Words by: Lisa Amnegard
Podcast link: Eman Taha, CEO of London Gate
Dubai is no stranger to bold real estate ventures. Yet, in an industry where competition is fierce and reputations take decades to build, one name has risen to prominence in record time: Eman Taha, the CEO of London Gate.
Balancing her roles as a trailblazing entrepreneur and a mother of three, Taha embodies resilience and innovation. You just have to look at her recent track record to realise that one of the world’s most sought-after property markets has a major new player to contend with.
In just six months of launching in Dubai, Taha turned her fledgling business into a juggernaut, selling out projects, forging strategic global partnerships, and setting new standards for luxury living.
“London Gate is fueled by diversity, innovation, and a ceaseless quest for the extraordinary,” Taha told Property Time Magazine. Her vision draws inspiration from London, a city where the past and present coexist, tradition meets bold innovation, and creativity knows no boundaries — a philosophy that has guided her transformation of Dubai’s real estate landscape.
Her vision has resonated with investors worldwide. In 2023, the company sold out four major high-end projects — Nadine I & II, Maya V, Eman Jacoub and Summit,—positioning herself as one of Dubai’s most promising new developers. In 2024, Taha branched out to the demand of branded residences, announcing a strategic partnership with luxury Swiss watchmaker, Frank Muller.
The flagship project, Franck Muller Aeternitas Tower, is not only poised to become the world’s tallest residential clock tower but also sold out within the first 90 days. Adding to this success, London Gate recently announced its second collaboration with the watchmaker: the Franck Muller Vanguard Tower. The new project will feature 722 meticulously designed residences, ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments. Inspired by the bold lines and innovative craftsmanship of the Franck Muller Vanguard watch collection, the tower promises a blend of sophistication, modernity and sweeping views of Dubai Marina.
For Taha, it has been a relentless drive for success, and a remarkably short journey to the top. But you get the feeling she is only just getting started. In an exclusive interview, the female CEO reveals how her visionary leadership and commitment to excellence are set to propel London Gate to new heights of the luxury real estate market.
Tell us about your personal journey into real estate?
We are a family business, therefore my background stems from family business engagements in several industries. Living in a dynamic market like Dubai, where real estate is booming, gave me and my family the inspiration to start our real estate development business.
What was the vision behind London Gate?
Our real estate vision started in 2007 when we began constructing buildings for leases. The vision developed in 2014 when we entered the development industry, creating projects worldwide.
We aim to build distinguished, elegant living spaces that set new benchmarks for the Dubai skyline. This includes branded residences and iconic apartment towers in coveted locations across Dubai, such as Dubai Marina, Al Furjan, Jumeirah Village, and Sports City.
London Gate entered Dubai’s real estate market as a new developer, was it challenging to make a mark on the Dubai property scene?
Yes, making a mark on Dubai’s property scene presents several significant challenges, such as intense competition, market saturation, and volatility. But because we have the opportunity to set new benchmarks for construction quality and project delivery in the market, we are making it happen.
As a new developer, London Gate aims to bring innovative design concepts and fresh approaches to property development that could further diversify Dubai’s architectural landscape. We want to contribute to Dubai’s real estate industry by developing extraordinary properties that meet international standards and attract global investors.
Tell us what made you decide to collaborate with Franck Muller and what did you want to achieve with this project?
This collaboration merges architectural excellence with luxury timepiece design sensibilities. The development aims to establish new benchmarks in luxury living by combining the design philosophies and prestigious reputations of both London Gate and Franck Muller. For Franck Muller, a leading name in luxury watchmaking for decades, this project marks their debut in real estate development.
Our landmark project, the Aeternitas Tower, will not only transform Dubai’s skyline but also set new global standards for luxury living. It will offer residents exceptional views and an unprecedented living experience that embodies the prestige of both brands.
Branded residences are quickly becoming popular here in Dubai. What do you believe is driving this growth?
I believe that investors are approaching branded residences in Dubai with a dual strategy—both for investment and living purposes. Most buyers see these properties as substantial investment opportunities due to their higher appreciation potential and premium rental yields. However, some clients become end-users as the premium amenities and lifestyle offerings attract them.
As a real estate developer, London Gate’s main priority is to offer extraordinary and unique living experiences. Our branded residences ensure that brand values are accurately represented and maintained throughout, from A to Z.
What kinds of buyer or investor trends are you observing in Dubai’s real estate market, and how are these shaping development decisions?
Dubai’s real estate sector has witnessed several emerging trends driven by local and international buyer and investor behaviours in recent years. These trends are shaping decisions in property development like: demand for luxury and super-luxury properties, shift toward sustainable and green developments, rising interest in Off-Plan projects and focus on integrated communities.
We can all agree that Dubai’s real estate market is evolving rapidly. Hence, we at London Gate are responding by creating a diverse range of properties that cater to all clientele. The future of Dubai’s real estate market seems set to be shaped by both the city’s continued global appeal and its ability to adapt to shifting buyer preferences and demographic trends.
With the expectation that the number of branded residence projects in Dubai will double by 2030, how is London Gate positioning itself to stay ahead of the curve?
In a crowded market, customers and investors will look for niche projects that will become part of Dubai’s iconic skyline. Our calling card is our commitment to quality, on-time delivery, and excellence. We aim to make our mark by becoming the providers of iconic and extraordinary projects.
London Gate has already set the standard and consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in luxury real estate with Franck Muller Aeternitas Tower and Franck Muller Vanguard Tower.
You have several successful projects under your belt now, what are the future plans for London Gate?
We are committed to bringing extraordinary residential projects to Dubai by rolling out exclusive properties worth over AED 8 billion in the next two years. UAE will continue to be a key focus for our business. Dubai is a glorious real estate hub that continues to attract the right investors.
It’s not quite common for females to take on CEO positions in real estate, have you experienced any challenges as a female property developer?
Of course, being a female CEO in this male-dominated field has challenges; however, these obstacles only motivated me to work harder to prove myself. For me, leadership is difficult for both men and women, but it is innovation and vision that truly define success, not gender.
Over the years, we’ve seen a significant rise in women playing influential roles in real estate. How do you see women contributing to shaping the future of this sector?
Women have increasingly been playing pivotal roles in shaping the future of the real estate sector. For me, through their leadership, innovative ideas, and commitment to sustainability and inclusivity – women are not only contributing to the industry’s growth and diversification but are also setting the stage for a more dynamic, responsible, and inclusive real estate landscape moving forward.
You’ve recently won awards for London Gate. Can you share what this recognition signifies for you and how you intend to use this success to drive future initiatives for London Gate?
Any recognition for London Gate represents a powerful validation of our team’s dedication to excellence and innovation. Most importantly, it reinforces our responsibility to continue raising the bar in everything we do. They’re not just awards – they’re a challenge to push further in our pursuit of excellence.
