Francis Alfred

Francis Alfred

Francis Alfred is the Managing Director and CEO of Sobha Realty, a premium real estate developer, he

Leading the firm for the past 5 years, Alfred has built on the Sobha Legacy, strengthening the brand’s customer-centric approach, backward integration, robust engineering, and a focus on quality and timeless values. He has spearheaded some of Sobha Realty’s greatest achievements, cementing its success in the UAE today. As one of Sobha’s first employees, Francis came aboard as a management trainee

Photos from Francis Alfred's post 25/10/2023

I am thrilled to announce that Sobha Realty has renewed the sponsorship agreement with Al Nasr Football Club. The agreement was officially signed in the presence of H.E. Mansoor Al Fallasi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al Nasr Club Investment, and me, along with other esteemed guests.

Our collaboration signifies a shared commitment to excellence and triumph. We are proud to continue supporting this esteemed club and look forward to another season of success together.

20/10/2023

It was an honour to meet with the esteemed Ambassador of Indonesia, H.E. Husin Bagis. Engaging in discussions that transcended borders, we explored opportunities for collaboration, cultural exchange, and shared growth.

In the spirit of global partnership, Sobha Realty is deeply committed to fostering international relations. Meeting H.E. Husin Bagis was not just an opportunity to exchange ideas; it was a chance to build bridges, create understanding, and pave the way for meaningful connections.

Photos from Francis Alfred's post 19/10/2023

At Sobha Realty, our unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of architectural innovation is exemplified by our upcoming residential project, Waves Opulence. We are proud to have secured the industry's first 3D BIM-enabled building permit from Dubai Municipality, marking the dawn of a transformative era characterized by precision and excellence.

Waves Opulence at Sobha Hartland goes beyond the conventional definition of a mere structure; it serves as a convergence point for technology, design, and innovation. It mirrors the rapid and revolutionary development that Dubai is currently experiencing.

We wish to convey our deep appreciation to the Dubai Municipality for their invaluable support and approval. Additionally, we would like to express our gratitude to Eng. Mariam Muhiri, the CEO of the Buildings Regulation and Permits agency at Dubai Municipality بلدية دبي, for her unwavering dedication and instrumental efforts that have been pivotal in realizing this remarkable achievement.

The indispensable role of real estate in smart city development 02/10/2023

At Sobha Realty, we prioritize delivering a seamless experience during the viewing and buying process to all our customers via smart technologies, which is why we are adopting dedicated mobile solutions as part of this effort. In an article featured in Built Environment ME, our Chairman, Mr. PNC Menon, shares his unique perspectives regarding real estate's pivotal role in smart city development and Sobha Realty's dedicated endeavours to effectively incorporate cutting-edge technology into our projects.

To know more, read: https://www.builtenvironmentme.com/top-stories/property-management/the-indispensable-role-of-real-estate-in-smart-city-development

The indispensable role of real estate in smart city development By driving innovation, sustainability, and enhanced quality of living, digital real estate solutions play a pivotal role in the development of smart cities.

19/09/2023

It is with great pleasure that we announce our new global partnership with the world-renowned Arsenal Football Club. The partnership, which was announced during a signing ceremony that took place at the Sobha Hartland Events Hall, will witness Arsenal and Sobha Realty collaborating on initiatives to develop the sports industry through football experiences, tournaments, and more. Through this collaboration, we strive to foster development in the realms of real estate and sports while further expanding our presence in the UK and surrounding markets.

23/03/2023

May this holy month of Ramadan bring immense blessing to you and your loved ones.

22/03/2023

An exciting and fun-filled evening was organized for the residents of Sobha Hartland to celebrate the International Day of Happiness. The event embodied the true meaning of this day and this was evident by the community’s festive atmosphere.

An absolutely uplifting and successful campaign that brought joy to an entire community.

What Is the Most Likely Consequence of Setting Unrealistic Goals? 22/08/2022

Setting big goals can seem unachievable and intimidating to many due to the possibility of failure that comes with it. The real implication of setting "unrealistic" goals is not disappointment or low confidence, but rather the possibility of you achieving them. Thus, merely hoping for success will not suffice; one must believe they're capable of achieving their goals.

To know more about how to set goals strategically, read:

https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/what-is-the-most-likely-consequence-of-setting-unrealistic-goals

What Is the Most Likely Consequence of Setting Unrealistic Goals? Much of my coaching methodology centers around aiming for big targets. My work combats the social conditioning that tells us setting big goals is unrealistic. If someone asked me, “What is a common problem with goal setting?”, my answer would be aiming too low.

Digital transformation strengthens real estate resilience 06/07/2022

In recent years technology has made significant strides and heavily influences all sectors of society including the real estate sector. The adoption of these latest developments has spurred a rapid digital transformation, thus serving as a key driver behind the sector's development. Digital technology has proven to be a powerful tool to help analyse, store, and gather a vast amount of data as well as provide a comprehensive picture of business activities.

