SBK Real Estate is utilizing the cloud technology Yardi to scale its operations across the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Yardi technology provides support for end-to-end processes covering lease management and property maintenance, allowing the company to manage its growing portfolio with increased transparency.
The UAE real estate sector continues to develop rapidly. As residential complexes expand, tenant expectations grow, and regulatory requirements become more complex, property management companies face increasing pressure to provide flawless services while maintaining operational efficiency.
For large operators, growth is now defined not just by the increase in the number of properties, but by managing complexity. Leasing, maintenance, finance, procurement, compliance, tenant communication, and reporting processes must function synchronously in real time.
This challenge became particularly evident for SBK Real Estate, one of the leading property management service providers in the UAE. As the company's portfolio grew rapidly and spanned multiple emirates, it became clear that an overhaul of operations and the creation of a technological base capable of ensuring long-term growth were necessary.
Today, this transformation helps SBK manage over 22,600 properties, automate key regulatory procedures, and enhance overall efficiency through a unified digital platform.
As a leading property management service provider in the UAE, SBK Real Estate serves over 300 building owners and nearly 22,000 tenants in Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman. The company has a staff of over 1,100 employees and offers a full range of services, including administration, tenant services, property management, and daily property operations.
As the portfolio expanded across the country, SBK faced a problem familiar to many growing real estate operators: how to scale effectively without complicating administrative work. Managing thousands of properties, leases, maintenance requests, tenant interactions, and financial transactions across different emirates placed a strain on outdated systems and manual processes. Data was fragmented across various functions, leading to operational gaps and limiting business visibility.
According to SBK management, 'As our portfolio rapidly expanded across multiple emirates, we needed a technological platform that could grow with us and ensure complete operational transparency.'
To support future growth, SBK implemented the comprehensive Yardi cloud property platform, integrating lease management, finance, maintenance, procurement, compliance, and tenant services into one unified system.
The goal was not merely digitization, but the creation of a unified working environment where teams could access accurate information in real time and operate based on a single source of truth. The integration included core property and asset management functions with lease and customer relationship management tools, allowing for better visibility into property availability, lease renewals, move-outs, and leasing funnels.
Maintenance operations were also digitized, which helped optimize repair planning, inspections, and work order management. Furthermore, tenant services were improved through digital portals, simplifying communication and maintenance requests, reducing reliance on manual methods, and increasing responsiveness.
The results of the transformation are visible in almost every aspect of SBK's operations. By using Yardi, the company successfully migrated operational and financial data for over 16,500 properties, subsequently expanding its managed portfolio to over 22,600 properties, representing a portfolio growth of approximately 37 percent.
Automation has also significantly strengthened leasing and revenue operations. Currently, approximately 8,500 invoices for accounts receivable are generated automatically each month, improving billing accuracy and reducing administrative burden. Additionally, about 1,400 lease renewals are processed monthly through standardized workflows, providing better visibility and control over the portfolio.
One of the most notable achievements has been the automation of Ejari registration processes. Through direct integration with regulatory workflows, SBK now automates over 600 Ejari registrations monthly, thereby reducing manual intervention and enhancing compliance efficiency.
Digital transformation has also positively impacted tenant interaction. Approximately 350 maintenance requests are submitted electronically via tenant portals each month, contributing to a smoother customer experience and reducing pressure on traditional communication channels.
The experience of SBK Real Estate reflects a broader trend in the UAE real estate sector. As portfolios grow and become more complex, operational scalability is becoming as crucial as asset growth. Property managers are increasingly realizing that sustainable expansion requires integrated systems capable of connecting people, processes, and data across the entire organization. Automation, centralized reporting, and real-time transparency are no longer optional extras; they are becoming integral foundations for growth.
For SBK, the transition has enabled the creation of a scalable operational structure that supports further expansion while maintaining service standards for both owners and tenants.
The real estate market on Dubai's waterfront has established itself as one of the most successful stories in the emirate's property sector. The growing gap between supply and demand is pushing prices to record levels, strengthening the appeal of sea-side living as both a lifestyle and a long-term investment, according to a study.
According to the report 'The Future of Seafront Being,' prepared by White Paper Media Consulting for Shamal Holding, waterfront housing in Dubai cost 90 percent more in 2021 than comparable properties inland. This difference increased to 128 percent by the first quarter of 2026, as buyers competed for the limited number of coastal homes. The report also notes that prime waterfront real estate in the emirate has grown by over 140 percent in the last five years, significantly outpacing the overall housing market.
