Experience at the edge: Redefining CX for Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030

Experience at the edge: Redefining CX for Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030

3 July 2025 - 00:20

written : Nibras Al-arab - نبراس العرب

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Rashad Iskandrni


In 2016, Saudi Arabia launched Vision 2030, a sweeping national agenda to future-proof its economy, reduce reliance on oil and enhance quality of life for citizens. Built around the pillars of a vibrant society, a thriving economy and an ambitious nation, the initiative has become synonymous with rapid innovation—driven by investments in AI, cloud computing, smart cities and digital government.

Today, these efforts are visible everywhere, from biometric border controls to AI-powered health platforms and cashless pilgrimages. Yet amid all this progress, a critical question has emerged: as infrastructure transforms and services go digital, is the customer experience transforming with them or being left behind?

While government platforms like Absher and Tawakkalna have raised the bar for ease and accessibility, not all sectors have kept pace. Despite the surge in connectivity and the availability of advanced technologies, many businesses—and even institutions—still rely on fragmented, one-size-fits-all communication systems that fall short of citizen expectations.

A connected nation, rising expectations

In 2025, Saudi Arabia stands as one of the most digitally advanced nations in the region:

  • It has 36.84 million internet users, with 99% penetration
  • 94.3% of the population is active on social media, with 35.1 million users (DataReportal 2024)
  • 93.18% use smartphones to go online (Statista)

But this level of access is only the beginning. The real transformation lies in what people are now demanding—seamless, intelligent and hyper-personalised digital interactions across every touch point.

And this is where the gap starts to show.

Identifying the CX gap in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s CX evolution is a critical component of Vision 2030’s people-first transformation. Industries such as fintech, tourism and entertainment are embracing personalised, digital-first engagement. The rise of STC Pay, digital-only banks and mega-projects like NEOM reflect growing demand for seamless, tech-enabled experiences. Yet despite this momentum, customer experience delivery is not yet keeping pace with digital ambition. Many organisations still struggle with fragmented platforms, legacy systems and siloed data—barriers that make it difficult to deliver the kind of real-time, personalised interactions today’s consumers expect.

According to PwC’s Voice of the Consumer 2024 survey, Saudi consumers are increasingly digital, health-conscious and sustainability-minded, demanding intuitive, tailored experiences at every interaction. However, 59% of regional organisations still rely on basic journey mapping and only a fraction are adopting integrated, insight-driven CX tools. Meanwhile, the Saudi customer experience management (CXM) market was valued at USD 181.2 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 746.8 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 19.4% (BlueWeave Consulting), underscoring both the market’s potential and the urgency for transformation.

What’s needed now is a shift from reactive CX models—common in sectors like finance, where customer issues are often addressed only after complaints—to proactive engagement. The current CX gap stems from organizations’ inability to break down data silos, integrate touchpoints and provide seamless service across channels. Despite having the infrastructure for advanced digital engagement, many businesses still lack the tools and processes to deliver personalised, anticipatory service that customers now expect. This gap not only hampers customer satisfaction but also limits the ability of businesses to fully leverage their investments in digital transformation.

As highlighted in IDC’s Future of Customer Experience 2024 predictions, businesses must unify data, channels and insights to meet rising expectations and fully capitalise on their digital infrastructure investments.

In short, the infrastructure is advancing, but experience delivery hasn’t fully caught up. To realise Vision 2030’s full potential, closing this CX gap must become a priority, not just in government, but across every industry shaping Saudi Arabia’s future.

Where expectations meet infrastructure

As organisations scale their digital operations, they face a layered challenge: How do you deliver personalised, real-time, multichannel engagement whilst ensuring data privacy, regulatory compliance and operational efficiency?

It's no longer enough to have siloed digital tools or individual channel integrations. What’s needed is a cohesive infrastructure for communication, one that can keep pace with user behaviour and support the customer-first mind-set driving Vision 2030.

This is where engageX from e& enterprise steps in, to make execution possible at scale.

How engageX powers customer-centric transformation

·        Omnichannel reach for a mobile-first nation

With 93% of Saudis accessing the internet via smartphones, meeting people where they are isn't a convenience—it’s a baseline. engageX enables organisations to orchestrate communications across SMS, WhatsApp, voice, email, social platforms and mobile apps.

This is particularly vital in sectors like government, banking and retail where customer touch points have multiplied, and consistency matters more than ever. engageX unifies those channels under one umbrella, enabling smooth, intuitive interactions that feel effortless for users and manageable at scale for organisations.

