DUBAI: Real estate investment—across both residential and commercial segments—remains a dependable avenue for returns, said Pakistani exhibitors participating at the International Property Show (IPS) in Dubai. The event provided them with a platform to forge connections and ink collaborations with global developers.
Among the featured developments were several Defence Housing Authority (DHA) projects from Pakistan.
Chaudhary Azhar Munir, Administrator of DHA Quetta, highlighted to Business Recorder that “the real estate market in Quetta, along with the broader Pakistani sector, holds immense promise for international developers and investors.”
Covering nearly 19,000 acres, DHA Quetta is strategically situated near Quetta International Airport and accommodates both residential and commercial zones.
Munir also shared that 600 acres are “specifically designated for an economic zone,” which offers convenient connectivity to Gwadar and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
He expressed interest in collaborating with Chinese firms for the establishment of a solar park within DHA Quetta, aiming to deliver a greener, cost-effective, and sustainable energy source.
At the IPS, Munir’s focus was on attracting developers willing to construct homes within DHA schemes.
He explained, “Based on an international feasibility report, projections show that Quetta will require around one million residential units by 2042, driven by population growth and increasing urbanisation.”
Day one of the three-day property show proved fruitful for DHA Quetta as it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a UAE-based company. While Munir didn’t disclose the company’s identity, he did mention the owner’s intent to visit Pakistan soon.
This isn’t the first foreign interest in DHA Quetta. Qatari firm Metas Trading Ltd. has already developed several properties, a sign of international trust in the Quetta market, according to Munir.
From Punjab, DHA Gujranwala was represented by Ehtesham Fiaz, General Manager at Rana Estate & Builders, a DHA-registered dealership.
“DHA Gujranwala sits at the heart of a golden triangle,” Fiaz explained, citing the neighboring industrial cities of Sialkot, Gujarat, and Mandi Bahauddin.
According to him, this makes the project an attractive opportunity for overseas investors.
Spanning 9,500 acres, the development is seen as an ideal residential hub for entrepreneurs seeking to relocate or expand business operations in Pakistan. Fiaz added that about 40% of two sectors within Phase I are already developed and inhabited, sparking strong interest at the IPS.
While most DHA booths showcased residential and commercial ventures, the Malir Industrial Park—unveiled in December 2024—focused solely on attracting industrial stakeholders.
The 2,200-acre gated park, a project by the Pakistan Economic Zone Development & Management Company, was represented by Chief Engineer Col. (R) Atif Gulzar Shaikh.
According to Shaikh, the park is well-placed with access to two major highways and Karachi’s ports. It aims to deliver premium industrial services with sector-specific clusters to enhance collaboration. “We’re here to gain global exposure for our project,” he said. “Our goal is to highlight that this industrial zone is underway.”
The park boasts modern infrastructure, added Shaikh.
“We will ensure top-tier roads and utility networks,” he said. “Our vision is to create a sustainable industrial space aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. No waste will exit the premises untreated.”
Visitors to IPS appeared impressed by the offerings.
Bee Mearini, head of commercial at Dubai’s Elite Property, said the park’s location appealed to her clients sourcing raw materials from Pakistan for manufacturing in the UAE.
She added that the IPS is an excellent space to network with peers and discover developers. “For buyers exploring off-plan options, this is the place—it’s packed with choices,” she said.
Held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from April 14–16, the 21st edition of the International Property Show brought together over 300 exhibitors from 85 countries and expected a turnout exceeding 25,000 visitors.
The event coincided with the launch of the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033. This initiative aims to position Dubai as a global real estate capital by boosting transparency, embracing innovation, and cultivating a cohesive and sustainable investment ecosystem.
Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director-General of the Dubai Land Department, commented that the show signifies growing investor confidence in Dubai’s property landscape.
Pakistani nationals ranked among the top five real estate buyers in Dubai in 2024, as per data from property consultancy Better Homes.
