1. Let’s rewind a little—what was the spark that set this journey in motion for you? Was it a moment, a mission, or maybe a bit of both?
Answer: It really started with watching my father build his life here in Dubai back in the 1980s. He came from Pakistan with ambition and resilience, and established our family’s textile business in Dubai. That early exposure taught me the value of vision, discipline, and building something lasting.
After completing my education in the U.S., I moved to Dubai in 2005 and immediately felt a sense of purpose here. That same year, I founded Rijas Investments, which quickly gained recognition—by 2006, we were featured on national and international platforms for our success in real estate investment. I spent over a decade running that company, understanding markets, client behavior, and the power of long-term value.
In 2016, I transitioned from investing in properties to developing them—and that was the true spark for Rijas Development. It was no longer about returns alone; it became about shaping communities. I still remember walking through what is now our Majan project site—just empty land at the time—but I could clearly envision families growing, living, and thriving there. That’s when it clicked: we’re not in the business of building structures. We’re in the business of building dreams.
From delivering ACES Château in JVC to our collaboration with Dusit International on the DusitPrincess Suites, every project is a reflection of that deeper mission. We’re not just handing over property—we’re handing over potential, legacy, and lifestyle. That’s the foundation this journey was built on, and what drives me every single day.
2. Every leader has a North Star. What’s the core vision that keeps you and your company moving forward—even on the hard days?
Answer: Every leader is guided by a North Star—and for me, it’s the vision of creating something timeless: spaces that don’t just house people, but elevate their lives. At Rijas Development, we believe in purposeful development, in crafting environments where lifestyles flourish, communities thrive, and legacies are nurtured.
Even when the days are long and the challenges weigh heavy, what keeps us moving is that unwavering belief that we’re building more than just structures—we’re building meaning. We're guided by design excellence, innovation, and integrity, using tools like AI and smart CRM systems not for show, but to serve—to deepen human connection and deliver true value.
As Allama Iqbal said, 'Sitaron se aage jahan aur bhi hain'—there are worlds beyond the stars. That verse reflects our spirit. We’re not content with what's been done. We’re driven by what’s possible. Our North Star is not a destination—it’s a journey to redefine what real estate can be, to dream boldly, and to build a future where people don’t just live—but live inspired.
3. What was the first real “this is working” moment for you? A turning point that validated the path you’re on.
Answer: The true 'this is working' moment for me wasn't just one event—it was a journey unfolding in phases, each validating the next. I started from my family’s textile business, which taught me the fundamentals of trade, value creation, and long-term thinking. That foundation led me to launch Rijas Investments in 2005, where I built a strong presence in the property investment sector.
But the real transformation came in 2016, when I transitioned from investor to developer. That’s when Rijas Development was born—not just as a company, but as a vision to create lifestyle-driven real estate that goes beyond the conventional. Since then, we’ve delivered several landmark projects—both independently and through joint ventures.
One of the most defining moments has been our strategic partnership with Dusit International, a globally respected 5-star hospitality brand. Together, we’re rolling out premium projects across Dubai—from Dubai Islands to Majan and JVC—and extending our footprint internationally to Kensington, London.
The turning point, for me, is witnessing that what once lived in vision—what I used to imagine in drawings and dreams—is now standing tall in bricks and glass. Aligning with global hospitality standards, launching luxury developments, and seeing people live, thrive, and belong in the spaces we envisioned—that’s when I knew: this is not just working, this is legacy in the making.
4.You’ve undoubtedly faced tough calls. Can you walk us through one challenge that tested you—and what it taught you about leadership?
Answer: In leadership, challenges aren’t rare—they’re constant companions. But what defines you is how you respond to them, and who you have beside you. One of the most defining challenges I’ve faced wasn’t a single event—it’s the everyday responsibility of steering a vision through shifting markets, timelines, and expectations.
Real estate is a complex, long-game industry. From navigating regulatory hurdles to managing joint ventures and ensuring quality at every phase—each day presents a new layer of decision-making. What tested me most was not the scale of any one obstacle, but the persistence required to overcome them—without losing sight of the bigger picture.
What kept us grounded, and what I consider one of our greatest strengths, is our long-standing team—people who’ve been part of this journey for years. Their dedication, resilience, and shared belief in what we’re building has been nothing short of extraordinary. Together, we’ve treated every challenge as another milestone, not a setback.
What it taught me is this: Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it's about having the right people around you, staying consistent in your values, and being calm when everything else is moving fast. It’s about leading with clarity, and remembering that every project we deliver is the result of collective perseverance."
5.If we peeked behind the curtain, what kind of culture have you intentionally built within the company? And what role does your leadership play in shaping it?
Answer: At Rijas Development, we've been very deliberate in shaping a culture rooted in ownership, innovation, and integrity. I believe a strong culture doesn’t happen by chance—it’s built by design and lived by example. From day one, I’ve aimed to cultivate an environment where every team member feels empowered to think beyond boundaries, take responsibility, and stay committed to excellence. My leadership philosophy centers around accessibility and trust. I lead with clarity and consistency, but also with empathy—because people thrive when they feel valued and understood. Whether it's through transparent communication, recognizing contributions, or encouraging calculated risk-taking, I make it a priority to ensure our culture inspires both performance and purpose. Ultimately, the goal is to build not just great projects, but a great team behind them.
6.The industry’s shifting fast—tech, consumer behavior, global markets. What trends are you watching closely, and how is your company preparing for what’s next?
Answer: The real estate industry is evolving rapidly—driven by technology, shifting consumer expectations, and global economic dynamics. At Rijas Development, we’re not just watching these trends—we're actively shaping our strategy around them.
