Masood Al Awar A Visionary Leader in Real Estate and Investment: Insights and interview
In an ever-evolving real estate and investment landscape, few leaders have managed to blend innovation, integrity, and strategic foresight as seamlessly as Masood Al Awar. With a career spanning over three decades across prominent organizations, including Barclays Bank, Dubai Police, EMAAR Properties, Sorouh Properties (currently ALDAR), Tasweek Real Estate Marketing and Development, and finally Dubai Properties, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the real estate sector in the Middle East. In this exclusive interview, Masood Al Awar shares his journey, insights, and vision for the future of real estate and investment.
Mr Masood Al Awar , What initially drew you to your field, and how did your early experiences shape your approach to business?
My journey into the banking, government, and real estate sectors was driven by a deep fascination with how these industries fundamentally shape economies and societies. Starting my career at Barclays Bank in Dubai, I developed a solid foundation in financial management, which I further utilized and enhanced during my time at each organization I joined later. These early experiences taught me the importance of ethical practices, strategic foresight, and a strong sense of responsibility, all of which have shaped my business approach. I believe that success is built on the pillars of integrity, transparency, and a professional commitment to community development.
Can you tell us about the genesis of your current business and the specific need you aimed to address?
Medallion Associates Ltd. was founded with a clear vision: to provide comprehensive real estate advisory services that bridge the gap between investors and market opportunities. With over 30 years of experience working for firms like EMAAR Properties, Dubai Properties, Sorouh Properties, Tasweek Real Estate, and Dubai Properties, I recognized a critical need for expert guidance in navigating property investments. Our mission is to deliver tailored solutions that not only optimize investment strategies but also contribute to sustainable urban growth, with a focus on sustainability and innovation.
My personal objective for Medallion is to reshape the current real estate development financial business model and fast-track the maturity of the industry by creating new real estate asset classes targeted toward the new generations.
Mr Masood Al Awar , How have your personal values influenced the way you conduct business?
Professionalism, integrity, accountability, and innovation have always been central to my personal and professional values. These principles guide every aspect of how we conduct business at Medallion Associates. Whether working in banking, government, or real estate, I have consistently prioritized transparency and accountability. By maintaining high standards of performance and embracing technological advancements, we continue to exceed client expectations and build long-term trust and relationships.
What has been the most challenging project or period in your career, and what did you learn from it?
One of the most challenging phases of my career was managing multi-billion-dollar projects at TASWEEK Real Estate during a time of market volatility following the global financial recession of 2008-2009. This experience required meticulous planning, agile decision-making, and strong stakeholder communication. It reinforced the importance of resilience and adaptability in business, teaching me that even the most difficult situations offer valuable lessons in innovation and growth.
How do you integrate new technologies or innovative practices into your business operations?
Innovation is the cornerstone of our business operations at Medallion Associates. We integrate new technologies by staying on top of industry trends and fostering a culture of continuous learning. For example, my experience with Tasweek and involvement in organizing the ‘Smart Living City’ event reflect our commitment to embracing smart city technologies. We leverage advanced data analytics, AI, and IoT solutions to enhance our service offerings and improve efficiency in real estate development and management. Looking ahead, Medallion Technologies will focus on integrating ABCD—Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Cloud Computing, and Digitization—across various industries such as education, healthcare, retail, and entertainment.
Could you share an experience where you had to pivot your business strategy dramatically?
During 2016 and 2017, when major markets altered their legislation, we had to significantly pivot our strategy at Dubai Properties. The downturn required a shift from rapid expansion to a more conservative, sustainability-focused approach. We re-evaluated our project portfolios, optimized operational efficiencies, and prioritized long-term value projects. This experience underscored the need for flexibility and strategic agility in navigating economic disruptions. We shifted our strategy from competition to collaboration, achieving tremendous results.
What role has mentorship played in your career, both as a mentor and a mentee?
Mentorship has been invaluable in my career. Participating in the HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Leadership Development Program provided me with critical insights and leadership skills. As a mentor, I am dedicated to guiding the next generation of leaders, sharing my experiences, and helping them navigate the complexities of the real estate and investment industries, which form the backbone of all other sectors. I believe mentorship fosters a mutual exchange of knowledge, benefiting both mentor and mentee.
Mr Masood Al Awar , Tell us more about your future business plans.
Looking ahead, Medallion Associates is focused on expanding its presence in emerging markets and diversifying its service offerings. We plan to leverage advancements in digital technologies to offer innovative solutions that align with global trends. Sustainable development is also a key priority, and we aim to drive growth through strategic partnerships and long-term investment opportunities that create lasting value.
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone starting out in your industry today?
For anyone entering the real estate industry today, my advice is to embrace continuous learning, cultivate resilience, and practice patience without losing focus. The market is dynamic, and keeping up with the latest trends and technologies is critical. Build a strong network, seek mentorship, and always conduct business with integrity. Above all, stay focused on adding genuine value to your clients and the community.
Conclusion:
Masood Al Awar is a visionary leader whose dedication to innovation, sustainability, and ethical business practices continues to shape the real estate and investment industries. His insights offer invaluable lessons for both emerging and established professionals, as he emphasizes the importance of professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to long-term value creation. As he leads Medallion Associates into the future, his focus on strategic growth and technological advancement will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the sector.