At Sobha Realty, we prioritize staying current with the latest technological advancements to meet the evolving stakeholder and customer demands.

Read more about the impact of digital technologies in real estate here: https://meconstructionnews.com/53135/digital-transformation-strengthens-real-estate-resilience

Digital transformation strengthens real estate resilience Identifying the drivers behind technology adoption and prioritising the areas of focus are necessary for stakeholders to connect more efficiently writes PNC Menon, Chairman of Sobha Group

27/06/2022

We have witnessed a steady increase in investments from foreign investors, with 60 percent of those investments coming from expats in countries including India, Russia, China, and the UAE. This upward trajectory of the market will continue to climb due to the significant influx of foreign investors which can be attributed to the latest visa reforms and evolving labour laws. In line with this development, we are stepping up our efforts to keep pace with the growing demand for our luxury homes while also delivering quality residences to meet our customer’s needs.

Read more about what our investors here: Sobha Realty records 60 per cent of Overseas resident investors in UAE (menews247.com)

Why relationships matter 22/06/2022

The partnership between India and UAE, has spanned decades, owing to the trade relations between the nations. These trade ties have had a substantial positive impact on various sectors, including real estate. One of the major factors responsible for Sobha Realty's expansion and growth over the years can be attributed to the long-standing relationship between the UAE and India and we hope to contribute to the economic prosperity of the two countries.

To know more about the importance of the alliance between India and UAE, read: https://www.khaleejtimes.com/long-reads/why-relationships-matter

Why relationships matter India’s ties with the Arabian Gulf and peninsula date back to several millennia

Why sustainability is crucial for corporate strategy 21/06/2022

Our foundation has always placed a high priority on sustainability, and we intend to continue doing so. Sustainability is anticipated to play a vital role in every aspect of business in the coming years, thus we seek to incorporate it into every action we undertake by building sustainable homes and communities. This approach will not only ensure the protection of our environment, but it will also boost customer satisfaction and provide growth opportunities for our employees.

To learn more about incorporating sustainable development into the corporate strategy, read: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/06/why-sustainability-is-crucial-for-corporate-strategy/

Why sustainability is crucial for corporate strategy Sustainability is essential for corporate strategy, to meet investor pressure, consumer demand, regulatory requirements and attracts talent while maximizing productivity

Dubai Council takes measures to boost real estate efficiency and transform tourism - Arabian Business 02/06/2022

We welcome the latest initiatives of the Dubai Council to make the real estate sector in the emirate more globally competitive and efficient. The past six months have witnessed a steady upward trajectory in demand, and we expect no let up in the coming months and years especially with this new development.

To learn more about this initiative supporting the Dubai real estate community read: https://www.arabianbusiness.com/money/wealth/money-wealth-real-estate/dubai-council-takes-measures-to-boost-real-estate-efficiency-and-transform-the-emirates-countryside-for-tourism

Dubai Council takes measures to boost real estate efficiency and transform tourism - Arabian Business The Dubai Council chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid has restructured the Land Deparment to raise the real estate sector's operational efficiency by a minimum of 20 percent Dubai Council takes measures to boost real estate efficiency and transform tourism Dubai, Dubai Council, Dubai countryside,....

25/05/2022

The Sobha Hartland project prioritizes sustainability, and we are confident that by providing the best facilities for our residents, the Hartland community will continue to thrive. In 2022, we expect an increase in the number of residents, and by 2025 the community is predicted to house over 6000 families. This significant increase can be attributed as a testament to our investors' continued trust in Sobha Realty and our services.

To know more, read: Latest News (arabbnews.com)

14/05/2022

The luxury property market in Dubai will continue to thrive in 2022 due to the increase in demand from foreign investors and the new initiatives released by the UAE government will further help boost investments. At Sobha Realty, sustainability is of great importance to us, hence we ensure our homes are sustainable without compromising on luxury and quality.

To know more about how we incorporate sustainability into our projects, outlook for the property market and more, read my interview with Gulf Business here: Sobha Realty's Francis Alfred on the demand for luxury properties in Dubai (gulfbusiness.com)

13/05/2022

On behalf of Sobha Realty, I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the people of the UAE, on the passing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. His passing is a tremendous loss for the entire country, but his legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of the nation’s people.

12/05/2022

The journey to achieving our sales target for the year 2021 was not an easy one, but it was made possible thanks to our investor’s trust in our abilities and the UAE government's recent reforms and incentives which attracted foreign investors to the country.

