In this episode of Sobha The Living Room, host Nimi Mehta sits down with Michael Hunter, Co-Founder & CEO of Holo, to break down the real truth about mortgages in the UAE and why “smarter borrowing” is often what helps people build wealth faster, not slower.

Michael shares what he’s learned from a decade in the UAE mortgage market, the biggest misconceptions first-time buyers still believe, and why many cash-rich buyers still choose mortgages when the numbers make sense. They also get into fixed vs variable rates, what banks actually look for, and how to think about affordability before you fall in love with a property.

The conversation also covers how investors can “make money on borrowed money” when rental returns outpace borrowing costs, how easy it is to switch lenders in the UAE compared to markets like the UK, and why the region remains attractive for long-term, tax-efficient property wealth building.

Highlights include

✔️ Why mortgages aren’t only for people who “can’t afford cash”
✔️ How leverage can help investors scale from 1 property to a portfolio
✔️ Fixed vs variable rates and how to choose based on your life plans
✔️ The UAE rule that makes switching lenders far more flexible than most markets
✔️ Why some cash buyers still take mortgages (and invest their cash elsewhere)
✔️ What’s changing in the region, including more access for non-residents
✔️ What tech and AI will realistically change in mortgage journeys (and what won’t)

Know more about us
Sobha Realty: https://sobharealty.com/

Follow Sobha Realty
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sobharealty/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sobharealty/

Follow the host & guest
Nimi Mehta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nimimmehta/

Michael Hunter (Holo): https://ae.linkedin.com/in/michael-hunter-461666a5

Holo: https://www.useholo.com/

In this episode of Sobha The Living Room, host Nimi Mehta sits down with Nazish Khan, Chief Operating Officer at FIDU Properties and a real estate leader with over 21 years of experience in Dubai’s property market.

Born and raised in the city, Nazish has witnessed Dubai’s evolution from an emerging destination to a globally trusted investment hub. With experience across every layer of the industry, he shares a practical, performance driven view on why Dubai continues to attract global capital and long term investors.

Together, Nimi and Nazish explore how Dubai’s tax friendly structure, seamless ownership processes, and future focused governance have reshaped property investment. From zero capital gains tax and inheritance planning to high rental yields and simple entry and exit, the conversation highlights what sets the UAE apart from traditional global markets.

They also discuss investor behaviour across key regions, the growing importance of stability, and why post 2027 is expected to mark the next phase of performance driven growth.

The episode touches on lifestyle migration, legacy planning, Golden Visas, and why many investors are choosing not just to invest in Dubai, but to call it home.

Highlights Include

✔️ Why Dubai’s tax structure gives investors a long term edge
✔️ No capital gains, no annual property tax, and seamless inheritance
✔️ How Dubai compares to London, New York, and Singapore
✔️ Rental yields and ROI realities across old and new developments
✔️ Why global investors are shifting from watching to acting
✔️ Entry and exit simplicity for international buyers
✔️ Stability, safety, and trust as key investment drivers
✔️ Why Dubai is becoming a home, not just an investment destination

Know more about us

Sobha Realty: https://sobharealty.com/

Follow us on social media

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sobharealty/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sobharealty/

Follow the host and guest

Nimi Mehta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nimimmehta/

Nazish Khan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nazish-khan-456b4535/

In this special recap episode of Sobha The Living Room, host Nimi Mehta brings together the strongest insights from Episodes 5 to 8. These conversations highlight how the UAE continues to evolve into one of the world’s most desired places to live, invest and build a life.

Across these four episodes, our guests unpacked how safety influences everyday living, how COVID reshaped the meaning of home, why families are choosing intentional communities, and how the idea of luxury has shifted from pure opulence to thoughtful daily comfort. We also explored the rise of hybrid homes, sustainable design, and how women are shaping the next chapter of real estate decision making.

This recap brings all of these ideas together in one episode that captures what modern living in the UAE truly looks like today.

Tune in to hear highlights from
✔️ Khaldoun Shindi, General Manager, Real Estate Masters
✔️ Kavita Srinivasan, former Editor-in-Chief, Cosmopolitan Middle East
✔️ Peggy Li, Founder, SPS Affinity
✔️ Qurat Ul Ain, Co-Founder & Chief Legal Officer, DRE Homes

Whether you’re an investor, a homeowner, or exploring life in the UAE, this episode is your quick guide to the mindset, movement, and momentum shaping the country’s future.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Sobha The Living Room
01:05 What UAE Living Really Represents
03:30 How COVID Shifted the Meaning of Home
07:53 The Rise of Daily Luxury and Conscious Design
10:16 Community, Connection and Family-First Living
14:50 Why Safety Is Dubai’s Biggest Luxury
17:30 The Hybrid Home: Work, Life, Wellness
20:00 Sustainability and Smart Living
22:53 How Design Reflects Culture and Values
25:10 The Rise of Women in Real Estate
27:00 What the Last Four Episodes Reveal About the UAE’s Future

Want to dive deeper into each topic? Watch or listen to the full episodes here:

Episode 5: Khaldoun Shindi - https://open.spotify.com/episode/49LLPuAl7ozm4eApbzVRKY?si=95UyjeY7QLuPNrNWp5qVqQ

Episode 6: Kavita Srinivasan - https://open.spotify.com/episode/5XtbZp9WFh90y2Vswm85Ul?si=ppJtbh6DThix3KenksCLHw

Episode 7: Peggy Li - https://open.spotify.com/episode/2VwSowB8ERAe51AG236MrW?si=ENLIeO8OSCqPOKY4-zISig

Episode 8: Qurat Ul Ain - https://open.spotify.com/episode/7i7P1BLoyQI6g1LbpYRNAn?si=MLketCQgRC6umPCVV1niLg

Follow us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sobharealty/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sobharealty/
Sobha Realty: https://sobharealty.com/

Follow Nimi Mehta:
https://www.instagram.com/thenimimehta/

Follow our guests

✔️ Khaldoun Shindi
https://www.linkedin.com/in/khaldoun-abu-shindi-b7125213/

✔️ Kavita Srinivasan
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kavita-srinivasan-56095537/

✔️ Peggy Li
https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggy-li-pui-ki/

✔️ Qurat Ul Ain
https://www.linkedin.com/in/qurat-ul-ain-6528a467/