Abu Dhabi-headquartered real estate advisory Maison 71 has appointed Imran Ellam as Director of Abu Dhabi as the company looks to capitalise on growing international interest in the UAE capital and its rapidly evolving property market.
Ellam brings almost two decades of experience in Abu Dhabi real estate, having specialised in the market since 2008. In his new role, he will lead Maison 71’s Abu Dhabi operations and support the company’s continued growth across residential, commercial and branded real estate.
The appointment comes at an important point in Abu Dhabi’s development as a global destination for tourism, investment, business and long-term residency.
Major investment in culture, hospitality, infrastructure and lifestyle destinations is helping broaden the emirate’s international appeal, while developments across areas including Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, Jubail Island, Al Reem Island and Al Maryah Island are creating new opportunities across the property market.
Maison 71 believes this evolution is also changing the profile of demand, with a growing audience of international buyers considering Abu Dhabi alongside established global property markets.
Ellam has built his career advising end-users, local investors and international clients across the capital. His approach has focused on long-term client relationships and identifying opportunities based on individual requirements rather than transaction volume.
Commenting on his appointment, Ellam said: “Abu Dhabi has changed enormously since I started working in the market in 2008, but I believe the opportunity ahead of us is even more exciting.
“The combination of investment, culture, tourism, quality of life and some exceptional new developments is attracting a much wider international audience to the capital.
“Maison 71 has the opportunity to build something distinctive from Abu Dhabi, combining genuine local market knowledge with an international network and a highly personal approach to advisory. I am delighted to be leading the next stage of our growth here.”
The expansion of Abu Dhabi’s hospitality and cultural offering is also increasingly intersecting with its real estate market. Saadiyat Island in particular has developed into one of the region’s most prominent cultural, residential and leisure destinations, supported by major hospitality brands and internationally recognised cultural institutions.
The growth of branded residences and hospitality-led developments is meanwhile creating another point of connection between the global travel and property sectors, particularly among international buyers seeking professionally managed residences and access to established hospitality brands.
Maison 71 is a global, client-first real estate advisory headquartered in Abu Dhabi. The company operates across residential, commercial and branded real estate, combining local market expertise with international reach and access to opportunities in the UAE and overseas.
Ellam added: “Abu Dhabi has always been a market built around relationships and trust. What is changing is the scale of the international opportunity.
“We want Maison 71 to be the advisory people turn to when they are considering Abu Dhabi, whether they are relocating here, investing in the market or looking for an exceptional home. Equally, we want to give our Abu Dhabi clients access to opportunities internationally.
“There is a significant opportunity to build those connections in both directions.”
The appointment forms part of Maison 71’s wider strategy to strengthen its position in Abu Dhabi while developing an international network around the capital’s growing appeal as a place to live, visit, invest and do business.