Entrepreneur Gulf had the opportunity to sit down with Abrar Al Habeeb, Acting General Manager of Al Hamra Real Estate Company, to learn more about her professional journey and the values that guide her leadership. In this conversation, Abrar reflects on her role at Al Hamra, the company’s contributions to Kuwait’s real estate sector, and her perspective on the industry’s evolving landscape.
- Can you walk us through your professional background and how your experiences led you to the role of Acting General Manager at Al Hamra Real Estate Company?
Drawing on over twenty years of diverse leadership experience in education, healthcare, and real estate, I have passionately led transformative initiatives and strived for excellence in every role I’ve undertaken. My journey has been shaped by a commitment to driving change, improving operations, and building organizations that are not only robust but also adaptable to global standards.
Since joining Al Hamra Real Estate Company in 2014, I’ve progressively taken on roles from HR & Administration Manager to Chief Administrative Officer, and most recently, Acting General Manager. In each position, I’ve aimed to harness my skills to enhance our business functions, cultivate a culture of innovation, and embed global best practices, thereby positioning Al Hamra at the forefront of the industry.
In my current role since February 2023, I am dedicated to guiding Al Hamra through its strategic expansions, reinforcing its leadership in the market, and nurturing its legacy of excellence. I am deeply committed to our stakeholders and to upholding Al Hamra’s esteemed position as a regional leader in real estate.
With a focus on innovation and a collaborative spirit, I am driven to propel Al Hamra into new heights of success, setting new benchmarks for excellence as we adapt to the dynamic demands of the market.
- Al Hamra Real Estate Company is known for managing one of the most iconic projects in Kuwait. Could you share the vision behind the creation of Al Hamra Business Tower & Shopping Center and how it has transformed Kuwait’s real estate landscape?
Al Hamra was envisioned to be much more than a mere structure; it was meant to be a defining feature of Kuwait’s skyline, a symbol of innovation and forward-thinking sustainability. Since opening its doors in 2011, Al Hamra Business Tower has transformed into a beacon of modernity, setting the pace for global architectural excellence and environmental responsibility. This landmark isn’t just about aesthetics; it represents a deeper commitment to a sustainable future. It houses top tier companies and offers cutting-edge amenities that together redefine what urban life can be. Beyond its role as a business tower, the attached shopping center provides a myriad of experiences from leisure to retail, and health to self-care, making it a dynamic hub for professionals and families alike. We aimed to create a space that inspires, engages, and stands as a testament to Kuwait’s dynamic progression.
- Sustainability is critical in real estate. How is Al Hamra embodying this in its projects?
Sustainability isn’t just a feature at Al Hamra; it’s the foundation of everything we do. In our commitment to Kuwait Vision, we aim to lead by example in the real estate sector by adopting practices that ensure our developments are as environmentally friendly as they are innovative. For instance, our installation of solar panels, which save 400 megawatt-hours of energy annually, is just the beginning. We also use smart technology to optimize energy and water use throughout our buildings, significantly reducing our ecological footprint.
But our dedication goes beyond the operational. We’re creating vibrant, sustainable communities where every element is designed with the well-being of our environment and its inhabitants in mind. From green spaces that provide a breath of fresh air amidst the urban sprawl, to building materials that are both sustainable and locally sourced, we are thoughtful about every detail. By fostering these environments, we’re not just constructing buildings—we’re nurturing spaces that encourage a healthier, more sustainable way of living for everyone. At Al Hamra, we believe in building a legacy of sustainability that will inspire generations to come
- Al Hamra has positioned itself as a premium real estate management in the heart of Kuwait. How does the company differentiate itself from other real estate companies in the Gulf region?
At Al Hamra, we pride ourselves on crafting more than just buildings—we create experiences that capture the essence of Kuwait’s rich culture and dynamic business landscape. Each of our projects is conceived as a space where individuals and communities can thrive, setting new standards for living and working environments. Our dedication to quality and innovation is deeply intertwined with our commitment to community, allowing us to not only meet the current needs of a modern Kuwait but also to anticipate and shape its future. We go beyond conventional development by fostering environments that enhance life and inspire progress, making every Al Hamra project a cornerstone in the community and a beacon of what thoughtful development can achieve.
- Al Hamra Tower has garnered international acclaim. What do you attribute to its success, and what challenges were overcome during its development?
The global recognition of Al Hamra Business Tower is a testament to our unwavering dedication to excellence and innovation. The journey to build this iconic structure was filled with unique challenges, particularly its distinctive asymmetrical design and our commitment to environmental sustainability. These challenges demanded not just technical solutions but a bold vision and a pioneering spirit. Our team’s relentless pursuit of innovation enabled us to overcome these hurdles with creativity and precision, leading to a structure that doesn’t just stand tall but also sets new benchmarks for architectural and ecological standards globally. The accolades Al Hamra Tower has received are not just awards; they are affirmations of our passion and dedication to pushing the limits of what’s possible in modern skyscraper design
- As the market evolves, what leadership principles guide you in steering Al Hamra towards continued success?
As the market evolves, my guiding principles are deeply rooted in resilience, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. Leading Al Hamra through these changing times is more than a role; it’s a profound responsibility to foster a culture that thrives on strategic growth and adds real value for our stakeholders. Embracing change isn’t just a necessity but an opportunity to lead with vision, putting our customers at the heart of every innovation. My ambition is for Al Hamra to do more than lead; we aim to transform the real estate landscape, setting new standards and inspiring future developments. Every step we take is driven by this commitment to excellence and a deep-seated belief in our collective potential to shape a better future.
- Looking ahead, does Al Hamra have plans to expand beyond Kuwait?
Al Hamra has deep roots in Kuwait, and our heart remains committed to enriching the fabric of our community here. While we cherish our local legacy, our vision extends beyond, as we actively explore opportunities to bring our ethos of growth and innovation to the global stage. Our upcoming projects are set to redefine urban landscapes, promising transformative experiences not just for Kuwait but potentially for international communities as well. Even as we look to expand our horizons, our dedication to excellence within Kuwait continues to be the powerful force that drives all our endeavors. We are excited about the future, ready to blend our local insights with global perspectives, ensuring that wherever we go, our values of quality and innovation light the way.