·        Intelligent contact centres, built for agility

As customer expectations evolve, contact centres must become more adaptive, responsive and channel-aware. engageX enables this shift by equipping organisations with cloud-native infrastructure, omnichannel agent interfaces and AI-powered self-service tools—all designed to streamline support operations.

From real-time routing to seamless transitions between virtual assistants and human agents, engageX helps reduce response times while improving customer satisfaction. For added flexibility, organisations can also tap into engageX’s BPO support for staffing and workflow management, making it easier to scale operations without compromising service quality.

·        Data protection and responsible innovation

As digital touchpoints evolve, user trust is more important than ever. engageX is built with this in mind, offering:

  • Encryption by default, ensuring secure conversations across all channels
  • Granular access control, providing tight governance over sensitive information
  • Enterprise-grade security, designed to protect data and maintain compliance

These features are essential for industries handling sensitive information, such as healthcare, finance, education and public services, where security breaches can have far-reaching consequences.

·        Localised innovation for a localised vision

While engageX is built on global standards, its true strength lies in regional relevance. The platform understands and integrates:

  • Arabic language preferences and UI
  • Local telco integrations

These capabilities not only accelerate deployment but improve adoption and usability, ensuring that digital experiences actually resonate with Saudi users.

With over 6.5 billion interactions enabled annually and use cases spanning everything from social commerce to airline support across 900+ agents, engageX is already demonstrating how Saudi institutions can bring Vision 2030 to life, not just through services, but through better experiences.

Conclusion – From digital to human

Saudi Arabia’s journey to 2030 is one of extraordinary ambition and real, measurable progress. And if the goal is a society that’s not just digital, but truly human-centred, then the way people experience these services must evolve alongside the infrastructure itself.

By closing communication gaps and enabling smarter engagement, solutions like engageX are helping organisations transform Vision 2030 from a strategic vision into a lived reality, one meaningful interaction at a time.

Customer experience that is real, responsive and relevant is no longer a competitive advantage, it’s a national imperative. Whether in the public or private sector, organisations must now rethink not just how they serve, but how they connect, listen and adapt.

مواضيع ذات صلة

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Arabian Nights Returns to Zaytoun at Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City for the 2025 Winter Season


 

30 October 2025, Dubai, UAE – As the cool winter breeze returns to Dubai, Zaytoun at Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City invites guests to experience the magic of the season with the return of its much-loved Arabian Nights, taking place every Thursday and Friday evening from 30 October 2025. Set against the backdrop of Dubai’s glittering skyline, this al fresco dining experience celebrates authentic Arabic flavours, warm hospitality, and live entertainment under the stars.

 

“Arabian Nights at Zaytoun has become a signature seasonal experience that our guests look forward to every year,” said Thomas Schmelter, Area General Manager for IHG Hotels at Dubai Festival City. “It reflects our commitment to creating memorable dining moments that bring people together to celebrate the region’s rich culinary traditions and vibrant spirit of hospitality.”

 

Arabian Nights at Zaytoun invites guests to embark on a culinary journey that captures the region’s vibrant spirit. Begin the evening with an abundant selection of soups, freshly tossed salads, and a colourful assortment of traditional Arabic mezze. Then, head to the centrepiece of the experience – the open grill station, where chefs prepare succulent meats and the freshest seafood, grilled to perfection à la minute.

 

As the aroma of spices fills the air, the terrace comes alive with the soothing melodies of an oud player, creating an atmosphere that blends tradition and elegance. With sweeping views of the Dubai Creek and skyline, guests can unwind beneath the open sky, savouring every bite as the city sparkles in the distance.

 

To end the night on a sweet note, diners can indulge in an array of Arabic and international desserts, thoughtfully crafted to offer a perfect finale to the evening.

 

Details

 

Venue: Zaytoun at Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City

Days: Every Thursday & Friday (October – end of winter season)

Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Price:

• AED 195 per person (including soft beverages)
• AED 295 per person (including house beverages)
• AED 98 per child (6–12 years)
• Children aged 5 and below dine with our compliments

Extras: Shisha available upon request

Entertainment: Live oud player

 

An Enchanting Outdoor Setting

 

Overlooking Dubai’s iconic skyline, Zaytoun’s terrace provides a serene escape where culinary artistry meets ambiance. From the glow of the city lights to the gentle breeze off the Creek, every element is designed to create an unforgettable dining experience that captures the essence of Arabian evenings.

