Forbes Top Advisors & Investors Summit

How Real Estate Drives Investment and Economic Growth

On 10^th and 11^th February 2026, various industry leaders, policymakers, business community, as well as financial experts met at the Forbes Middle East Investors Summit to discuss a number of topics, one of them being the role of real estate in the economy, moderated by Vertix Auditing’s Audit Partner Amer Al Ahbabi.

The panel members explained in detail that real estate has so much potential which is often unknown to the people. It is not about buying or holding. Now, it has become a powerful tool for economic growth. Last but not least, it also immensely helps with financial stability of the country.

The session was moderated by Amer Al Ahbabi, the Chairman of Vertix Holdings and Vertix Auditing. He expertly conducted the session and brought out some sharp insights from the panel. The panel included:

• Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq)
• Mohamed Al Musharrkh, CEO of the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah)
• Jamie O’Mahony, Group CFO of Property Finder

The panel highlighted the fact that modern real estate projects don’t just mean building houses or offices. Now, it is increasingly becoming more close to tourism, technology, sustainability, and urban planning. In simple words, these types of projects are the backbone of national progress.

If you are looking for ways to balance your investments and reduce risk, real estate is always considered a solid option. The key factor of real estate is that it effectively helps in protecting against inflation. Another key point discussed during the session was how real estate in the UAE is benefiting investors due to positive working relationship between private sector and the Government. Supportive rules in UAE and the region are making it easier to invest across borders and develop projects that support long-term and sustainable growth.

Amer Al Ahbabi kept the conversation on track as the moderator. He highlighted that without transparency, solid governance, security, and investor friendly Government policies, no sector can grow including real estate, and UAE is one of the very few countries that poses all these qualities.

The panel came to the conclusion that real estate will remain a key factor and like a car engine for economic growth, especially when it is supported by solid financial management, innovation, and sustainability.