Expo 2020 - The awaited exhibition

The real estate market in the UAE is all set to take advantage of immense business opportunities in line with Expo 2020, which ironically starts in October 2021, due to the obvious reasons of a global pandemic – but the UAE, and in particular the real estate market, has emerged from this set back stronger than ever.

 The UAE business sector in general will benefit from Expo 2020 and not only Dubai. Stakeholders within the Real Estate market, particularly developers and brokers are fully confident that the real estate demand will witness a major boost in the coming months, as 25 million visitors are expected to arrive in Dubai for the event, and with that volume of traffic entering the UAE and already displaying interest in what this country has to offer – the potential for real estate sales is unlimited.

BRAND AWARNESS We must seize this opportunity to show case the other Emirates, 25 million visitors can visit not only Dubai, but also; Sharjah, RAK, Abu Dhabi and other Emirates, it is a golden opportunity to show the world the amazing attractions and landmarks for those Emirates by having tours for those visitors to these areas, this is the responsibility of the master developers in addition to the investment government entities such as; SHUROOQ, RAK properties, Alhamra, Aldar, in addition to initiatives like GHADAN 21.

 There is a responsibility that lies with the brokers and the developers to fully seize this opportunity in terms of preparation for this event.

DEVELOPERS, a good starting point prior to the launch in October 2021 is grabbing people’s attention to the UAE. A great strategy for this is through social media – through inviting key international influencers and celebrities to the country. A simple post from an influencer at a venue within a developer’s building for instance can have an impact on millions. This can particularly apply for new up-and-coming areas that developers wish to endorse – such as Dubai land, JVC and Dubai South for instance, these areas being unassumingly promoted on social media by key influencers will create a sense of curiosity amongst the online community for these less-mature areas within Dubai, but of course then it is up to the developer to pursue this curiosity and capture potential investors when they arrive to the country.

 That then takes me to what the developer can do during the Expo to promote such emerging areas - Holding sales activations at stands throughout malls in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah and also the expo site itself, will attract the foot-fall of expo visitors allowing potential investors to be introduced and informed of new developments, where they can see the projects come to life and what these new areas have to offer first hand.

 In general, it is important that both developers and brokers remind potential investors of the key reasons of why to invest in the UAE; Safety, high ROI, Free tax zone, life style ...

Brokers must physically show visitors of the UAE during Expo 2020 to familiarize investors with the country through tours throughout different Emirates, for instance, separate tours for Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. For many people coming in October – it may be their first time to the UAE, and having an experienced broker showing them exciting new developments and what their surroundings have to offer, can influence anyone’s investment choice and where to buy of course.

Especially those areas that don’t fit into the standard cliché of a tourist’s Downtown-Dubai perception – Dubai and other emirates has a lot more to offer than that and its up to the brokers to broaden investors’ perceptions.

 Initially brokers should use the power of digital, to target key markets prior to the Expo to build a portfolio of international clients prior to their arrival in October - being prepared to manage an international investor’s expectations is the best preparation.

Brokers can prepare for open houses during the course of the Expo 2020 – this helps with closing a sale as clients can get a first-hand feel of what it would be like to live in Dubai, in that particular area with that particular finishing and décor – open houses and show homes allow a vision to become a reality.