The main reason for this premium pricing is a classic supply and demand imbalance. As developable coastal land becomes increasingly scarce, a sharp reduction in the number of elite waterfront homes is expected: from 4,261 units in 2026 to only 848 by 2031, according to the White Paper Media study. Meanwhile, demand continues to rise due to population growth, the influx of wealthy individuals, and Dubai's growing reputation as a global hub for wealth and investment.
The strength of the market was evident in 2025, when a record 68 homes valued over $25 million were sold in Dubai. The total value of transactions in the luxury segment reached $9.05 billion, which is 27.7 percent more than in 2024. Four out of the city's five most successful districts in the fourth quarter of 2025 were coastal communities, accounting for 79 transactions, and 55.6 percent of all homes in Dubai sold during the period for over $10 million were located in coastal areas.
The appeal of living by the water goes far beyond simple capital appreciation. A YouGov survey showed that 82 percent of UAE residents are considering moving to a sea or marina-side home within the next two to three years, and 93 percent stated they are willing to pay a premium for waterfront living. Almost all respondents—99 percent—believe that proximity to water increases the long-term value of real estate.
The concept is also transforming in the eyes of developers. Abdullah Bin Habtoor, CEO of Shamal Holding, noted that Dubai's connection to the sea extends beyond location and ownership, encompassing daily well-being and community building. He stated: 'We believe that Seafront Being is an evolution of waterfront living, from simply residing by the water to experiencing the waterfront as an integral part of daily life, work, recreation, well-being, and belonging.' He added: 'At Shamal, we view this as a design responsibility, not just a locational advantage.'
Survey results indicate that buyers are increasingly viewing waterfront homes as an investment in a lifestyle, rather than merely a luxury item. Among those surveyed, 96 percent stated that proximity to water influences their daily decisions, from exercise to choosing leisure spots, while 88 percent believe that living near the sea improves both mental and physical health.
Shehzad Jamal, Strategy and Consulting Partner at Knight Frank Mena, believes that this appeal reflects broader shifts in the demands of affluent buyers. He noted: 'Demand for coastal property has sharply increased.' Buyers are increasingly seeking complete lifestyle ecosystems, not just individual residences. Jamal emphasized: 'Affluent buyers are no longer just buying a house by the water; they are buying a lifestyle.'
Jamal also reported that the market for prime waterfront real estate in Dubai continues to command a significant premium, with top-tier waterfront properties attracting an average premium of about 68 percent. He predicts: 'The next phase of growth will be defined not so much by volume, but by quality, differentiation, and experience.' Buyers, he said, are increasingly prioritizing privacy, direct beach access, wellness amenities, and low-rise development, rather than just scale.
Urban planning expert Dr. Houla Al Kaabi from the UAE University believes that waterfront properties play a unique role in urban development strategies. She noted that 'waterfronts often function as high-value anchors for real estate and tourism.' However, she warned that the success of such areas depends on much more than just elite homes, insisting that 'connectivity relies on public access to the shore, integrated transport links, and active ground-floor use.'
The aspect of well-being is becoming as important a driver of sector growth. The White Paper Media report found that 91 percent of UAE residents feel noticeably relaxed near the water, and a third described the emotional impact as profound. Sunset walks, visits to marinas, and dining by the sea have been listed among the most valuable experiences associated with coastal living, which respondents linked to stress reduction, strengthening community ties, and improving quality of life.
For architect Stephen Denier, Director of Global Design Practice at U+A, the appeal is rooted in humanity's age-old connection to coastal areas. He argues that successful projects must create a meaningful interaction with the coast, not just offer views. Denier stressed that the waterfront is a natural public resource that can be utilized, and that coastal communities should encourage interaction, recreation, and a sense of belonging.
Landscape architect Duncan Denley, founder of Desert INK, believes the industry is gradually shifting from landmark projects to more people-centric places. He asserts: 'Belonging, not buildings, defines successful coastal communities.' Denley highlighted that daily interaction with the coast is often more important than the view, pointing to the role of beaches, trails, and waterfront amenities in creating livable communities.
From an architectural perspective, Dr. George Kachami from the American University of Dubai believes that successful coastal design harmonizes with nature. He posits that buildings should enhance the sensory experience of water, wind, light, and open space to support well-being and emotional balance, rather than competing with the sea.