 


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Kempinski Hotels Appoints Paul Lonergan as Chief Operating and Asset Management Officer to Drive Strategic Shift in Performance




Kempinski Hotels has announced the appointment of industry veteran Paul Lonergan as Chief Operating and Asset Management Officer – a new role that will oversee the luxury hotel group’s operations and asset management strategy in EMEA, Americas and Asia Pacific (excluding China and Mongolia)


Paul’s appointment reflects Kempinski’s ongoing evolution as it focuses on elevating product and performance globally. Lonergan’s dual expertise in operations and asset management is central to the strategic shift and transformation that Kempinski is currently undergoing as Kempinski looks to strengthen its portfolio and refine its luxury appeal.


“As Kempinski continues to evolve from a traditional hotel operator into an agile, owner-aligned organisation, Paul’s appointment marks a pivotal step in that journey,” said Barbara Muckermann, Group Chief Executive Officer, Kempinski Hotels. “He combines the strategic insight of an asset manager with the operational rigour of a hotelier, and that dual perspective is exactly what we need to unlock the full potential of our portfolio. Paul has a proven record of elevating iconic properties and building value for owners while maintaining the spirit of exceptional service that defines a storied brand like Kempinski.”


Lonergan brings more than three decades of global hospitality experience, combining 20 years in senior operational leadership with 15 years in commercial hotel asset management. Recognised for his ability to align owner and operator interests, he has built a reputation for driving profitability, stabilising property values, and strengthening brands across diverse markets. He has executed the pre-opening and launch of iconic properties in Dubai Holding hospitality portfolio, and has managed multimillion dollar CAPEX programmes, executing large-scale revitalisation and refurbishment projects, and leading mixed-use retail and restaurant leasing strategies that enhance both guest experience and asset value.


“Kempinski’s heritage of timeless luxury is unique, and the opportunity now is to pair that heritage with performance-driven operating and asset strategies,” said Paul Lonergan. “Working closely with our hotel teams and ownership partners, we will focus on targeted CAPEX, precise operating levers and distinctive guest propositions, ensuring every property delivers on the Kempinski promise while growing long-term value.”


At Kempinski, Lonergan will oversee operations and asset management strategy in EMEA, Americas and Asia Pacific (excluding China and Mongolia), ensuring alignment between owners and operators while guiding capital investment decisions that enhance both guest experience and asset value.


Lonergan will work closely with veteran Kempinski executive, Manish Nambiar, who has been promoted to Senior Vice President Operations, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific. In his expanded remit, Nambiar will drive operational performance and business growth across the group’s largest area, supported by corporate and regional teams.


A Kempinski veteran of more than 20 years, Manish joined the company in 2004 as an Area Executive Chef in Tanzania before progressing through multiple leadership roles. He led the openings of Kempinski Villa Rosa Nairobi and Kempinski Gold Coast City Accra, served as Area General Manager Africa, and most recently held the role of Vice President Operations Southeast Asia while managing the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok.


www.kempinski.com www.ghadiscovery.com

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Mohamad Ali Shaikh has been appointed Cluster Operations Manager for Accor Dubai Deira and Dubai Gold District Cluster




The Accor Waterfront Properties, Dubai Deira and Dubai Gold District is delighted to announce the appointment of Mohamad Ali Shaikh as Cluster Operations Manager, marking a significant milestone in the cluster’s continuing journey to elevate guest experience and operational excellence within Accor’s midscale portfolio in the UAE.

Commenting on his new role, Shaikh said, “I’m honoured to take on this leadership role at the Accor Waterfront Properties in Dubai Deira and Dubai Gold District. My goal is to build upon the cluster’s strong legacy of hospitality excellence. As Dubai’s hospitality landscape continues to evolve, I’m excited to work alongside our talented team to further enhance guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth”.

 

A Proven Leader in Hospitality Operations

With nearly two decades of experience across leading Accor properties in the region, Mohamad Ali Shaikh brings a wealth of expertise in hotel operations, staff management, and revenue generation.

Most recently, as Director of Operations at Novotel Bur Dubai, Shaikh oversaw overall hotel operations, ensuring seamless coordination across all departments to enhance guest experience and operational performance.

Prior to that, as Rooms Division Manager at Novotel & Ibis Mall Avenue Dubai, he spearheaded several digital transformation initiatives, including Opera Cloud migration, achieving the Best Upselling Revenue Hotel title in Accor’s Northern Region for Q1 2024 with a 50% year-on-year increase.

