Creating Spaces that Improve How People Live, Work, and Experience Their Surroundings!
A place to call home is one of our most fundamental human needs. A well-designed community provides a haven to relax, recharge, and spend quality time with loved ones after a long day. It directs the atmosphere where memories are made and life’s precious moments unfold. The real estate professionals who consider the human side of real estate development are an instrumental part of establishing a well-balanced lifestyle. “The real estate industry is all about creating spaces that improve people’s lives.” – Faisal Almalki.
His passion for the real estate sector stems from a desire to be part of a flourishing industry that directly impacts communities. As Chief Operating Officer at Msheireb Properties, Qatar’s leading sustainable property developer, Faisal has played a pivotal role in bringing innovative projects to life over the past nine years.
“When I joined Msheireb Properties in 2015, the real estate market in Qatar was booming,” Faisal recalls. “Being in such a versatile environment made me certain I had made the right career choice.”
While he didn’t originally start in real estate, his natural curiosity, problem-solving skills, and drive to work on projects that enhance people’s lives made real estate an obvious career path once Faisal entered the workforce. He quickly became entranced by an industry where he could apply his talents to “creating spaces that improve how people live, work, and experience their surroundings.”
With Faisal’s support, Msheireb Properties has been at the forefront of sustainable development in Qatar. As COO, he has spearheaded efforts to incorporate eco-friendly design, smart technologies, and cultural considerations into landmark projects like Msheireb Downtown Doha.
“Real estate has such a lasting impact on communities,” Faisal explains. “We have a responsibility to develop in a way that respects the environment, celebrates heritage, and provides a high quality of life for residents.” This mindset guides his every strategic move and operational decision. He takes a hands-on approach to assembling the right teams, implementing efficient processes, and ensuring projects stay on track from conception to delivery.
“No two days are ever the same,” Faisal says with a smile. “But that’s what makes this work so energizing. Our industry is constantly growing with new challenges and opportunities to create innovative living spaces.”
After nearly a decade with Msheireb Properties, his enthusiasm and creative energy show no signs of waning. He remains driven by the prospect of directing Qatar’s urban sector in a responsible way that uplifts society while protecting the planet for future generations.
Let us explore his journey:
The Life-Changing Power of Great Real Estate
Speaking about the inception of Msheireb Properties, Faisal highlighted the company’s flagship project, Msheireb Downtown Doha, as one of the world’s first sustainable city district, a vision initiated by Her Highness Sheikha Moza in 2008.
According to him, Msheireb Properties is about more than just real estate; it is about people, sustainability, and seamlessly blending old ideas with new ways of living. “Right from the beginning, the ambition of Her Highness was clear: to create a community where the past mixes with the present and future, where culture is alive everywhere, and where nature and the environment are valued,” he explained.
Faisal expressed his admiration for Msheireb Downtown Doha, noting that he has studied many projects worldwide, but none match up to this exceptional development. “It is a place where you can feel history in the streets, where people come together, and where the future looks bright. It’s a place where modern life and old traditions meet and where new technology cannot make us forget our culture,” he said.
A Systematic Approach to Problem-Solving
When it comes to challenges and problem-solving within the real estate sector, Msheireb Properties has developed a comprehensive approach that emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and risk management. Faisal highlighted that Msheireb Properties’ team of highly qualified and insightful professionals has made the company well-equipped to handle both temporary issues and long-term puzzles.
The process begins with identifying key problems and conducting in-depth analyses to fully understand the underlying issues. From there, the team works together to brainstorm creative solutions, drawing on their diverse expertise and experience to ensure that all angles are covered.
Once a solution has been identified, the team carefully considers potential risks and develops a plan to mitigate them. This rigorous approach ensures that the company can implement solutions that are not only effective but also sustainable and practical.
At Msheireb Properties, problem-solving is seen as an ongoing process, and the team is always on the lookout for new ideas and innovations that can help them improve their approach.
Democratic Leadership Style
In his approach to leadership, Faisal prefers a democratic style, and he believes in building trust and giving power to his team so everyone can reach their full potential. He likes to delegate tasks and empower his team to focus on getting things done and, crucially, trusts them to manage their time well.