Read our chairman, PNC Menon’s interview with Big Project ME, to learn about our goals for the coming year, the shifting landscape of Dubai's real estate sector, and much more: Middle East Construction News (meconstructionnews.com)

What’s on the wish list for Dubai’s luxury property buyers? 10/05/2022

Luxury properties with world class amenities are gaining preference amongst investors in the UAE as they are versatile and offer a holistic experience. Many global and luxury investors prefer such spaces as they find them appealing and a safe place that helps them further their sustainable living ambitions, while also providing a modern edge

To know more about what luxury property buyers prefer, read: https://gulfnews.com/business/property/whats-on-the-wish-list-for-dubais-luxury-property-buyers-1.1650974963109

What’s on the wish list for Dubai’s luxury property buyers? From private pools to high-tech smart systems, property buyers in Dubai want it all

UAE real estate market is booming with home loan rates set to rise: Here’s how you can benefit 06/05/2022

Nearly 80 percent of property professionals predict that the UAE’s real estate market will grow faster in 2022 due to the availability of higher loan to value ratio, discounted property prices and various other incentives like service charge waivers etc.

With demand still high, and prices still largely accessible read more about how the real estate sectors is currently a buyer’s market: https://gulfnews.com/your-money/saving-investment/uae-real-estate-market-is-booming-with-home-loan-rates-set-to-rise-heres-how-you-can-benefit-1.1649686101706

UAE real estate market is booming with home loan rates set to rise: Here’s how you can benefit What does a rebounding market mean to an investor looking to buy real estate in the UAE?

03/05/2022

May this Eid bring love, light and laughter in your lives. Eid Mubarak!

UAE is witnessing a massive influx of investors as the best country for entrepreneurs 01/05/2022

Due to the exceptional market conditions and benefits offered by the government to new market entrants, the UAE market is witnessing a significant influx of investors, particularly from Europe. As a result, the UAE has moved to the forefront of the world rankings for start-ups and entrepreneurs.

To know more about what makes UAE the ideal destination for start-ups and entrepreneurs, read: https://www.arabianbusiness.com/opinion/uae-is-witnessing-a-massive-influx-of-investors-as-the-best-country-for-entrepreneurs

UAE is witnessing a massive influx of investors as the best country for entrepreneurs Scott Cairns, the managing director of Middle East-based Creation Business Consultants, shares his reactions to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor’s ranking of the UAE as the top nation in the world for startups and entrepreneurs UAE is witnessing a massive influx of investors as the best country...

25/04/2022

In response to the growing interest of both foreign and resident investors in Dubai's real estate market, and owing to our investor's confidence in us, we have decided to increase our sales target to USD 1.6 billion for 2022.

To know more about our sales target and objectives for 2022, read: DetailsTA (gulfprojects.me)

Top 10 Tech Trends Driving Real Estate in 2021 23/04/2022

The real estate industry has come a long way since the advent of technology. Virtual and Augmented Reality, AI, and Machine Learning are a few of the key technologies driving the real estate sector of late. We believe these trends will play a vital role in revolutionizing our customer experience and bring waves of change within the sector.

To learn more about the innovations happening in the real estate sector, read the article: https://appinventiv.com/blog/technologies-disrupting-real-estate-sector/

Top 10 Tech Trends Driving Real Estate in 2021 In this article, we will discuss the major real estate technology trends in 2022 that are redefining consumer experience & transforming the industry.

Sobha Realty donates Dh1m for UAE’s 1 Billion Meals campaign 21/04/2022

It is important that we take collective action to combat the global issue of world hunger, hence we have made our contribution to the 1 Billion Meals initiative, launched by His Highness Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives. We congratulate the UAE government's efforts in launching such a great initiative and hope this inspires global action.

Read more: https://gulfnews.com/uae/sobha-realty-donates-dh1m-for-uaes-1-billion-meals-campaign-1.87187458

Sobha Realty donates Dh1m for UAE’s 1 Billion Meals campaign Donating equivalent of 1 million meals, Sobha among companies offering financial support

17/04/2022

As a token of our appreciation for your constant support, we were delighted to have so many guests
attend our Suhoor gathering yesterday, and I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone
who came. May the remaining days of the holy month bring you blessings and joy.

Block­chain and the future of real estate in the UAE | Gulf News 13/04/2022

The Real Estate industry has been significantly impacted by blockchain technology, causing a substantial shift in the field. The technology's real-time data and instant validation have improved transparency at every stage of the real estate transaction, thereby adding an important layer of safety.

To know more about how blockchain technology is revolutionizing the real estate industry, read our article here – https://lnkd.in/duA-uV4q

Block­chain and the future of real estate in the UAE | Gulf News The intro­duc­tion of smart prop­erty con­tracts in block­chain plat­forms will forgo the need for face-to-face engage­ments with numer­ous entit­ies. Fran­cis Alfred Man­aging Dir­ector, Sobha Realty For cen­tur­ies, reports of a range of fraud...