His career also includes senior management roles at Pullman Hotel & Residence Deira City Centre, ibis Al Rigga and Novotel Suites & Ibis Hotel Mall of the Emirates, leading high-performing teams to record-breaking Guest Satisfaction and Brand Audit scores. His leadership contributed to multiple accolades, including TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Awards (2022 and 2023). 

Operational Excellence and Vision

Shaikh’s career has been defined by a hands-on, people-centric approach and a track record of driving performance across key departments such as Front Office, Housekeeping, and F&B. He has led two hotel pre-openings in India, spearheaded multiple re-openings in Dubai, and actively participated in Accor’s Future Hotel Managers Development Program (2023-24), underscoring his commitment to leadership growth.

In his new role, Shaikh will focus on strengthening the six properties within the Dubai Gold District and Dubai Deira cluster: Novotel Dubai Gold District, Mercure Dubai Gold District, Mercure Dubai Deira, ibis Styles Dubai Gold District, ibis Styles Dubai Deira, and Aparthotels Adagio Dubai Deira. His priorities include positioning the cluster as a preferred destination for both business and leisure travellers, optimizing operational efficiency, and reinforcing the hotels’ sustainability and digitalization initiatives.

Link to LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohamad-ali-shaikh-820572185/

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Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung Meets HRH the Crown Prince, Reviews New Plant Construction and Group Growth Strategy


 

• Executive Chair Chung discusses multifaceted cooperation with HRH the Crown Prince 
• Explains collaboration initiatives and plans as strategic partner in realizing Saudi Arabia's future vision for mobility and other areas
• Exchanges views on Saudi Vision 2030 and expresses expectation for expanded cooperation in future energy sectors  
• Executive Chair Chung Reviews Hyundai Motor's local plant construction site and Hyundai Motor Group's mid- to long-term strategy
• Hyundai Motor Group expands cooperation with major Saudi institutions in mobility, smart cities, and other sectors

 

SEOUL/RIYADHOctober 29, 2025 – Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung visited Saudi Arabia, the Middle East's largest economy and a nation undergoing major industrial transformation. Chung met with His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, to review the Group's local growth strategy and explore future business opportunities.

 

During his visit, Executive Chair Chung held discussions with HRH the Crown Prince covering a wide range of topics including the automotive industry and smart cities. This marked the first one-on-one meeting between the two leaders, though they had previously met twice, including during the Crown Prince's 2022 visit to Korea.

 

"Hyundai Motor Group deeply understands the meaning and importance of Saudi Vision 2030," said Executive Chair Chung." Based on our competitive business capabilities, we are participating in Saudi Arabia's giga projects and look forward to expanding collaboration in future energy sectors including renewable energy, hydrogen, Small Modular Reactor (SMR), and nuclear energy."

 

Strategic Partnership for Vision 2030

 

Saudi Arabia is pursuing "Vision 2030," a national development project aimed at diversifying its economy from energy-focused industries toward manufacturing and hydrogen energy. The kingdom is hosting international events including the World Expo and FIFA World Cup, positioning itself as one of the world's most prominent emerging economies.

 

As the Middle East's largest automotive market, Saudi Arabia is actively attracting global automakers, including Hyundai Motor Company, with the long-term goal of becoming an automotive hub serving not only the Middle East but also North Africa.

 

Executive Chair Chung expressed gratitude for the Saudi government's continued interest and support, outlining Hyundai Motor Group's ongoing collaborative projects and future plans as a partner in realizing Saudi Arabia's vision for mobility and other sectors.

 

Regarding the new manufacturing facility, Chung stated, "Hyundai Motor is building a locallytailored factory with specialized equipment to meet Saudi Arabia's industrial demands and customer needs. We will also consider expanding production capacity based on future market conditions."

 

New Production Hub Takes Shape

 

Prior to meeting HRH the Crown Prince, Executive Chair Chung visited Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Middle East (HMMME) on October 26 at the King Salman Automotive Cluster to review construction progressTogether with José Muñoz, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, Executive Chair Chung engaged in a business update session with Hyundai Motor and Kia local leaders and held in-depth discussions with employees about growth strategies.

 

"Establishing a production base in Saudi Arabia represents Hyundai Motor's new opportunity in the Middle East," Chung told employees working in extreme heat. "We must thoroughly prepare in every aspect to deliver mobility that exceeds customer expectations on time, in an environment different from our previous bases—characterized by high temperatures and desert conditions."