Binhabtoor believes these trends will become even more important as coastal land becomes scarcer. The study found that 48 percent of respondents now consider proximity to the sea the most important sign of modern luxury, surpassing prestige and design trends. As Dubai expands its beaches, marinas, parks, and public promenades, access to the sea is increasingly viewed not just as a premium amenity, but as a cornerstone of quality of life and long-term value, making waterfront property one of Dubai's most sought-after assets.
DHG Properties, a division of Swiss real estate and construction giant DHG Group, intends to deepen its presence in the United Arab Emirates. This is because the UAE offers an attractive combination of high quality of life, investor confidence, tax efficiency, and growth prospects compared to more mature global markets, according to senior company management.
Blaue Antich, Chairman, CEO, and Founder of DHG Group, stated that the next phase of the company's growth will focus on disciplined expansion in Dubai, as well as cautious entry into other emirates, with Abu Dhabi identified as a key strategic priority. Antich noted that Dubai and Abu Dhabi will remain central elements of DHG's expansion strategy in the coming years, and the company optimistically assesses the potential of its project portfolio.
DHG Group, with over thirty years of experience, has established itself as a global leader in construction and real estate, having completed over 300 projects totaling 2.5 million square meters in Switzerland, Serbia, and the UAE. Its subsidiary, DHG Properties, based in Dubai, successfully integrates Swiss quality and precision into the dynamic UAE real estate market.
The company stated that its current operations in Dubai have strengthened its confidence in the market and the long-term role of DHG Properties. Instead of testing the market with small projects, DHG came with a serious intention to become a significant player in the developing Dubai real estate market. Currently, the company has three active projects under the Helvetia brand, each offering a unique lifestyle, but united by the common principle: 'Swiss precision, Dubai vision.'
Helvetia Residences in JVC is nearing completion in July 2026. Two newer projects are located in promising areas of Dubai: Helvetia Verde in Meydan Horizon and Helvetia Marine on Dubai Islands. Official commencement of work on these latter projects took place in May and June 2026, respectively.
The next stage of development involves strategic expansion across Dubai and entry into other emirates, with a special focus on Abu Dhabi. The company is exploring opportunities in master-planned communities and new living locations where infrastructure-driven growth and growing end-user demand create strong long-term foundations. Future developments will go beyond traditional housing, integrating elements of wellness, smart features, and communal spaces that combine European design with the unique Dubai lifestyle.
Helvetia Residences in JVC, which was the first DHG Properties project in the UAE, was designed with an emphasis on comfort, functionality, and well-being, offering smart layouts, premium finishes, and amenities. The project was fully sold before construction completion, underscoring DHG's commitment to meeting deadlines.
Regarding Helvetia Verde in Meydan Horizon, construction began in May 2026, with completion scheduled for the first quarter of 2028. This area was chosen due to its status as a developing destination focused on lifestyle and infrastructure, as well as planned metro expansion.
Helvetia Marine on Dubai Islands started in June 2026 and was fully sold, indicating investor confidence. Completion of this project is also slated for the first quarter of 2028. The Dubai Islands area is viewed as the next generation of coastal living in the city.
The company sees strong long-term potential for the Helvetia brand in the UAE, as it meets the demands of modern buyers: quality, reliability, thoughtful design, and long-term value in the accessible luxury segment. Given that over 70% of residential transactions are now off-plan, there is growing trust in projects focused on long-term habitability.
The future of the real estate market, in DHG's view, will increasingly be experience-oriented. Therefore, the company is ready to develop new concepts that combine Swiss quality with the expectations of modern Dubai residents, whether by strengthening the Helvetia brand or launching additional concepts.
DHG is actively assessing investment opportunities in both emirates. Dubai remains one of the most dynamic markets, supported by rapid infrastructure expansion and a favorable business environment. Abu Dhabi is also becoming increasingly attractive from a strategic perspective. According to the Abu Dhabi real estate market report for 2025, the total transaction value grew by 44% to 142 billion dirhams, and housing sales increased by 67% to 76 billion dirhams.
The company is focusing on zones supported by coastal master plans, tourism growth corridors, and future transport links. DHG is also interested in exploring villas and townhouses, as there is a growing segment of buyers seeking a more private and family-oriented lifestyle, distinct from dense urban development.
