Mohamad Al Bahar, Director of Business Development at Wasl, walks us through how human-centric communities create a greater impact
As the director of business development at Wasl, Mohamad Al Bahar plays a crucial role in driving the company’s growth and expansion strategies within the real estate and property management sectors. Wasl, known for its extensive portfolio of residential, commercial, hospitality, and leisure properties across Dubai, benefits from Mohamad’s vision and strategic expertise in identifying and capitalizing on new market opportunities.
In his role, Mohamad is responsible for forming key partnerships, developing new projects, and implementing innovative approaches to enhance Wasl’s market presence and align with Dubai’s evolving real estate landscape. His efforts contribute not only to Wasl’s financial growth but also to strengthening its position as a leading player in real estate, providing quality living and commercial spaces that support Dubai’s broader development goals. With a keen focus on customer experience and sustainability, Mohamad ensures that Wasl’s projects are aligned with industry trends and offer value to investors, tenants, and the wider community.
What are human-centric communities, and why are they important?
Human-centric communities put people first, designing spaces that foster well-being, connectivity, and an enhanced quality of life. These communities prioritize creating environments that support social connections, active lifestyles, and accessibility for everyone. At Wasl, we believe human-centric communities are the foundation of a thriving society. By offering residents not just homes but living spaces that cater to their diverse needs, we align with Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan, which envisions a city where happiness and well-being are at the core of urban development.
Moreover, human-centric communities enhance residents’ physical and mental health, foster a strong sense of community and social cohesion and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient city.
What are the types of assets and infrastructures required to create such human-centric cities?
Building human-centric communities requires a thoughtful blend of physical and social infrastructure. This includes well-designed public spaces, accessible transportation networks, abundant green areas, and diverse housing options. Community amenities such as schools, healthcare centres, and cultural spaces also play a critical role. At Wasl, we incorporate these elements into our developments, ensuring walkable neighbourhoods, easy access to public transport, and a range of housing choices to suit different lifestyles and income levels. This holistic approach is essential to fulfilling the goals of the Dubai 2040 Master Plan, which aims to create complete communities that offer high living standards for all.
What initiatives can developers implement to build human-centric communities and, ultimately, a city that achieves the objectives of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan?
Developers play a pivotal role in shaping human-centric communities. Their key initiatives, such as prioritizing pedestrian-friendly designs, incorporating sustainable building practices, and promoting social interaction through shared spaces, are crucial. Additionally, engaging residents in the planning and design process ensures that the community evolves according to their needs and aspirations. At Wasl, we are actively involved in these initiatives. We champion sustainable design, foster community engagement, and continually seek resident feedback to refine and enhance our developments.
How does Wasl’s approach align with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan?
The Dubai 2040 Master Plan emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and people-centric design—values that resonate deeply with Wasl’s approach. By focusing on these areas, developers can contribute significantly to realising the Master Plan’s ambitious goals. At Wasl, collaboration with local communities is essential to understanding their needs and aspirations. Additionally, leveraging technology can enhance community engagement and help create smarter, more responsive living environments. These initiatives benefit the residents and foster long-term growth and sustainability.
What are some of the metrics that developers could use to increase their human-centric factor?
While ‘human centricity’ is an intangible quality, there are specific metrics developers can track to measure success. Resident satisfaction surveys provide direct feedback on the living experience. Walkability and transit scores assess how easily moving around without cars is. We can also track green space per capita, community engagement levels, and indicators of social cohesion—such as a sense of belonging and neighbourliness. At Wasl, we actively monitor these metrics to ensure we are creating environments where people can thrive. Continuous evaluation is key to improving and maintaining our communities’ ‘human-centric’ nature.
How can stakeholders benefit from those communities? Are they more likely to provide a higher ROI?
Human-centric communities offer a range of benefits to stakeholders. Residents enjoy a better quality of life, stronger social bonds, and improved well-being, while investors and developers often see higher property values, increased demand, and long-term resilience. But the benefits extend beyond these stakeholders. The broader community also reaps rewards from enhanced sustainability, reduced traffic congestion, and a more vibrant social environment, making it a win-win for all.
At Wasl, we’ve seen firsthand how human-centric design leads to tangible returns. Our communities maintain high occupancy rates and intense resident satisfaction, delivering a positive social impact. This approach helps create thriving neighbourhoods and drives sustainable value for our investors.
While the initial investment in human-centric design may be higher, the long-term financial and social returns are substantial. Happy and engaged residents contribute to a thriving community, attracting further investment and growth. Wasl’s commitment to human-centric design is not just a philosophy; it’s a core business strategy that drives our success and provides a solid return on investment for our stakeholders.