Avison Young today announces it will open its first office in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) through an affiliation agreement with Zaad Capital. The Abu Dhabi office will support commercial real estate industry clients in the UAE and wider Middle East and Africa (MEA) region with global insights, local expertise and access to smart technology and customized solutions.

Avison Young creates real economic, social, and environmental value as a global real estate advisor, powered by people. Established in Toronto, Canada in 1978, the firm offers a comprehensive suite of commercial real estate services for owners and occupiers, including transaction, management, financial and professional advisory services.

This affiliation agreement will add to the existing 100+ offices across 16 countries, building further on a growing Avison Young services platform across EMEA.

Named one of the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company in 2022, Avison Young is at the forefront of developing advanced technology tools to streamline processes for real estate professionals and provide them with real-time data and analytics.

The UAE affiliate will offer asset owners and occupiers a comprehensive suite of commercial real estate services, including brokerage, valuation, asset management, and consultancy services. The new office will be led by CEO Simon Higgins and COO Paul Fanning, who both bring extensive experience working in the UAE and wider region.

Mark E. Rose, Chair and CEO of Avison Young, said:

“This affiliation marks an exciting chapter for Avison Young, bringing with it the opportunity to leverage Avison Young’s international platform and technology-led insights to advise clients in one of the most dynamic and advanced real estate sectors in the world. This step will further enhance and align our firm's operations across EMEA, providing real estate services and data-driven advice to clients with an expanded presence in the Middle East and a dedicated office in Abu Dhabi.”

 Simon Higgins, CEO of Avison Young UAE, said:

 “The strength of the UAE’s real estate sector and the speed at which the country adopts new technologies were the key factors in our decision to establish operations in Abu Dhabi. This affiliation unites Avison Young’s global platform with in-market expertise to meet the needs of the UAE in areas like sustainable design while enhancing our ability to support global network clients with interests in the Middle East.” 

Zaad Capital is a UAE-based company with a strong portfolio of market leading businesses. The UAE affiliation agreement builds on Avison Young’s platform across EMEA, which also includes operations in Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungry, Ireland, Israel, Poland, Romania, South Africa, and the UK.

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