I believe failure is only failure if you repeat the same mistake twice without learning or adjusting. Failing once and then changing course isn’t failure at all – it’s growth, resilience, and often the foundation of eventual success.
This week’s Founder Friday profiles Nahi Beaini, the Sydney-based entrepreneur whose family investment experience in Dubai sparked the creation of Dubai Property Playground.
Why this matters: With Australians holding $4.3 trillion in overseas investments and Dubai property prices rising 20% in 2024, specialised advisory services are becoming crucial for navigating cross-border investment challenges.
Beaini’s journey began with personal experience rather than market research. “Having invested in Dubai myself with my family, I experienced firsthand the difference between precincts with strong growth potential and those at risk of oversupply,” he explains.
That firsthand knowledge proved valuable timing. Dubai’s real estate market achieved exceptional milestones in 2024, with the sector recording 217,000 investments valued at AED526 billion, reflecting impressive growth rates of 38% and 27% in number and value respectively.
The market opportunity coincides with broader Australian investment trends. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that Australians collectively held more than A$4.3 trillion in overseas investments as of December 2024.
Market Gap
Beaini identified what he saw as a fundamental problem in Dubai’s property sector. “Most agents in Dubai are focused on quick sales, not on what Australian investors genuinely need,” he notes. “That insight highlighted a clear gap in the market.”
The numbers support his observation about Dubai’s appeal to international investors. Dubai’s residential market retained its upward trajectory, with average sales prices rising by 20% in 2024 to AED 1,597 per sq ft, with sales transaction volumes surging to unprecedented levels.
For Australian investors specifically, Dubai offers compelling fundamentals. Dubai tends to have higher yields (6-8% on average) compared to Australian metropolitan markets, making it an attractive diversification option.
Transparent approach
Dubai Property Playground differentiates itself through what Beaini calls a “true buyer’s agent” model rather than a sales-driven approach. “We focus on transparent, independent advice tailored to long-term investor goals,” he says.
The company’s end-to-end service model spans initial consultations through to due diligence, financing, legal checks, post-purchase management, and Golden Visa applications. Importantly for client acquisition, their fees are covered by developer commissions, meaning “investors only pay for the property itself, removing barriers to entry.”
This approach addresses what Beaini sees as systemic issues in the market. “While competitors rely on outdated, sales-driven models, we position Dubai Property Playground as the bridge between Australia and what many are calling the ‘next Singapore.'”
Future focus
Personal experience beats theory. Invest in what you know and surround yourself with trusted advisors to avoid costly mistakes
Looking ahead, Beaini’s strategy centres on education and relationship building. “In a market where confidence is often lacking, acting as a true advisor transforms one-time buyers into long-term partners,” he reflects.
The timing appears strategic given market forecasts. The Dubai Real Estate Market Forecast 2025 predicting 5-8% annual price growth and 7% average rental yields suggests continued momentum for the sector.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Beaini offers hard-won wisdom: “I believe failure is only failure if you repeat the same mistake twice without learning or adjusting. Failing once and then changing course isn’t failure at all – it’s growth, resilience, and often the foundation of eventual success.”
His key advice centres on authenticity and sustainability: “Personal experience beats theory. Invest in what you know and surround yourself with trusted advisors to avoid costly mistakes. Balance ambition with sustainability. Burnout is real, so prioritising wellbeing is as important as chasing big goals.”
As Dubai’s property market continues its upward trajectory and Australian investors seek international diversification, Beaini’s family-first, transparency-focused approach to cross-border property investment represents a notable evolution in how specialised advisory services are addressing the complexities of global real estate investment.
This Founder Friday feature is part of our ongoing series profiling innovative Australian entrepreneurs making their mark in global markets.
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