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.

Priyanka Raina

Welcome Speech – Priyanka Raina, Associate Editor, Construction Division
Construction Division’s Associate Editor Priyanka Raina welcomes speakers and delegates to the event and discusses its key themes and focuses.

Priyanka Raina, Associate Editor, Construction Division

Keynote address

TBC

Content to be announced soon.

First panel discussion

Balancing Supply & Demand

• 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

• 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

• 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