Sobha Realty, a leading global luxury real estate developer renowned for its commitment to exceptional quality and innovation, has announced its year-end sales figures for FY 2025 a total AED 30 billion, cementing the company’s status as one of the most influential real estate developers in the Gulf. 

Driven by a series of landmark achievements across sales performance, masterplan development, sustainability, and international expansion, the 2025 sales figures represent an uptick of 30 per cent year-on-year. The increased growth reflects sustained momentum in the UAE’s luxury real estate market and the strength of Sobha Realty’s diversified portfolio. A significant portion of this strong performance came from the company’s expanding footprint in Umm Al Quwain (UAQ), with AED 8 billion in sales from Downtown UAQ | Sobha Realty and Sobha Siniya Island.  

Together, these results underscore the outstanding market reception of Sobha Realty’s new masterplans in UAQ and reaffirm the increasing confidence of investors in the brand’s leadership and strategic development vision across the Emirates.

“Sobha Realty’s sales success in 2025 was complemented by significant development milestones. The company launched four masterplans, Sobha Solis, Downtown UAQ | Sobha Realty, Sobha Central, and Sobha SkyParks, bringing its UAE portfolio to 14 developments, comprising 12 in Dubai and two in Umm Al Quwain. Each new project is helping strengthen the company’s role in shaping the future of urban living in the UAE.”; said Sobha Group Chairman Mr. Ravi Menon.

This period of growth also saw Sobha Realty extend its reach well beyond the Gulf region, as it announced an expansion into the United States and Australia.This was supported by the establishment of regional offices and strategic land acquisitions in Texas, United States, and Queensland and Sydney, Australia. Together, these initiatives marked a pivotal milestone in the company’s evolution into a global real estate leader.

“This past year has been a defining chapter in Sobha Realty’s journey,” said Mr. Menon. “Our growth across the UAE and expansion into global markets reflect a vision that has remained constant since our inception: to create developments that stand the test of time. These achievements are a testament to the trust our customers place in us and to our unwavering commitment to excellence and craftsmanship. As we look ahead, we remain dedicated to shaping communities with projects that embody quality and integrity while grounded in Sobha’s philosophy of The Art of Detail.”

Sobha Realty’s international momentum was further bolstered by a strong financial year, underscored by the successful issuance of a US$500 million sukuk, which was oversubscribed three-fold at US$1.54 billion. Subsequently, the company launched its inaugural US$750 million Green Sukuk – the largest green sukuk ever issued by a real estate developer globally. It attracted approximately US$2.1 billion in orders and achieved 2.8 times oversubscription. Listed on both the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and NASDAQ Dubai, these issuances reinforced investor confidence in Sobha Realty’s strategic direction and financial stability.

Sobha Realty’s financial strength was further affirmed when Moody’s upgraded the Corporate Family Rating of PNC Investments LLC, its parent company, to Ba2/stable, reflecting enhanced credit metrics, supported by a strong revenue profile and substantial backlog.

Sustainability and people-centric progress remained central to Sobha Realty’s journey in 2025. During the year, Sobha One became the first building outside of Singapore to receive the Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy certification. Additionally, the company achieved a score of 97 in the 2025 GRESB Real Estate Assessment and earned a 4-Star Rating, further reinforcing its leadership in ESG governance and low-carbon development.

This external recognition was complemented by internal advancements, including the introduction of a sector-first enhanced maternity leave policy, which offers 120 days of maternity leave while retaining all other employment benefits. This initiative underscores the company’s commitment to fostering a responsible and progressive workplace.

Sobha Realty further enhanced its global presence through strategic partnerships, including serving as a Global Partner for International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s events, maintaining its collaboration with Arsenal FC, and continuing its association with the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards. These initiatives have significantly expanded the brand’s visibility among international audiences.

With milestones spanning development, sustainability, global expansion, and brand influence, 2025 stands as one of the most transformative years in Sobha Realty’s five-decade history. These accomplishments establish a strong foundation for continued growth both in the UAE and internationally, further reinforcing the company’s position as a global standard-bearer in luxury real estate.

Exclusive Interview with Ben Bandari, CEO, BenCo. Real Estate & Sarah Serhan, Associate Partner, BenCo. Real Estate

Ben Bandari

Ben Bandari is a powerhouse in the UAE real estate industry, having closed over AED 25 billion in sales and earned a reputation as one of the nation’s most influential and successful brokers. Since starting his real estate career in the UAE back in 2002, He has earned some of the industry’s highest honours, including Number 1 Real Estate Broker in the UAE by Arabian Business, inclusion among the Top 150 Real Estate Icons by Finance World and the prestigious Agency of the Year award by The Entrepreneur. Beyond his brokerage success, Ben is also the star and executive producer of Million Dollar Listing UAE, the hit reality series that takes viewers inside the glamorous, high-stakes world of the UAE luxury real estate.

