate is entering a new phase of transformation, shaped by changing buyer behaviour, demographic shifts and evolving lifestyle expectations. Demand is no longer one-dimensional, with growing interest in integrated communities, flexible living and more accessible housing options. At the same time, developers are navigating shifting investor priorities and an increasingly dynamic regulatory environment. This panel will bring together industry leaders to explore how these trends are influencing development strategies and what it takes to stay relevant in a fast-moving market.

• Developer perspective – how is the UAE’s property cycle maturing and what’s next for residential real estate in the country following the recent regional instability? Where is the next opportunity for developers?
• A number of new developers have entered the UAE’s real estate segment in recent years, what trends can they capitalise on to ensure they can establish a foothold in a competitive market?
• What challenges do developers face in the current market, and how can these issues be addressed? What support do developers need from local authorities?
• The growing importance of post-handover asset management to protect asset value for developers and end users
• How are established and new developers addressing growing mandates for sustainable development in the UAE?
• Outside of mature markets such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah, which other emirates show promise for real estate development and investment?
• Ultra luxury/luxury, branded residences and wellness-focused residential real estate is a prominent part of the current real estate cycle. Is this expected to continue for the next 3-years or are different types of residential real estate expected to dominate in the future?

Moderator to be announced

Speakers to be announced

Presentation three

TBC
Content to be announced soon.

Event wrap-up

MC closing remarks
Thank you for attending the 2026 Real Estate Leaders’ Summit