News
Changing Customer Behaviour Redefining Age-old Real Estate Sector Practices
The dynamic real estate market is undergoing a tremendous shift, which is being driven primarily by changing customer behaviour and preferences. In the modern era of new-age customers, the industry that has been infamous for its traditional practices is now seeking convenience, personalization, and sustainability while purchasing and selling property. The real estate industry participants have been ensuring restructuring of their strategies to meet customers’ needs and offer properties that satisfy the expectation of every segment of the populace.
Presently, there has been an increase in the number of knowledgeable and experienced clients seeking value, not just in monetary terms but also in regards to the amount of time spent traveling and the quality of life associated with their property transactions. The evolving market conditions have resulted in a scenario where property developers are compelled to elevate their performance and devise strategic resolutions to meet customer requirements. From leveraging technology to enhancing customer engagement in every phase of a project, the industry players are now reshaping their strategies to maintain a competitive edge in this competitive sector with significant emphasis on customer centricity.
With the relentless efforts of the industry players to stay agile in the market, the industry has been witnessing the emergence of several new trends such as increased investment in customer relationship management (CRM) systems. In the past few years, the real estate industry players have enhanced their efforts to deliver exceptional customer experiences. Since the new-age customers prefer bespoke and engaging experiences, industry players are adopting more customer-centric approaches and CRM systems that help gain detailed customer insights and offer personalised services. The current real estate market trends indicate that fostering prompt communication, transparency and responsiveness is essential to satisfy modern customers. Consequently, CRM technologies and platforms have improved their capabilities to enable organizations to adapt their customer journey processes to the requirements as well as expectations and inclinations of the contemporary customer segments. New-generation customers are tech-savvy and frequently favour online interactions over face-to-face meetings. Organisations naturally need to modify their strategy to sufficiently focus on the online spaces where these customers prefer to engage in, rather than trying to draw them to a channel of the organisation’s choice. Besides advanced CRM systems, real estate companies are investing more time and money in incorporating digital technologies designed to listen, comprehend, and interact more effectively with their customers.
Another notable trend in the industry is the growing inclination towards sustainability and eco-friendly projects. Driven by the evident shift to environmentally conscious practices, real estate companies are integrating sustainability into their projects, by opting for energy-efficient and eco-friendly features in every stage of the development of the project. By following sustainable modes of construction, developers are not only catering to customer needs but also contributing to long-term cost savings and sustainability.
In addition, real estate companies are increasingly integrating technology into their operations to provide seamless buying and selling processes. Market trends indicate that industry players are increasing their investments in advanced technologies like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence, payment technologies, document management, digital signatures etc. to transform customer engagement with real estate companies. With technological advancements, the real estate industry has evolved to a great extent and now online platforms and mobile apps are being developed to further popularise and boost trust over online property search, digital documentation, and online transactions.
The influence of technology is also clearly apparent in building construction. With evolving customer demands, real estate developers are enabling their projects with state-of-the-art home automation such as Mobile Video Door Phones, Internet of Things (IoT), and appliances and security systems controlled by sensors, etc. The concept of smart homes has gained immense popularity in the real estate and construction sector worldwide. To stay agile in this highly competitive market, companies are actively integrating cutting-edge technologies at different stages of their projects.
Similarly, technology enhances the community living experience of homeowners and tenants. Real estate enterprises are also empowering their customers with technology that caters to their everyday necessities within the community. Mobile applications enable proprietors to reserve community facilities, handle visitors, submit and monitor grievances, service requests, and so on.
In essence, digitally advanced real estate organizations are striving to transform the entire customer journey into a unified, effortless, and fulfilling experience for the customer.
The new era of property firms has vast potential to revolutionize traditional methods and bring innovation to the industry, while also prospering in a market influenced by customer preferences.
News
Big Ticket joins DP World ILT20 Season 4 as Official Partner
Big Ticket, the largest and longest-running guaranteed raffle draw in the Middle East (known for cash prizes, dream luxury cars, gold bars and coins) has joined the DP World International League T20 Season 4 as an Official Partner.
In recent years, Big Ticket has become more than just a raffle, it has gained the reputation of being a brand built around rewarding dreams and celebrating ambition, growing into one of the region’s largest and one of the most anticipated monthly draws in the UAE.
DP World ILT20 – the 34-match cricketing extravaganza – the biggest T20 tournament in the region featuring some of the most renowned global cricket stars is currently being played at the Dubai International Stadium, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

