“Leading with Vision: The Woman Redefining Kuwait’s Real Estate”
We are honoured to introduce Sabeekah Al-Bahar, a trailblazer in the Kuwaiti real estate industry and the visionary founder of Sabeekah Al-Bahar Brokerage Real Estate Co. With over 25 years of experience, Sabeekah has not only carved a niche for herself in a traditionally male-dominated field but has also redefined the standards of excellence in both residential and commercial real estate. Her journey from a young woman navigating the challenges of a male-dominated industry to becoming a respected leader and entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring. Sabeekah’s unique approach to real estate, driven by her deep understanding of market dynamics and her unwavering commitment to her clients, has positioned her as a force to be reckoned with in Kuwait’s evolving real estate landscape. In this conversation, Sabeekah shares her insights on the future of real estate in Kuwait, the lessons she has learned along the way, and her advice for aspiring professionals, particularly women, aiming to make their mark in the industry. Join us as we delve into the mind of a woman who is not just a real estate expert but also a symbol of strength, confidence, and unstoppable ambition.
Please introduce yourself to our readers briefly.
My name is Sabeekah Al Bahar, and I am the owner and founder of Sabeekah Al Bahar Brokerage Real Estate Co.
I am a real estate expert with over 25 years of experience as a certified broker in the real estate market.
I deal with both residential and commercial real estate, managing corporate real estate portfolios, as well as renting, buying, and selling a variety of properties.
Tell us about your education.
I studied Hospitality Management at the American University in Cairo.
What inspired your initial interest in real estate?
I have a great passion for the real estate industry, and I strongly believe that I can take on the challenge of leasing, selling, or managing any property. My real estate expertise has developed over more than 25 years of hard work, involving various types of projects and investors. Additionally, in the brokerage field, one must be adept at dealing with brokers and ensuring that the work progresses in one’s favour.
Can you share some key lessons from your upbringing or early life that have influenced your approach to business and leadership?
When I was a teenager, my mother used to send me to a boarding school during the summer, where I encountered a diverse range of international studies. This experience taught me how to be more adaptable, career-driven, and determined to achieve my goals, regardless of the challenges we face in our career paths and life.
How do you balance your professional life with your personal life, especially with the demands of managing a successful real estate portfolio?
My husband is my number one supporter, and my children feel proud when they see my success. Their support strengthens me and drives me to strive for even greater achievements.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work that helps you recharge and stay motivated?
I enjoy networking, being active in associations, and attending business events. I am a member of the American Business Council, the American Women’s Society, the British Business Forum, and the Kuwait Brokerage Union. In addition, I have a great passion for swimming, which helps me unwind and recharge.
Who has been the most significant influence in your life, both personally and professionally, and why?
I believe that I have been the most significant influence on myself because I have learned to develop strength and assess myself to navigate all stages of my career and life.
During your time at City Centre Kuwait, you successfully positioned Manara Mall as a community hub. What was your approach, and how did you navigate the challenges of such a transformation?
During my final journey at City Hypermarket (previously City Centre), I was tasked with leasing their first real estate commercial complex, Manara Mall, located in the Shuwaikh industrial area. At that time, the Ghazali Road construction was not yet completed; it was finished just two weeks before COVID-19 hit. Since we had City Hyper, Daiso, and Xcite as our anchor stores, I decided to incorporate a children’s entertainment area as an anchor element to complement the retail mix and increase footfall to the commercial project. Additionally, I positioned Manara Mall as a community hub where families could come and enjoy quality time.
From there, the retail mix strategy began to take shape. We added F&B elements, placing them next to Cozmo Kids so that children could play and dine. We also included Intersport as a semi-anchor tenant, along with booths, MINISO, and Costa Coffee.
In essence, the retail mix strategy was successful, as we brought in well-established franchises and brands.
With your extensive experience in real estate, how do you see the Kuwaiti real estate market evolving in the next 5-10 years?
Kuwait has great potential for growth, particularly in the development of entertainment, residential, and cultural commercial sectors. I believe that this growth could be more successful if the government pursued PPP (Public-Private Partnership) initiatives with real estate development companies, allowing private companies to lead government projects.
What are some of the unique challenges you face as a female leader in the real estate industry, and how do you navigate them?
One of the most challenging aspects was being a young female in a male-dominated industry when I first started working for a major real estate company. Many of my male colleagues did not take me seriously, but I managed to break into this male-dominated world by approaching real estate in a unique manner and developing a different methodology for the leasing industry.
By understanding international brokerage strategies and ways of thinking, I created a distinct approach.
Now, after establishing my own real estate brokerage company, I am facing a new challenge. I decided to collaborate with another brokerage company, Al Boom Real Estate, owned by my close friend Jihan Marafie, to work together as a strong team. This partnership helps us to prevent tricks and scams in the market by securing direct business opportunities, which she then channels to the right investor.
You recently founded your own real estate brokerage company. What motivated you to take this entrepreneurial leap, and what are your goals for this new venture?
I was motivated by my desire to pursue different goals within the real estate profession and to build a comprehensive career under my own name, as I have become well-known in the market. I also wanted to balance short-term achievements, such as renting commercial and residential properties, with long-term aspirations, like closing and selling major deals. This balanced approach is key not only to surviving but thriving in the competitive real estate landscape.
Can you share a recent success story from your brokerage that exemplifies your approach to real estate?
In a short time since I established my company this June, I managed to sign an exclusive contract with an investor to market and lease his commercial properties. Today, I have three commercial properties directly listed under my real estate portfolio, along with direct investment listings. Another achievement is that all the properties I manage are directly from individual investors or well-established real estate companies.
How do you stay ahead of market changes and ensure that your marketing and leasing strategies remain effective and innovative?
The real estate industry in Kuwait is highly competitive. One way to stand out and dominate the local market is by securing exclusive projects. Additionally, it’s crucial to use unique approaches and solutions tailored to your investors’ needs, whether they are buying, selling, or renting. I also identify and define the buyer’s persona—the ideal client profile for the purchase or rental of a particular property. By collecting and analysing this data, your investors will trust you and confidently engage with you.
What are some of your other hobbies?
I love swimming in the sea and maintaining an active lifestyle that adds value to my life.
Your favourite travel destination? And why?
The Netherlands, because my children participate in horseback training and show jumping competitions there.
Your favourite quote(s)?
“I never lose, I either win or learn.” — Nelson Mandela
What is your motto in life?
I am strong, I am confident, and I am unstoppable.
With your background in marketing and business development, how do you integrate these skills into your current real estate ventures?
I love this question, as no one has ever asked me about how I use marketing tools to benefit the real estate sector. For example, if I have a new commercial or residential project under construction, I study all aspects of the project, including its elements and conduct a SWOT analysis. I also examine the geographic location, accessibility, and the demographics surrounding the project, as well as the potential demographics that will be attracted to it. From there, I begin building an identity for the project by launching the appropriate marketing campaigns, identifying the right type of investors, and determining the best social media platforms or events needed to create awareness.
What advice would you give to young professionals, especially women, who aspire to build a career in real estate and property management?
I’m here to offer you full support and guidance.
Your message for us at CP magazine?
I would like to express special thanks to the CEO, Mr. Jameel Arif, and the team at CP for this wonderful opportunity. I am grateful for the excellent coverage. Thank you, CP, for such a fantastic experience.
Art Direction: Jameel Arif (@jameelarif)
Styling: Fatema Al-Jutaili (@f_jay23)
Photographer: Gorgy (@gorgy_8)
Hair Stylist: Mariya Matveychuk (@mariya_matveychuk) at (@beautybarmm)
Makeup: (@beautybarmm)