AI adoption is one of our core focus areas. We’re integrating artificial intelligence across various functions—from CRM systems that enhance client interaction and predictive market analysis, to project management tools that streamline execution. Technology isn’t a buzzword for us—it’s embedded into how we operate, scale, and lead.
At the same time, we’re aligning our developments with global luxury standards. Our partnership with Dusit International, a respected 5-star hospitality group, is a testament to that. Together, we're delivering high-end projects across Dubai Islands, Majan, JVC, and now Kensington, London. One of our key projects—Dusit Princess Suites—is due for completion this year, featuring 274 luxury suites and 60,000 sq. ft. of prime commercial and lifestyle amenities.
Currently, Rijas holds over 1.2 million sq. ft. under development, with a bold but strategic plan to expand to 5 million sq. ft. within the next two years. The value of our active development portfolio now exceeds AED 1.5 billion, and we’re just getting started.
A major milestone ahead is our entry into the financial markets. We’re in discussions with underwriters and Nasdaq Dubai to launch our own sukuk product, a move that reflects our maturity as a brand and our ambition to create new financing channels while remaining Sharia-compliant and investor-focused.
With offices in Dubai, Lahore, and now London, we’re building a global presence—and I’m proud to lead the Dubai team, backed by professionals who understand both business strategy and the power of technology to enhance productivity and growth.
In short, we’re not reacting to the future—we’re preparing for it, investing in it, and helping to define it.
7.We hear a lot about “taking risks” in business—but what does that actually look like from where you stand? Can you share a moment when you bet big, and what came of it?
Answer: Taking risks in business often sounds glamorous—but in reality, it means stepping into the unknown with no guarantees, trusting your instincts when logic tells you to play safe. For me, the biggest risk I ever took was making a complete 360-degree shift—from our established family textile business into the uncharted world of real estate investment and development.
I moved to Dubai alone, carrying the legacy of a stable, respected business—but I chose to build something of my own, something different. I started Rijas Investments in 2005, putting my own capital on the line, navigating a new industry, a new market, and an entirely new ecosystem. There were no safety nets—only vision, discipline, and sheer will.
Leaving behind the comfort of an existing business wasn’t easy. It meant long days, tough calls, and moments where doubt crept in. But I believed that every calculated risk opens the door to transformation. That belief proved right.
From a solo investor to now leading Rijas Development, with landmark projects across Dubai Islands, Majan, JVC, and even Kensington, London, and with global partners like DusitInternational, it’s been a journey of betting on the future—again and again.
The lesson? Real risk isn’t about recklessness. It’s about vision, timing, and courage. And if you believe in what you’re building—no matter how steep the climb—the reward isn’t just in what you gain, but in who you become along the way.
8.Let’s talk people. What’s your approach to building teams that not only perform but stay inspired?
Answer: For me, building a high-performing team goes far beyond hiring talent—it's about enrolling people into a vision that they believe in, one that inspires them to give their best, not because they have to, but because they want to. I’m proud to lead our Dubai team, which is made up of passionate, professional individuals who bring not only expertise, but heart and drive to everything they do.
My approach is rooted in ownership and empowerment. I treat my team members as partners in the journey—not just employees. I create space for them to grow, innovate, and think like entrepreneurs within the organization. Whether it's through challenging assignments, skill-building opportunities, or direct involvement in strategic decisions, I ensure that everyone feels invested—not just in the company's success, but in their own professional evolution.
I believe great leadership means knowing when to guide, when to challenge, and when to step back and let your people lead. I personally follow a leadership model built around three pillars: Aim, Deliver, and Move Ahead. Aim high with purpose, deliver with commitment, and always move ahead—with the lessons, not the ego.
In today’s fast-paced world, it's not just about managing teams—it's about shaping mindsets, fueling ambition, and helping people transform their vision of what's possible. That’s the culture we’ve built at Rijas Development, and it's what keeps us strong, agile, and inspired."**
9.In an era where impact matters—how does your company think about purpose beyond profit?
Answer: Profit is a natural expectation in any business—but for us at Rijas Development, it's never been the end goal. In my view, true success lies in delivering exceptional value—through services, products, and experiences that go far beyond what our clients expect. That’s what creates lasting impact.
We’re not just building properties—we're building trust. And trust is earned when people feel they’ve received more than what they paid for. Our focus is on quality, innovation, and a deep understanding of how people live, aspire, and grow.
Purpose, for us, is about creating spaces that enhance lives, not just balance sheets. When someone walks into a Rijas property, we want them to feel it—from the design detail to the lifestyle offering to the service standard. That emotional connection is our real return on investment.
This philosophy is what makes our clients stay with us, talk about us, and come back to us. That’s how a brand becomes more than a name—it becomes a promise remembered. And when your brand is remembered for delivering beyond expectations, profit naturally follows—not just once, but over generations.
10.And finally, what’s a piece of advice you often return to, or one you wish someone had told you when you were just starting out?
Anwer: One piece of advice I always return to—and wish I had fully understood when starting out—is this: Think big, stay patient, and never lose hope. Success doesn’t happen overnight. It demands consistent effort, resilience, and the courage to dream beyond limitations.
There’s a verse by Allama Iqbal that has guided me through many chapters of my journey:
'Khudi ko kar buland itna, ke har taqdeer se pehle
Khuda bande se khud pooche, bata teri raza kya hai.'
(Elevate yourself to such heights that even destiny pauses, and God Himself asks what you desire.)
This isn't just poetry—it’s a mindset. It reminds me that the universe starts aligning when your will is true and your effort is relentless. No matter the setbacks, I’ve learned to keep moving with purpose, to trust the process, and to lead with integrity.
To anyone starting out: Don’t chase shortcuts. Chase greatness. Struggle with sincerity, build with heart, and believe deeply—because when your vision is clear and your intent is honest, everything else begins to follow.