LATIFA BIN HAIDER: REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT FOR ALL

In a sector often reserved for the wealthy and experienced, Latifa Bin Haider is pioneering a new, accessible approach to real estate investment.

Latifa Bin Haider is a social entrepreneur who uses her education and passion for community service to launch impactful initiatives, including Mental Health AE and Baytukum, which focus on mental health awareness and democratising real estate investment. Her ventures have gained recognition for their innovative approaches, earning her multiple awards and significant media coverage, while empowering diverse communities across the UAE and beyond.

Latifa sits down with Cityscape to discuss her passion for democratising real estate investment and making it more accessible to a wider audience. She delves into how her platform empowers investors with valuable insights, while reflecting on key milestones in her inspiring career.

Tell us why you started Baytukum, where did the idea come from? What gap in the market do you think it fills currently?

The idea for Baytukum came from speaking with thousands of people and understanding their needs. I kept hearing the same concerns repeatedly: a lack of large capital, no prior experience in investing, fears of getting scammed, and having no time to manage an investment. These were the problems that motivated me to start Baytukum. I saw a significant gap for a platform that could allow individuals to make smaller, manageable investments in real estate without needing to buy an entire property. Baytukum fills this gap by providing a solution that democratises real estate investment, enabling anyone to become an investor with minimal funds and ensuring that their investment is secure and well-managed.

Baytukum is described as empowering people from diverse backgrounds to take steps towards financial prosperity. Tell us why this is so important to you and the team behind Baytukum and how you have successfully managed to achieve it over the last few years.

Financial empowerment is core to Baytukum’s mission. We believe that everyone, regardless of their background, should have the opportunity to invest in their future. Through our platform, we provide micro-investment opportunities, allowing people from various financial situations to take their first steps in real estate. By combining education and personalised support, we help people understand the value of investing and give them the confidence to take control of their finances. Over the years, we've successfully grown a strong community of investors who now feel empowered and secure in their financial decisions.

What would you say has been the biggest highlight of your career to date?

One of the biggest highlights of my career has been the successful launch and growth of Baytukum. Watching the platform transform people's lives by providing them with the means to invest in real estate, many for the first time, has been incredibly rewarding. Seeing the platform grow into a trusted source of financial security for thousands of people has been a defining moment. It’s been inspiring to witness the support from our investors and how our platform has fostered a new generation of confident property investors.

Why do you think property is the perfect avenue for first-time investors in the UAE and how does it contribute towards financial independence and education?

Property is a tangible, stable asset, making it an ideal investment for first-time investors in the UAE. Real estate offers long-term returns, both in terms of property appreciation and rental income, which helps individuals grow their wealth over time. The UAE’s thriving market also offers excellent conditions for investment. Property ownership fosters financial independence by encouraging individuals to plan for the future and diversify their assets. Through Baytukum, we provide the education and tools necessary for first-time investors to make informed decisions, ensuring they feel empowered as they begin their investment journey.

What does the future have in store for Baytukum?

The future of Baytukum is centred around expansion and global outreach. I want to attract more international investors to the platform, enabling them to be part of the UAE’s growing real estate market. By doing so, we’ll not only enhance the UAE’s economy but also provide people around the world with opportunities to diversify their income streams. Our goal is to continue closing the gap and democratising access to real estate investment on a global scale, helping individuals create multiple sources of income and grow their wealth through property investments, no matter where they are.

Teneshia Naidoo | Sep 17, 2024