Commitment to sustainable living provides opportunities for UAE businesses 12/04/2022

One of the most important factors in reducing climate change is living a sustainable lifestyle. Residents of the UAE have strengthened their commitment to a green community as a result of their adaptation to promote sustainable living.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3uA3BL8

Commitment to sustainable living provides opportunities for UAE businesses Startups are increasingly aligning their brand promise to tackle issues such as global waste management

08/04/2022

As we say goodbye to 2021, I wanted to take a moment to look back at the past 12 months of outstanding achievements and wonderous successes which were made possible by the incredible hard work of the Sobha team. In a year fraught with uncertainty, our determination and hard work have made our progress more extraordinary. We look to the New Year with optimism and hope that 2022 will deliver positive change and progress for all.

Thank you for your continued support, and wishing everyone peace, happiness, and prosperity in 2022.

Happy New Year.

❤️ 🎉 🎉

08/04/2022

What an incredible way to wrap up the year! Proud to be recognised as the Developer of the Year at the 17th annual Construction Week Awards that recognises major players, individuals, and businesses, from across the region. This recognition is the culmination of our efforts to produce quality homes for our discerning clients and it’s hugely satisfying to see our hard work come to fruition. Proud of Sobha Realty and the amazing team who keeps us going from strength to strength.

08/04/2022

Already in the second month of the year, Sobha Realty is reaping the benefits of the UAE’s economic recovery as our talented teams and business operations were more than capable of successfully navigating the pandemic.

Here are my thoughts on the lessons and fundamentals I have carried forward into 2021 – a year of growth. What did you take into the new year?

08/04/2022

Did you know cities now house over 56% of the world’s population, and is responsible for two-thirds of all CO2 emissions? That being said, how do we work towards decarbonizing a city?

The World Economic Forum discusses the importance of looking at how a project holistically impacts the environment and the surrounding community, which is what we at Sobha Realty ensure for each of our projects, through leveraging best practices in design and clean technology.

What are your recommendations on decarbonization? Let’s discuss

08/04/2022

From minimalist living to DIY upcycling, it’s interesting to see the vast spectrum of sustainability coming to life, and how this will play out in the construction, material and design of homes.

I’m interested to know what other ideas you have on the matter.

https://lnkd.in/dHmw97q

Is now a good time to invest in Dubai property? 08/04/2022

Historically, real estate has demonstrated an enduring appeal and can play a major role in the region’s recovery even during a crisis.’

Our Founder and Chairman, Mr. PNC Menon, shares his advice on why you should be investing in Dubai’s real estate market right now.

https://gulfbusiness.com/is-now-a-good-time-to-invest-in-dubai-property/

Is now a good time to invest in Dubai property? The simple, fundamental principle of investing dictates that you should buy low and sell high

08/04/2022

Best wishes for the New Year from our family to yours – may it bring good times for all.

08/04/2022

Imagine exploring hundreds of thousands of possible construction designs in minutes; or being able to improve productivity by almost 50% through in the integration of AI in project planning.
Forbes has shared an insightful look at just how technology, at its peak, is revolutionizing the construction industry and what we can do to stay ahead of the curve.

08/04/2022

Recent research shows that Millennials and Gen-Zs are most unhappy in large international cities. What can we do to ensure that our cities are places that promote happiness where people want to live?
With ‘20-minute neighbourhoods’ becoming the ideal
settlement, city planners are looking at designing spaces that guarantee wellness and accessibility throughout the year.

https://lnkd.in/dfpJR8z

08/04/2022

How does one connect sustainability to overall wellness? Can a greener outlook actually benefit more than just the planet? The Sustainabilist has recently published my latest op-ed on the subject. Would be interested to hear your thoughts below.

https://lnkd.in/dC5PqDu

08/04/2022

“I am a great believer of Dubai.”
Want to know how Sobha Realty coped with the pandemic, read the latest interview with our founder and Chairman, Mr. PNC Menon on Gulf News. Interesting to note that according to recent study by the DLD, majority of investors are still looking for homes above AED 2 million, highlighted investor faith in the resiliency of Dubai’s real estate sector and continued demand for luxury homes such as those in the Sobha portfolio.

https://lnkd.in/dGzkwmD

This is what the future’s sustainable cities could look like 08/04/2022

A compelling representation of what cities of the future will look like, built on the principles of ecology, water, energy, livability, waste, food, mobility, culture, infrastructure, and economy.
It’s interesting to see how big a part sustainability has to play and I’m proud to say that Sobha Realty is heading in the right direction.

https://lnkd.in/dadZ5CG

This is what the future’s sustainable cities could look like A next-generation metropolis will need to serve people and nature, while letting ecology guide its development.