Sarah Serhan

In the UAE’s competitive luxury real estate market, Sarah Serhan has quickly established herself as one of its most dynamic rising talents. She is a luxury real estate agent and broker as well as an area specialist for Dubai Hills Estate, combining cultural awareness with deep market knowledge.  In her first year she had closed more than AED 100 million in sales and by 2024, she was averaging AED 3 million in transactions daily. Recognised by Ben Bandari for her drive and professionalism, she joined BenCo Real Estate in early 2024 where she now serves as Associate Partner.

Questions:

Beyond luxury listings, the show focuses heavily on ambition, rivalry, and pressure. Why do you think audiences connect so strongly with that side of the story?

Ben Bandari: At its core, the show really isn’t about houses – it’s about people. While luxury listings are exciting and aspirational, it’s the universal themes of ambition, competition, pressure, and even self-doubt that truly resonated with STARZPLAY’s audiences in Season One once it aired. That strong response is exactly what paved the way for Season Two.

Audiences connect because they’re seeing the authentic side of success – the wins, the stress, the rivalries, and the emotional ups and downs that come with working in a high-pressure market like the UAE. Partnering with STARZPLAY allowed us to bring this format closer to home for MENA viewers and ground it in a reality they recognise. Viewers aren’t just watching deals close; they’re watching real people who push themselves, make mistakes, and grow, and that honesty is what makes the story relatable, and why it continues to resonate even more strongly in Season Two.

Sarah Serhan: As a newcomer to both the show and the industry, there is an undeniable pressure to prove yourself as a capable broker who can overcome challenges, obstacles and manage mental pressure. With that, you still need to balance the demands of work with time spent with family. What I believe truly resonates with the audience is the authenticity of that journey. When they see me, they see a human like everyone else, a woman with ambitions and goals, a woman with a family she must always put first, yet someone who continues to push forward, they connect on a much deeper level, probably reflecting their own struggles and aspirations.

Mr. Ben Bandari, as a returning cast member and Executive Producer, how has your role evolved in shaping the direction and authenticity of Season 2?

In Season Two, my role became much more hands-on. As Executive Producer, I was closely involved in shaping the narrative to make sure it truly reflected the realities of the UAE real estate market. The focus was on real pressure, negotiations, and consequences. I wanted viewers to see what the job actually demands. The goal was to let the stories unfold naturally and stay true to the people and the market we’re representing.

Rivalries are a big part of the show; do they sharpen your edge or complicate your strategy?

It’s genuinely a bit of both. Healthy rivalry pushes you to raise your standards and stay sharp, especially in a market as competitive as the UAE. I’ve learned to use competition as motivation while staying focused on the bigger picture, which is serving clients and closing deals. A great example of rivalry in the show is in Episodes 1 to 3, where Dr. Baydoun of Damac Properties makes Riad and I compete for a luxury property, “Villa Flora.”

You’ve been part of the franchise since its early days in the UAE—how has the real estate market changed since Season 1, and how has that changed you?

The market has matured dramatically. Buyers are more informed, expectations are higher, and transactions are far more complex. Since Season One, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the UAE have evolved into a truly global luxury market. That evolution has forced me to grow personally as well as upgrade BenCo. to 70 plus staff and still growing. I’ve become more disciplined, more strategic, and more resilient. I’ve also setup a whole new business, Highgate Investments, which caters to investors looking at and acquiring properties, or designing and developing old, rundown ones. The business has skyrocketed with 8 ongoing projects so far.

Ms. Sarah Serhan, joining a well-established cast can be intense, what was your mindset walking into Season 2?

I was aware that my presence as a new face and a rapidly rising professional might be perceived as threatening to some of the other cast members. I anticipated questions like “who is she?” “Why is she here?” and “how did she get here?”. Frankly, I didn’t know what to expect from the others, but also, I never felt the need to prove myself to anyone. As I’ve always believed, my performance and my numbers speak for themselves.

What message do you hope ambitious professionals, especially women, take from your journey?

My core message is simple yet profoundly powerful: When you stay disciplined, rooted in self-belief, and fully committed to the work, you don’t need to prove anything. Your progress moves faster than doubt, and your results speak long before you ever have to.

What surprised you most about operating in this environment, on or off camera?

What surprised me the most was how intense the environment is, both on and off camera.  What I did not expect was how much discipline and emotional intelligence it would require to stay focused and professional while doing my job with cameras and a crew filming at all times. The mental fortitude required is truly immense, and it’s something you can only fully appreciate once you’re living it.

