SILVIA ELDAWI: PROPTECH TRENDS & WHAT’S NEXT FOR 2025

Affectionately known as the golden girl of real estate, Silvia Eldawi, founder of Propologi and host of the fastest-growing real estate show in the region, Golden Nuggets podcast, sat down with CityscapeWIRE to discuss how proptech is still a massive opportunity and why leveraging technology and data-driven solutions is crucial to staying ahead of the curve.

Why did you start the Golden Nuggets podcast, and what impact has it had on the real estate community?

Starting Golden Nuggets was about creating an edutainment platform where real conversations in real estate could happen, especially with the biggest names shaping the industry. I wanted to spotlight the experiences, insights, and lessons that often get missed and give the ecosystem an opportunity to learn from the very best. The impact has been incredible—it’s become a go-to resource for aspiring agents and seasoned professionals alike. People tell me they walk away from each episode with actionable advice, fresh perspectives, and a better understanding of the industry. It’s been rewarding to see how it's helped build a more informed real estate community.

What are some of the highlights and key takeaways you’ve gained from the Golden Nuggets podcast?

One of the biggest highlights has been the privilege of sharing the untold stories of some of the most influential figures in the real estate world. Each guest brings their own unique perspective, and I’ve learned so much from their journeys.

A key takeaway is the importance of adaptability—whether it’s embracing new technologies or navigating market shifts, the best in the business is always evolving. Another big one is the emphasis on personal branding. In real estate, people aren’t just buying properties—they’re buying trust, and how you present yourself matters. Finally, teamwork and collaboration are central. No matter how successful someone is, they always credit their team and the characters around them for getting them there. It’s these golden nuggets of wisdom that I love sharing to inspire the community.

You’re passionate about mentoring. Tell us about the mentorship programmes and initiatives you’re involved in and why they’re important to you.

I’ve been fortunate to work with, and for, some brilliant people throughout my career, and giving back by guiding the next generation feels like a natural progression. I’m involved in several mentorship programmes, both in real estate and broader entrepreneurship spaces, where I focus on advising aspiring agents and proptech start-up founders to reach their goals.

For me, mentorship is about more than just advice—it’s about empowerment, confidence-building, and making the best possible connections and introductions across my vast global network. It’s a way of paying it forward and strengthening the industry as a whole.

What trends have you observed in the residential and commercial property market, and how will they impact 2025?

Drawing from the insights shared on the show, all the indicators point to a continuation in 2025 of this year’s growing demand for luxury homes, especially from international buyers. Dubai, in particular, continues to be a magnet for high-net-worth individuals, which is driving demand for premium properties. There’s also a strong focus on sustainability, with developers incorporating more eco-friendly features and community living.

On the commercial side, occupancy is at an all-time high, and new supply is rare to come by. The commercial sector is calling out for more development to keep up. Compared to the expected number of residential units being handed over in the next few years, we’re seeing a growing gap when it comes to commercial real estate. Developers need to match the pace of residential expansion by focusing on innovative, adaptable commercial projects that will serve the needs of businesses in this evolving market. If this balance isn’t struck, it could lead to supply shortages and missed opportunities in the commercial sector.

Looking towards 2025, I think we’ll see continued demand for high-end residential properties and more tech-driven developments in both sectors. Overall, innovation and sustainability will be the key drivers shaping the market moving forward.

Looking at proptech, are MENA property owners making the most of it? If not, what advice do you have for them?

Proptech is a massive opportunity, and I’m excited that Dubai is well on its way to becoming the Silicon Valley of proptech innovation. My advice to property owners is to stay ahead of the curve by actively engaging with their service providers about the tech they’re using. Don’t be afraid to ask detailed questions—find out how they’re leveraging technology and, most importantly, how these solutions will benefit you as the customer.

Whether it’s through automation that reduces manual processes, data-driven insights that help you make better decisions, or enhanced communication systems, it’s crucial to understand the value that technology brings to the table. By having these conversations, you can ensure that your service providers are staying innovative and that you’re getting the most out of their tech offerings. In such a fast-paced market, those who are proactive in adopting tech will be best positioned to thrive.

What can we expect from Propologi in 2025?

2025 is set to be a transformative year, with the rollout of an exclusive members-only community where industry professionals can access educational content, network, and share best practices. The Golden Nuggets brand is also expanding, with interviews in more cities and the addition of new show themes. It's all about enriching the conversation and keeping our audience thoroughly 'edutained.'

On a personal note, I’ll be diving deeper into advisory roles and investments within the proptech space, with some exciting announcements on the horizon.

Teneshia Naidoo | Nov 11, 2024