‘Gold is nothing in front of real estate’: Tariq Zekra on Abu Dhabi’s booming market and why Yas and Saadiyat Islands lead the ROI race

Tariq Zekra, a seasoned real estate professional with 25 years of experience in Abu Dhabi, emphasizes that real estate investments provide more value than gold. He argues that while gold can be quickly bought and sold, real estate offers flexibility through renting, selling, and building a diversified investment portfolio. Zekra believes that properties can be held, rented, and sold, allowing investors to build a broader investment portfolio.

When it comes to investing in Abu Dhabi, he recommends focusing on Yas Island for those with a budget of Dh3 million and Saadiyat Island for those with a Dh10 million budget. These islands are at the forefront of Abu Dhabi's property market due to their broader ecosystem and potential for high returns. Zekra's perspective reflects the broader trend in Abu Dhabi's residential market, with both islands being prominent choices for investment.

With over two decades of experience, Zekra is a prominent figure on social media, using his platform to educate potential buyers and investors about the Abu Dhabi real estate market. He has amassed over 400,000 followers on Instagram, where he shares valuable insights and helps people understand the market better. Zekra acknowledges Dubai's global standing in real estate but believes Abu Dhabi is carving its own path, growing at its own pace and under the leadership of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

He believes that Abu Dhabi's deliberate approach to growth does not mean it should be small. Instead, the emirate is focusing on becoming a leader in all aspects of real estate. Zekra's rise on social media mirrors the growth of Abu Dhabi's property market. About 13 years ago, he began using social media to increase visibility for the Abu Dhabi real estate market, inspired by Dubai's example.

Initially, his social media presence had only 250 followers, but today he has a substantial following. He emphasizes the importance of using social media not just to sell properties but to provide value and education to his audience. His content focuses on the fundamentals of investing in Abu Dhabi, explaining why, how, and the benefits of investing in the market.

Zekra advises aspiring real estate influencers to prioritize education over sales, as people are interested in learning about the benefits of investing in Abu Dhabi.