IPS 2025 showcases Dubai’s edge in real estate industry

International Property Show 2025 shines a spotlight on PropTech, sustainable design, and strategic partnerships driving the future of real estate.
Key forums tackle pressing topics—from regulatory frameworks and residential leasing trends to the burgeoning influence of PropTech in reshaping the market.
Speakers underscore the need for digital adoption, including AI, to ensure efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness.

The third day of the International Property Show (IPS 2025) concluded with a dynamic showcase of ideas, partnerships, and innovations that are set to redefine the future of real estate in Dubai and beyond. With robust participation from industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, the day unfolded as a compelling narrative of transformation driven by technology, sustainability, and global collaboration.

From the outset, IPS 2025 reaffirmed its position as a leading platform for international dialogue on real estate development. The main conference featured high-level panel discussions that tackled some of the sector’s most pressing topics—from regulatory frameworks and residential leasing trends to the burgeoning influence of PropTech in reshaping the market.

A standout session titled “Global Supply Chains and the Real Estate Industry – The UAE Regulatory Framework” examined how Dubai’s supportive legal infrastructure facilitates seamless logistics operations, ultimately boosting the local property market. Complementing this, another session, “Dubai Real Estate Brokers Program – Towards Greater Inclusion and Empowerment,” highlighted new policies aimed at broadening access and professionalism among real estate practitioners.

In a nod to investors and developers watching market shifts, “Navigating the Future of Dubai’s Residential Leasing Market” laid bare the challenges and opportunities that define the city’s rental landscape. Participants explored how shifting demographics, rising demand for smart living spaces, and evolving tenant expectations are prompting innovation across leasing models.

Technology and innovation

True to IPS’s forward-looking ethos, technology and innovation took center stage in several segments. At the Institutional Investor Conference, the session “Mastering Global Construction Trends – Adopting AI, Machine Learning, Technology, and Innovations in Propelling Design & Construction” showcased cutting-edge applications transforming how real estate is conceptualized and built.

From AI-powered design tools to automation in project execution, speakers underscored the need for digital adoption to ensure efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness.

Hospitality investment trends also commanded attention in “Global Trends in Hospitality Real Estate Investing,” which provided a comprehensive guide for investors eyeing diversification across commercial segments. With the hospitality industry in recovery mode post-pandemic, this session offered timely insights into leveraging real estate portfolios for stable and sustainable returns.

The critical role of architectural excellence was brought to light in “The Impact of Design on Real Estate Value – Improved Return on Investment.” Panelists dissected how superior design contributes not only to aesthetics but also to long-term value creation.

This was further expanded in the session on “Mixed-Use Development Design,” which offered a blueprint for harmonizing residential, commercial, and recreational spaces into cohesive urban ecosystems.

These conversations underscored IPS 2025’s commitment to shaping a global real estate dialogue rooted in innovation, inclusion, and investment. That spirit was further reflected in several high-impact memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed during the day, reaffirming Dubai’s appeal as a world-class hub for cross-border real estate collaboration.

Companies sign MOUs in real estate business

Among the notable MoUs were those signed with Valor Real Estate, Propscan, and the Innovation Experts Real Estate Training Institute, alongside prominent international organizations such as BRANIB Brazil, ASPAI Peru, CILA Latin Americano, ADAIN Peru, NAR India, and FIABCI India.

These partnerships aim to accelerate knowledge exchange, streamline international transactions, and foster a more inclusive and innovative real estate ecosystem.

One of the most anticipated segments of the day was the IPS 2025 Awards Ceremony, celebrating excellence across corporate and individual categories. This year’s awards spotlighted those pushing the boundaries of sustainable development, asset management, and technological advancement.

Best sustainable construction project award

Majid Al Futtaim emerged as a top winner, bagging two prestigious awards: Best Real Estate Developer of the Year and Best Sustainable Construction Project for the architecturally impressive Majid Al Futtaim Mosque. Other winners included Betterhomes LLC as Best Property Management Company, and Transguard Group, which secured the title of Best Facilities Management Company.

Innovation in design was lauded with Obermeyer Middle East GmbH being named Best Architectural Firm of the Year, while the title of Best PropTech Company went to Vesta Prime Portal Co. L.L.C., recognizing its groundbreaking digital solutions in property management and real estate services.

In the individual category, Ana Zecca, founder of Zecca Realty Group, was honored as Woman Leader of the Year, highlighting the growing influence of women in a traditionally male-dominated sector. João Hercílio de Araújo Filho, CEO of Multi Imoveis MS, received the accolade for Real Estate Broker of the Year, and Abdullah Kazim Nasser Al Nuaimi, CEO of AKN Properties, was recognized as the Emirati Real Estate Broker of the Year.

IPS 2025: Entrepreneurs pitched cutting-edge solutions

The energy around innovation culminated in the 2025 Startup and PropTech Competition, where promising entrepreneurs pitched cutting-edge solutions poised to disrupt and elevate the industry.

Relata clinched the top spot, impressing judges with its transformative technologies and earning the coveted title of PropTech Hub Sponsor of IPS 2026, along with a $50,000 sponsorship package and a 6-square-meter promotional booth for next year’s event. Takeem secured second place, while Deed Technology and Thing Technologies shared third.

As IPS 2025 drew to a close, it left a lasting impression as a catalyst for progress. The day’s events spotlighted not just the power of bricks and mortar, but the visionary thinking, inclusive policies, and collaborative spirit that continue to position Dubai as a global leader in real estate innovation.