 

José Muñoz, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company said: "Our new Saudi Arabia production facility demonstrates Hyundai's long-term commitment to the Middle East's largest automotive market. This plant plays a strategic role in our global mid-term plan while supporting Vision 2030. We're combining Hyundai's manufacturing excellence with Saudi Arabia's talented workforce to deliver mobility solutions across automotive, smart cities, hydrogen energy, and future mobility."

 

HMMME, the first Hyundai Motor production facility in the Middle East, is a cornerstone for establishing Hyundai as a leading brand in Saudi Arabia. The joint venture is 30 percent owned by Hyundai Motor and 70 percent by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. Construction began in May 2025, with operations targeted to commence in the fourth quarter of 2026. The facility will have an annual production capacity of 50,000 units, manufacturing both electric vehicles and internal combustion engine vehicles.

 

The plant combines Hyundai Motor's innovative manufacturing technology with Saudi Arabia's talented workforce and infrastructure, positioning it to play a crucial role in the growth and development of Saudi Arabia's mobility ecosystem.

 

Hyundai Motor plans to operate HMMME as a high-quality vehicle production hub by implementing multi-model production facilities to address diverse customer needs, applying simple and robust design structures for easy maintenance, and incorporating cooling and dust-proof measures to handle high temperatures and sand.

 

Market Growth and Expansion Plans

 

Hyundai Motor and Kia continue to grow in Saudi Arabia, selling 149,604 units through September 2025, an 8.5 percent increase year over year, with plans to reach approximately 210,000 units by year-end, up 5.9 percent from 2024.

 

Leveraging enhanced brand appeal and stable supply through the Saudi production base, Hyundai Motor aims to become the leading automotive company in Saudi Arabia through strategies including Saudi-exclusive special editions, an expanded SUV lineup based on customer preferences, and launches of diverse eco-friendly vehicles including EVs, EREVs (extended-range electric vehicles), and HEVs.

 

Kia plans to develop the recently launched Tasman pick-up truck as its flagship model while expanding EV and HEV supply. The brand is also focusing on capturing the PBV market in connection with Saudi Arabia's smart city projects.

 

Expanding Collaboration Across Multiple Sectors

 

Hyundai Motor Group is expanding partnerships with key Saudi institutions and companies across mobility, smart cities, and other sectors.

 

In September 2024, Hyundai Motor signed an agreement with NEOM for "introducing eco-friendly future mobility," successfully demonstrating the Universe FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle) bus last May on routes connecting NEOM's central business district with the high-altitude Trojena region at 2,080 meters above sea level. The Group plans to continue collaboration as NEOM's key partner in future mobility.

 

Last month, Kia launched a PV5 pilot project with Red Sea Global (RSG), one of Saudi Arabia's giga project developers, following up on Hyundai Motor Group's March 2024 MOU with RSG. Kia will provide PV5 passenger models and technical training support, contributing to eco-friendly mobility adoption and ecosystem development while delivering customized mobility solutions optimized for RSG's tourism industry.

 

Hyundai Motor Group is also partnering with the MISK Foundation, a non-profit organization established by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2011, to foster local youth talent and explore smart city collaboration opportunities.

 

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Dsquares Chooses Saudi Arabia to Launch its Latest Loyalty Innovations


D’light & D’vote


Riyadh, 29th October 2025 – Dsquares, a leading provider of loyalty and rewards solutions in the GCC, announced the regional launch of two flagship products — the D’light Rewards Catalogue and D’vote Fan Engagement — during an exclusive industry event in Riyadh. This milestone reinforces Dsquares’ commitment to shaping a new era of rewarding in the Kingdom and across the region.

The launch gathered senior marketing leaders, loyalty strategists, and brand decision-makers to explore the evolution of loyalty from transactional incentives to emotionally driven, data-powered engagement.

“At Dsquares, we believe loyalty goes beyond transactions, it’s about connection,” said Marwan Kenawy, CEO of Dsquares. “With D’light and D’vote, we’re helping brands meet customers where they are, celebrate their peak moments, and reward them with what truly matters. We’re empowering brands to build lasting relationships with their audiences, meaningful, real-time connections that turn every interaction into an opportunity to engage, recognize, and inspire. It’s no longer a transactional conversation, but a meaningful relationship.”

