ART OF THE DETAIL: Sobha Realty’s Commitment to Craftsmanship & Legacy

Exclusive Interview with Ravi Menon, Chairman of Sobha Group

As the Chairman of Sobha Group, your leadership has been essential in shaping the company’s success in the UAE. How did you establish Sobha Realty as a top brand in the UAE’s competitive market?    

Success doesn’t come overnight, especially in a market as competitive as the UAE. When Sobha Realty entered the market in 2003, it was never about scale, it was about setting a new standard for excellence and quality. Sobha Realty has always been about building a track record of unwavering commitment, meticulous planning, and an unshakable belief that quality should never be compromised.

Sobha Realty today is well-founded in legacy; one that my father, PNC Menon, dedicated himself to establishing every day of his career. Before I inherited the reins as Chairman, I tried to absorb every lesson he imparted and the values that define Sobha Realty today. This foundation has allowed me to push the brand forward while staying true to what sets us apart.

At Sobha, we don’t just build homes, we create living experiences that last for generations. When buyers and investors choose Sobha Realty, they choose reliability, trust, and enduring values. Principles that we hold close to heart and that guide us in our journey, I truly believe that our market leading position is a result of our commitment to excellence but also the team’s collective efforts to embody the purpose driven attitude that drives Sobha Realty. We are here to help create lasting legacies, celebrating craftsmanship and focusing on our ethos “Art of The Detail”. Our people always have, and will continue to be, the driving force of our success locally and globally.

Can you share your insights on the key strategies that have been pivotal in scaling Sobha Realty from its inception to the prominent position it holds today?

Without a doubt, the key driver of Sobha Realty’s success has been our unique “Backward Integration” model. By overseeing every stage of the development process, from conceptualization to completion, we ensure the highest standards of craftsmanship and precision. Sobha Group has verticals across the construction and development process, with over 500 in-house architects and designers, more than 30,000 technicians in Sobha Constructions, and our glass façade and furniture factories across the country, that we leverage to deliver unmatched quality and ensure timely delivery. Our modular factory in Ras Al Khaimah is a prime example of this model, allowing us to produce high-quality components efficiently while maintaining full control over quality. This approach guarantees our ability to maintain a track-record of timely delivery of our projects.

Beyond construction, strategic location selection is now synonymous with Sobha Realty masterplans. Our developments’ locations are selected with Dubai’s urban vision and plan in mind, offering strong investment potential and long-term value gain. Additionally, our customer-first approach ensures our developments cater not just to market demand but to evolving homeowner expectations.

However, success in a competitive market such as the UAE requires robust collaborations. Our extensive network of channel partners has been instrumental in expanding our reach, enabling us to connect with the discerning buyers and investors who seek reliability and excellence.

Today, homeowners seek more than just a property, they want a lifestyle. How is Sobha Realty adapting to these changing expectations in design, amenities, and community living?

Homeowners today are looking for living experiences, not just spaces to live in. At Sobha Realty, we focus on creating homes that blend functionality with luxury. Our ‘Art of The Detail’ philosophy ensures every aspect, from spacious layouts to premium materials, enhances daily living.

Beyond residences, we build communities designed to create meaningful connections. Sobha Solis in Motor City for example has been designed to offer an active, wellness-focused lifestyle. With the world’s first Arsenal-branded gym, landscaped podiums, and wellness amenities, the project promises residents a rarified living experience at what is now considered the neighbourhood of the future. Sobha Siniya Island meanwhile takes the living experience to a new level, offering a natural island retreat that blends luxury with pristine nature.

We have also recently introduced Sobha’s first fully furnished residences, ensuring a seamless, turn-key living experience. As a leader in the luxury real estate sector, wellness-focused spaces, and waterfront communities, Sobha Realty continues to redefine modern living, bridging the gap where comfort, design, and experience come together effortlessly.

Given the challenges the real estate sector has faced in recent years, how have technological innovations and smart construction practices influenced Sobha Realty’s growth trajectory and helped the company remain resilient while scaling its operations?

The real estate landscape is evolving rapidly, and staying ahead of the curve means embracing technology, and sustainable solutions that enhance our efficiency while keeping our promise of quality. The future of real estate will see a shift in how projects are executed, and we are already investing in cutting-edge technology to streamline processes.

At Sobha Realty, innovation is a core principle that drives every stage of our developments, from conception to handover. By integrating robotics into labour-intensive tasks, we can enhance precision, reduce human error, and improve overall efficiency, ensuring that every development meets an even higher level of quality.

As a masterplan developer, our commitment to sustainable innovation is evident in developments like Sobha One, the first project outside Singapore to receive the Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy certification, reflecting our focus on energy efficiency, reduced emissions, and smart resource management. Additionally, at Sobha Siniya Island, we are looking ahead with future-ready infrastructure, such as incorporating helipads for air taxis in alignment with the UAE’s vision for next-generation urban mobility and pioneers of air taxi transportation.

By merging technology, sustainability, and craftsmanship, we redefine luxury real estate, providing the building blocks to develop smarter, greener, and more future-ready communities.

As Sobha Group continues to grow under your leadership, what do you see as the next big step for the company, especially in terms of sustainability and community development?

As we continue to strengthen our presence in the UAE, we are also setting our sights beyond, with upcoming expansions locally in Abu Dhabi and globally in the United States and Australia. These markets represent new opportunities to bring our signature craftsmanship and sustainability-driven approach to a wider audience.

However, I believe true growth is more than just entering new markets. Just as my father wanted before me when he was Chairman, I would also want to leave a lasting impact. Sobha Realty has always believed in giving back to the communities that have supported us and that will continue. Guided by the philanthropic vision of my father, our commitment is reflected in our education, community, and women’s empowerment initiatives. From building free schools and providing housing for families in need, to launching programmes that create opportunities for women, we are dedicated to fostering real change.

The Sobha Endowment University, for example, will make quality education accessible to all, as well as our pledge to build an Endowment University campus in Dubai for AED 400 Million, these initiatives reflect our dedication to empower youth. Beyond real estate, our partnerships with Arsenal FC and the International Cricket Council (ICC) represent a testament to a deep belief in the value of investing in youth development and sportsmanship on a global scale.

As we look to the future, we remain anchored by the values that define us: excellence, responsibility, craftsmanship, and a commitment to shaping a better world for generations to come.