CEO Insights Magazine

Dubai has long been a global hub for real estate, a city where architectural marvels and developments redefine the skyline with each passing year. In this vibrant landscape, leaders emerge to shape the future of the industry. Among these distinguished leaders Umar Bin Farooq is a visionary worth of the spotlight.

In 2004, Umar embarked on his real estate journey in Dubai. In 2012, he recognized that many landowners lacked the expertise and resources to efficiently manage their property developments. Setting up a development team, navigating through the procedures, and understanding the nuances of architectural design were daunting and costly endeavours for them.

In response to this pressing need, Umar conceptualized and founded One Broker Group, a pioneering entity in Dubai's real estate landscape that offers comprehensive solution. It is a one-stop-shop for private investors. Provides end-to-end support, construction management, design, development, sales, and administrative functions. This innovative approach revolutionized the real estate industry by simplifying complex procedures, reducing risk, and optimizing profitability for developers.

Umar spearheads a mission to redefine the real estate landscape in the UAE by assisting partners in the discovery of dream properties while optimizing investment returns. His visionary leadership at One Broker Group is dedicated to forging exclusive partnerships with top developers in the region.

As we celebrate this remarkable achievement, we look forward to witnessing the continued success and innovation that Umar Bin Farooq and One Broker Group bring to the Dubai real estate sector. His story serves as an inspiration to all aspiring entrepreneurs and underscores the transformative power of visionary leadership. As we congratulate Umar, let’s know more about his leadership and plans for One Broker Group.

As the Founder and CEO, what are the factors you look into when developing effective corporate growth strategies for the company?

In the present generation, technology plays a key role in business success. Staying abreast of the latest industry-specific technologies, whether in administration or project development is vital. We also draw inspiration from global market practices, adapt them to the Dubai real estate market if they suit the market condition here, and continuously learn and evolve. In essence, success hinges on adaptability, changing, improvising, and the strategic implementation of innovative approaches. This dynamic approach ensures that we can navigate an ever-changing business environment and continue to drive our company's growth and success in the Dubai real estate market.

What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow to lead your team? Describe your leadership philosophy.

My leadership approach centers on continuous learning and nurturing leadership within my team. I believe in staying updated with market trends and providing opportunities for team members to grow as leaders themselves. It's essential not to shoulder all responsibilities but to empower others. Encouraging calculated risks and learning from failures is crucial. Real growth comes from empowering others to lead. It's crucial to offer your team chances to experiment, even if they stumble; every failure holds valuable lessons. I encourage open dialogue, sitting with them, analyzing situations, discussing growth prospects, and involving them comprehensively in all aspects of the business. Ultimately, this approach leads to well-informed decision-making and contributes to the collective success of the team.

Tell us about your expertise in facilitating a project towards success. What are the factors you look into to ensure success?

Firstly, we prioritize understanding the buyer persona, comprehending their needs and desires. A critical initial step involves conducting a thorough financial feasibility analysis to align the project with the developer's vision. We tailor the design and development accordingly to add exceptional value. Instead of ordinary offerings, we strive for extraordinary results by optimizing space, selecting materials thoughtfully, and employing strategic color schemes. Furthermore, our emphasis on robust cash flow ensures timely project completion. This holistic approach encompasses every aspect, from space planning to financial planning, all geared towards delivering successful projects that surpass expectations. In simple terms, my expertise lies in bringing a vision to life by understanding user needs, optimizing design, and managing the project efficiently. This comprehensive approach is key to ensuring the success of any project.

What has been the success mantra that helps you arrive at positive outcomes?

It's always been about commitment and belief. You've got to believe in the process, keep doing the right things, even when results may take time. There are no shortcuts to success. As long as you believe in the process, you'll see results. The key to success is commitment, dedication, and constant self-improvement. Our lives are a bit like iPhones; if you don't update regularly, you become obsolete. So, in business, we must keep updating ourselves and believe in the process.

What qualities do you prioritize when evaluating fresh candidates in your industry, especially when it comes to onboarding them to your team?

The foremost quality I look for is dedication. The level of commitment a person exhibits often reflects their values and work ethic. Success isn't just a desire; it's an outcome of tireless dedication and hard work. Many aspire to achieve great wealth and emulate figures like Elon Musk, but they often overlook the rigorous effort that accompanies such success. Dreaming of prosperity is easy, but realizing it demands an unwavering determination and commitment, only a few have it in them. Therefore, I seek candidates who display strong commitment, unwavering dedication, and solid values, as these qualities are the foundation for building a successful and lasting career in our industry.

What does the future hold for you and your company in the next five years?

Over the next five years, our vision is set on expanding operations within the UAE while targeting the promising Saudi market. We believe that the Saudi market holds immense potential, and we are committed to making a powerful entry within the coming year or two. This expansion aligns with our continuous growth strategy, allowing us to reach new horizons and tap into the vast opportunities these markets have to offer, strengthening our position as a leader in the industry.

What is the piece of advice you'd like to give to the upcoming leaders in the industry?

Honesty is the foundation of success. You cannot compromise on the integrity of your work; it's non-negotiable. Secondly, find a balance in your life. While dedicating substantial time to work is essential, maintaining a healthy equilibrium between your professional and personal life is equally crucial. I've observed hardworking leaders who, due to exhaustion, neglect their families. This imbalance can be detrimental. Dubai's fast-paced environment can lead to distraction; hence, it's vital to prioritize work diligently. Have a clear vision, create a robust plan, and focus on its unwavering execution. Many make plans but falter in implementation. To succeed, set objectives and consistently give your best effort to stay on track.

Umar Bin Farooq, Founder & CEO, One Broker Group

As a prominent figure in the Dubai real estate sector, Umar Bin Farooq continues to drive growth and innovation, setting new standards for success in the industry. As CEO of One Broker Group, he is a catalyst for change, pushing boundaries and achieving remarkable results with comprehensive solutions for real estate clients.