Exclusive Interview with Christina Arbenz and Chris Sayce, Co-founders and Principals of Studio WYZE

Studio WYZE works across hospitality, residential and product design. When you approach a space, what elements of your process stay constant—no matter the typology?

We always start with the layout, as it often opens the pathway for the concept to unfold. Layout is vital for all parties: operations rely on it to function efficiently; owners need it to achieve a desired number of covers and guests need to feel comfortable and immersed in the experience. The storytelling then comes into play, anchoring the guest journey in narrative. We approach the design of spaces as a series of framed views, with transitions between them unfolding like cinematic shots, guiding people slowly and deliberately through the space.

Many interior studios today lean heavily into aesthetics-first storytelling. How do you ensure that emotional resonance and functionality hold equal weight in your projects?

The emotional resonance of a space comes from how the storytelling unfolds. When the narrative is clear and carried through every step of the design, the guest’s experience becomes part of that story. We think about how someone will sit in a space, how they will interact with the furniture around them, what they will touch, the textures they will feel—and how each of these moments makes them feel. Functionality comes alive in the details. We focus intensely on the refinement and coordination of every elements, so the space not only looks beautiful, but works seamlessly for the team using it day-to-day, and feels effortless and comfortable for the guest.

Hospitality design often demands drama and immersion. How does that sensibility influence the way you approach high-end residential interiors?

Hospitality and residential design both aim to create environments that feel comfortable for the individual using them. In F&B, the experience is often tied to a brand narrative — its cuisine, culture and inevitably a bit of a theme. In hotel design, the storytelling comes from the sense of place, the local context and the type of guest the brand is aimed at. In high-end residential, the goal is similar: to tell a story, but one that belongs to the resident. We look to their tastes, hobbies, travels and meaningful memories, and bring these together to create a space that reflects who they are.

With studios in London and Zurich and projects across global markets, how do you adapt your design language without losing Studio WYZE’s signature identity?

Our identity comes through our process, rather than a signature aesthetic. We approach each project as a unique, individual space. We begin with the building itself—its location, history and purpose—and from there weave in the brand or resident identity, uncovering the story the space is meant to tell. We immerse ourselves in the process, designing bespoke furniture and lighting that give each space its own character. We collaborate with local craftsmen, artisans and manufacturers, and we’re always traveling and exploring to discover new methods, ideas and approaches that bring fresh energy and perspective to our work.

TATTU Dubai unfolds as a multi-level journey inspired by mythology. How early did storytelling become the anchor for this project?

The foundations of TATTU as a brand stem from the history of Asian Tattoos, whereby the inked spirits would endow the owner with protective and strengthening properties. Previous TATTU venues have grounded themselves in four core ‘spirit animals’; the Dragon, the Carp, the Phoenix and the Tiger. The brief was to interpret this core brand narrative into three unique concepts, developing on the design touchpoint to create a more holistic and narrative-driven design.

From the beginning, we felt the most authentic way to unfold the brand and its mythology across the three levels was to develop individual realms for three of these core characters. Our chosen three were The Dragon, featuring at Level 74 as part of the main TATTU Restaurant and Bar; The Carp, featuring at Level 76 as part of the Pool Deck and Sushi Lounge concept; and The Phoenix, feature at Level 81 as part of the Cocktail Bar and Lounge concept. The key was to maintain the storytelling of each of these spirits through materiality, detailing, colour palette and accessories.

From Shou-Sugi-Ban timber to onyx and amethyst glass, the palette is bold yet controlled. How do you decide when a material should lead versus support the space?

We play with contrasts in texture and finish—smooth versus rough, dark versus light, metallic versus natural, gloss versus matte. Every material has a purpose, even if some are more visually dominant. The secondary materials are almost always interesting in their own right, adding depth and nuance to the space. For example, in our main restaurant, the gold leaf slats immediately draw the eye, but behind them, the black plaster finish has its own subtle movement. The hand-applied texture and selective polishing create variations in gloss and shadow, giving the surface life and detail, even when the focus is on the gold above. It’s this layering and dialogue between materials that allows a space to feel rich and purposeful, whether a material is leading or supporting.

Designing the world’s highest infinity pool is no small feat. How did you approach creating a space that feels relaxed yet elevated—literally and conceptually?

On the pool deck, the design is restrained, giving the breathtaking views and architecture the space to speak for themselves. We approached the pool deck with a soft, fresh and airy palette, favouring natural tones that evoke calm. The light aqua hue references both the tranquil colours of water and the legend of the Carp, adding a subtle layer of narrative. The timbers were treated to feel lighter and sun-bleached, as if naturally weathered over time, while the fabrics, though simple, are tactile and inviting, adding a quiet richness to the experience. The goal was to create a space where guests could relax among the foliage and fully appreciate the spectacular views beyond.