In conversation with Alex Johnson – CEO and Founder of Alexander Johnson Group

What motivated you to pursue a career in real estate? Why luxury real estate?

My journey into real estate was born out of a passion for creating value through tangible assets—the kinds of investments that don’t just sit on a balance sheet but create places where people gather, collaborate, and experience life. Early in my career, while leading a successful real estate firm in New York, I witnessed firsthand the transformational power of real estate—how the right property could uplift a business, create wealth, or serve as a legacy for future generations. But what truly drove me was the dynamism and diversity of high-end real estate, where the stakes are high, and the rewards even higher.

Luxury and commercial real estate, particularly in a market as vibrant as Dubai, offers a unique challenge—combining the ability to deliver exceptional client service, analytical expertise, and a personal understanding of what wealth means to each investor. For my high-net-worth clients, it isn’t just about acquiring property or land; it’s about securing assets that represent growth, stability, and opportunity. It’s this intersection of strategic investment and human aspirations that keeps me energised and constantly evolving.

How did you choose to move to Dubai?

By the mid-2000s, I was looking for a new challenge after establishing thriving businesses in New York and Texas. Dubai’s vision captivated me—Sheikh

Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s ambition to create a global hub of innovation, commerce, and sustainable development felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

When I moved in 2006, Dubai was in the midst of a transformation. The city was building world-class infrastructure and attracting international investment, creating immense potential across residential, commercial, and hospitality projects. Today, it remains one of the world’s most resilient property markets, thanks to tax-free investment incentives, government-backed development, and its strategic position at the crossroads of East and West.

Tell us more about the types of projects you specialise in.

At Alexander Johnson Group, our core expertise revolves around three key segments: hotels, commercial land, and high-value commercial and luxury real estate. Our specialisation in the hotel sector is particularly exciting, as we help clients navigate acquisitions, sales, and repositioning of hospitality assets in one of the world’s most sought-after travel and tourism markets. Dubai has a robust hospitality industry, with a continuous influx of international visitors, and strategic government-backed tourism initiatives.

Commercial land is another area where we see tremendous growth opportunities, especially with Dubai expanding its business districts and infrastructure to attract more global companies. Investors are seeking large plots to develop office spaces, mixed-use developments, logistics hubs, and industrial zones.

We also cater to ultra-high-net-worth individuals and family offices looking for luxury villas, penthouses, and high-end commercial investments. These projects require bespoke solutions and an in-depth understanding of not only property value but also the unique needs of each investor—whether they are focused on income generation, capital appreciation, or portfolio diversification.

What about your team?

Our team embodies the perfect mix of global experience and local expertise. With leadership backgrounds at FTSE 100 companies, investment banks and fluency in over six languages, we bring a wealth of knowledge in key sectors, including finance, technology, hospitality, and investment banking.

What sets us apart is our ability to combine expertise with discretion and trust. Our concierge-style service mirrors the private banking model—delivering personalised, tailored solutions for each client, whether they’re acquiring a hotel or developing commercial property. Relationships are at the heart of what we do, and our team is dedicated to ensuring seamless, high-value transactions.

How do you see the evolution of luxury real estate in Dubai?

Dubai’s luxury market is evolving rapidly, driven by global demand and local innovation. In 2024, luxury property sales surpassed AED 100 billion, with branded residences and ultra-luxury villas leading the charge. Investors view Dubai as a safe haven, offering stability amid global volatility.

But it’s not just about residential growth—commercial real estate is booming too. Dubai’s tax-free investment environment and strategic location have made it a magnet for multinational corporations, hedge funds, and entrepreneurs. The Dubai International Financial Centre now hosts 13 of the world’s top 100 hedge funds, further boosting demand for luxury business accommodations and mixed-use developments.

Looking ahead, the biggest opportunities lie in diversification—branded residences, waterfront developments, and lifestyle-oriented mixed-use projects. However, this growth comes with challenges. Regulatory frameworks are evolving, making it critical for investors to have knowledgeable partners who can navigate legal complexities and secure high returns. At Alexander Johnson Group, we’re committed to guiding our clients through this ever-changing landscape.

Which are the biggest projects you completed in 2024?

2024 was a landmark year for us. At Alexander Johnson Group, we closed several major deals, including high-profile hotel acquisitions that are set to yield strong returns and enhance Dubai’s global appeal as a luxury destination. Our team also played a key role in securing prime commercial land deals, enabling large-scale developments in strategic locations.

These projects highlight our ability to align investor goals with Dubai’s evolving market dynamics. By connecting international capital with high-value opportunities, we’ve solidified our position as a trusted partner for high-net-worth individuals and family offices.

(Most of our deals are confidential and part of our service offers discretion which is why we tend to refrain from publishing the names involved unless specifically requested.)

What is your pipeline for 2025?

Our 2025 pipeline is rich with opportunity. We’re expanding our inventory of commercial land and luxury hotel properties, anticipating increased demand from international businesses entering Dubai. With ongoing infrastructure projects and favorable market conditions, we’re uniquely positioned to deliver tailored solutions that match our clients’ investment strategies.

Our recent leadership appointments have enhanced our market agility and operational capacity. As we continue refining our offerings, our focus will remain on delivering bespoke, concierge-style services to meet the sophisticated needs of high-net-worth clients. Dubai is at a pivotal moment, and we’re committed to playing a key role in shaping its next chapter in luxury and commercial real estate.

The key to success here is understanding that luxury isn’t just about opulent properties—it’s about being part of a larger vision. Dubai is reshaping the global business and tourism landscape, and we’re proud to help our clients seize these opportunities.

Alex Johnson