Faisal recognizes the importance of valuing each team member’s contributions and leveraging their diverse perspectives and expertise. By creating an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels accountable and motivated, Faisal has built a team of dedicated leaders committed to achieving success together.
Keeping Abreast of Real Estate Trends
Faisal stays updated on real estate trends by actively reading relevant magazines and publications, engaging with his professional network, and attending seminars and workshops. This helps him stay informed about market fluctuations, which he then incorporates into future-proofing the business.
Leading the Complex Phase 4
To manage the immense size and scale of the Msheireb Downtown Doha project, its development was divided into four phases. While Faisal had the opportunity to contribute to various phases and packages, it was Phase 4 that he had the privilege to lead entirely. He oversaw its development from design through construction to handover.
Notably, Phase 4 was particularly complex, being integrated with the Msheireb Main Metro station and featuring intricate design and construction elements. He successfully led this phase to an on-time and on-budget completion, without encountering any major issues.
“It was a huge learning experience for me professionally, and I am proud of the efforts of our whole team in successfully delivering the project,” Faisal stated.
Approach to Task Prioritization & Time Management
For Faisal, effective time management involves identifying and focusing on the most crucial tasks that demand his immediate attention. This allows him to utilize his time efficiently in pursuit of the company’s primary goals and strategic objectives.
His leadership style, notable for its focusing on empowering his team through trust, promotes a culture of mutual respect, collaboration, and shared responsibility within the team. By empowering his team members and cultivating an environment where everyone works together, Faisal has been able to enhance productivity and ensure support among colleagues.
Sustainable Practices in Property Development Projects
In MDD, sustainability is not merely a label but a way of life. Residents, shop owners, and businesses are all educated about the community’s sustainability rules and are expected to adhere to them diligently. This approach helps build a cleaner and more environmentally conscious community.
“We’re always trying to improve, so we’re making our technology and our systems for things like electricity, water, and air conditioning even better. We deploy the latest ideas to make everything more efficient, have less impact on the environment, and make life here even nicer for everyone,” notes Faisal.
Fostering a Collaborative and Positive Work Environment
According to him, in a team, working together is super important for success. It’s not just something nice to have—it’s a crucial part of doing well. Making this happen involves building trust, showing respect, and letting everyone freely share their ideas, all while keeping responsibilities clear.
Faisal has worked purpusfully to create an environment where every team member feels safe to voice their opinions and where all ideas are welcomed and appreciated. In this environment, team members feel empowered to execute their roles effectively.
“Trust is like the foundation of a strong building—it’s really important. We build trust by being honest, dependable, and committed to our team’s goals. Respect is also key. It means treating each other well, no matter our job titles,” believes Faisal.
This combination of trust, respect, and the free exchange of ideas enables the team to achieve remarkable success. Faisal takes pride in being part of a process that nurtures such a positive and collaborative work environment within the department.
Commitment to Vision and Growth
His time at Msheireb Properties has been one of hard work and determination. Faisal is pleased with this period in his career. He has put his all into whatever he has done, assisting Msheireb Properties in meeting its ambitious goals.
He enthusiastically accepted the company’s vision right away. For him, it is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to be a part of something truly meaningful, and he is dedicated to assisting the organization’s continued success in any way he can.
Msheireb Downtown Doha pushed boundaries, broke limits, and showed the world what’s possible when human-centric design principles lead urban design. And, while its past demonstrates its success, he is optimistic about the future, which will see Msheireb Properties expand.
Words of Wisdom
Advising aspiring professionals seeking to advance their careers in the real estate industry, Faisail notes that it will be important to embrace the fast-paced nature of the field and be prepared for challenges. Faisal suggests that a positive attitude, strong people skills, a passion for learning, and effective stress management are essential qualities for success in this industry.
The professionals who face every challenge with a smile, seeing each one as a chance to learn and come up with new ideas, thrive. Even when things are tough, like tight deadlines, changing markets, and demanding clients, if you can stay calm and confident, then you will be successful in this industry.
For those who have these qualities, real estate is full of chances to grow and succeed. It’s a world where challenges aren’t problems but chances to do great things, and where the most remarkable people make their mark.