Introducing a New Era of Rewarding

D’light 

An AI-driven, hyper-personalized rewards marketplace that adapts dynamically to each user’s preferences and behavior. The “Ultimate Rewards Hub” that brings together a diverse universe of rewards, from experiences, gift cards, games, and travel offers to mobile top-ups and a wide range of merchant deals, all tailored to serve different customer personas. The platform enables brands to deliver tailored reward experiences in real time, directly integrated into their campaign engines to drive retention, engagement, and higher redemption value. Far more than a traditional rewards catalogue, it’s an intelligent ecosystem designed to make every reward personal and purposeful.

D'vote 

A gamified engagement solution built around the “Everyone is a winner” concept, where every interaction becomes a moment of recognition and excitement. D’vote helps brands be visible and engage with customers where their passions lie, whether it’s sports, concerts, or TV shows, turning real-time events into rewarding experiences. Through interactive gamification, instant rewards, and audience insights, D’vote enables brands to connect and reward users at the peak of their passion, building deeper emotional loyalty and driving measurable ROI.

Shaping the Future of Loyalty

The event featured two engaging panel discussions with industry leaders who explored the rapid change in consumer needs and behaviors, and how today’s consumers increasingly connect with brands that understand and engage them on a personal level. The conversations delved into how loyalty solutions are evolving to help brands build deeper relationships with their customers, uncovering the strategies and consumer psychology that drive meaningful, long-term engagement in the modern loyalty landscape.

Strengthening Presence in Saudi Arabia

This launch marks the next phase of Dsquares’ expansion in the Kingdom, following the establishment of its GCC headquarters in Riyadh. The company continues to support leading Saudi institutions across banking, telecom, retail, and government sectors with advanced end to end loyalty strategy, infrastructure and strategic merchant partnerships.

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Banke Expands into South Africa, Solidifying Its Broader International Growth Strategy



Dubai recorded 125,538 real estate transactions amounting to AED 431 billion

South Africa itself recorded FDI inflows of $661 million in Q1 2025

Dubai, UAE – 28th October 2025 – Banke International Properties today announced the opening of its first branch in Johannesburg,  The new Hyde Park Lane office brings Banke’s international expertise closer to South African clients, offering access to real estate opportunities across the UAE and other global markets.

The move comes at a time when South African investors are increasingly active in Dubai’s thriving property market. In the first half of 2025 alone, Dubai recorded 125,538 real estate transactions worth AED 431 billion, a 26% year-on-year surge, with 58% of deals driven by international investors1. South Africans have been a visible part of this trend, drawn to Dubai’s strong yields2, averaging 6–8%, among the highest globally, and the city’s reputation as a safe haven for capital3.

“South Africa has long been one of our most engaged investor bases, with strong demand for off-plan, luxury, and secondary properties in the UAE,” said Porush Jhunjhunwala, CEO of Banke International Properties. “By establishing a local branch, we are deepening that relationship, bridging markets more seamlessly, and bringing our global real estate expertise closer to clients who are looking not only at Dubai but also the UK, India, Qatar, and beyond.”

The Johannesburg branch will deliver Banke’s complete range of services, off-plan projects, secondary sales and leasing, commercial real estate, luxury property investments, portfolio management, and cross-border transactions. South African clients will now be able to tap into Banke’s international portfolio through a local hub that combines personalized service with cultural insights drawn from the company’s diverse team.

The South Africa branch will be led by Ravikant Sharma, a seasoned real estate professional with over a decade of experience across global markets. In Dubai, Ravikant spearheaded Banke’s secondary sales and leasing division, while in Ras Al Khaimah, he successfully guided high-performing teams in both primary and secondary markets. His international background, spanning roles at Eurostar, Saregama India Ltd., iYogi, and Wipro, equips him with both a global perspective and hands-on expertise to steer Banke’s expansion into South Africa.

“Launching in Johannesburg is about more than opening a new office; it’s about creating accessibility,” added Ravikant Sharma, [title to be confirmed]. South African clients want trusted guidance in navigating both domestic and international property investments. By being here, we can meet them on their terms, offer localized insights, and connect them directly to opportunities across the UAE and other global markets.”

The expansion comes against the backdrop of deepening UAE–South Africa economic ties. Between 2014 and 2024, UAE companies invested in 28 FDI projects in South Africa, worth an estimated $23.6 billion4. South Africa itself recorded FDI inflows of $661 million in Q1 2025, underscoring renewed investor confidence5.

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