DP World ILT20 Head of Partnerships Ishan Chopra: “We are delighted to welcome a UAE born raffle giant like Big Ticket as an Official Partner of the DP World ILT20. Their legacy of helping dreams come true aligns perfectly with our vision of delivering unforgettable, fan-first experiences across the league. This partnership strengthens our commitment to creating moments of excitement both on and off the field, and we look forward to elevating Season 4 together. With a household name like Big Ticket on board, we are confident of unlocking even more opportunities for fans to engage, celebrate and go All In for Cricket.”
Meanwhile, DP World ILT20 match tickets across all categories are available for the remaining tournament matches. Various spectator stand tickets start at AED 20 and hospitality packages start from AED 325. Fans can also book the new Sixes Lounge experience for AED 395, which includes unlimited food and beverages. Tickets can be purchased by visiting tickets.ilt20.ae or Virgin Megastores.
News
The Maritime Standard Awards 2025 winners list showcases high levels of innovation and operational excellence across the maritime sector
The maritime sector’s leading awards event, The Maritime Standard (TMS) Awards 2025, has announced this year’s winners, honoring outstanding companies and industry leaders from across the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent. The Awards showcased achievement and innovation in 25 categories covering shipping, logistics, ship repair, offshore services, marine technology and related sectors, as well as a series of special awards for individual achievement. The prestigious event took place at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai on October 29th, attracting over 1000 senior executives, decision-makers and industry leaders, from the region, and across the globe.
Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, the event recognised organisations and individuals for setting new standards in operational excellence and leadership in the sector amid significant shifts in the industry, including decarbonisation, digitalization, and a renewed emphasis on supply chain resilience. From clean-fuel projects and AI-powered port operations to international collaborations that boost trade efficiency, the 2025 Awards showcased the industry’s progress in turning goals into tangible outcomes.
The evening was hosted by Yalda Hakim, a renowned international correspondent and documentary filmmaker, whose engaging presence added distinction to the occasion. The keynote address was delivered by Captain Abdulkareem Al Masabi, CEO of ADNOC Logistics and Services, who shared valuable insights on the evolving maritime landscape and the UAE’s leadership in advancing sustainable and innovative practices across the sector.
Clive Woodbridge, Editor of The Maritime Standard and Chairman of the Judging Panel, stated, “This year’s competition was exceptionally tough, and we received an unprecedented number of entries across all categories. Each finalist demonstrated remarkable achievements and operational standards over the past year, which underlines the significant advances that continue to be made in the regional maritime sector.”
A rigorous assessment process was conducted as part of the award selections, and this was supervised by an independent panel of distinguished judges that included some of the most prominent names in the maritime industry.
Trevor Pereira, Managing Director of The Maritime Standard, commented, “These Awards are not just about celebrating success, but also about encouraging excellence. This year’s event recognised innovative concepts, exciting new initiatives, and outstanding performance standards. As the region continues to expand its maritime infrastructure and digital port systems, with significant developments across the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent, events like The Maritime Standard Awards play a key role in reinforcing its position as a global leader in shipping and maritime.”
Reaction from the individual winners on the night of October 29th was highly appreciative. Captain Mohamed Al Ali, Senior Vice President, Operations (Offshore Logistics), at ADNOC L&S, who received the Outstanding Achievement Award, added: “It was one of the greatest honours of my professional career to receive this Award. It really means a lot to me to have TMS recognise the years of dedication and hard work.”
Tony Dagher, the Founder and Managing Director of TMC Shipping Group was the recipient of the Young Person in Shipping and was similarly honoured. He said: “I have been fortunate to have had great support from many people during my journey in shipping, and to have a fantastic team around me now. This Award is as much for them as it is for me.
Over the past 12 years The Maritime Standard Awards has consolidated its standing as one of the most prominent annual gatherings within the global maritime calendar, gaining worldwide recognition for recognising excellence and promoting a more resilient and sustainable maritime future.

News
Deep Dive Dubai Launches Sunken City Walk, a Cinematic Underwater Experience that Makes Adventure Just a Step Away
Deep Dive Dubai has unveiled its newest attraction for experience seekers with the launch of Sunken City Walk. The guided underwater activity invites guests to step into a cinematic cityscape filled with surreal details. From an underwater swing and motorbike to a café table that looks straight out of a movie scene, this is Dubai’s latest must-try attraction.

The hour-long journey begins with a full briefing and safety overview, followed by guests changing into wetsuits and equipment provided on-site. They then join trained instructors for a 20-minute guided underwater walk through the Sunken City—an accessible, certification-free experience that requires no swimming skills, making it ideal for guests aged 10 and above. Currently offered at an introductory price of AED 600, with an optional 30-second keepsake video for AED 200, the experience is currently available in four daily slots at 11 AM, 12 PM, 2pm, and 3pm.
Jarrod Jablonski, Director, Deep Dive Dubai, said that “With Sunken City Walk, we’re continuing to shape Dubai’s reputation as a city of unforgettable experiences. It’s a unique attraction that reflects Dubai’s spirit, where visitors can discover adventure in ways they never thought possible.”
The launch reflects a global trend that travellers are choosing experiences over possessions. Supporting this, Shamal’s Experience Economy Report stated that 75% of UAE residents are more willing to spend on experiences, with 80% allocating a dedicated monthly budget. The launch also aligns with Dubai’s commitment to strengthening its global tourism appeal. According to Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the city welcomed 9.88 million international visitors in the first half of 2025, a six percent increase year-on-year, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s leading lifestyle and tourism hubs. Sunken City Walk at Deep Dive Dubai adds a new way for visitors to experience the city’s spirit of reinvention, where adventure is always just a step away.
While Sunken City Walk offers a first taste of underwater adventure, guests can plunge into the incredible world of diving at Deep Dive Dubai, choosing from experiences such as scuba diving, freediving, and specialised diving courses.
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