Bringing a Global Outlook to Real Estate Markets

Bringing a program to the MENA region that has flourished in New York City, NYU’s Stern School of Business, in conjunction with NYU Abu Dhabi, will offer a full-time, one-year MBA program in Abu Dhabi. The Stern School of Business at NYU Abu Dhabi (Stern at NYUAD) will host a global real estate regional conference sponsored by the Chen Institute for Global Real Estate Finance, which was launched in 2022 and is led by Professor Sam Chandan. The 2025 NYU Global Real Estate Markets Conference is scheduled for Feb. 12 and 13 in Abu Dhabi. Connect CRE spoke with Robert Salomon, Dean of Stern at NYUAD, to set the stage.

Q: Can you provide a run-up to the establishment of the Stern program at NYUAD, and how it is both based on the U.S. program and differs from it?

A: The Middle East is a fast-growing, thriving region. Many countries within the region are quickly diversifying their economies. As a consequence, demand for managerial education and business talent with a broad range of skills has grown dramatically. This is therefore the perfect time for the Stern One-year Full-time MBA at NYU Abu Dhabi. It brings the academic excellence of NYU Stern to the MENA region. 

While it largely mirrors the rigorous U.S. program, it stands apart through its regional focus, experiential signature internships, and accelerated one-year structure. With a module based in New York, our program prepares our students to be the leaders of tomorrow, equipping them with the skills to bring positive impact to Abu Dhabi, the UAE, the MENA region, and beyond.

Q: The Stern program in New York has participation from both local and global students. Is the NYUAD version similar in that respect?

A: One of the most appealing aspects of the UAE is its truly global outlook and diverse demographic makeup. Naturally, a program based in Abu Dhabi, a regional capital, attracts students from the UAE and all around the world who are keen on exploring opportunities in one of the most dynamic, fastest growing global economies. Our job is to make sure that students bring the kind of diversity and local perspectives that enriches the academic experience. At the same time, the program should enhance their understanding of the dynamics of regional and global markets while preparing them for careers in the region.

Q: Why is this an especially opportune time to launch the Global Real Estate Markets Conference?

A: Stern at NYU Abu Dhabi is the perfect place to hold the Global Real Estate Markets Conference. Foremost, Abu Dhabi and Dubai are two of the most important real estate markets in the world as centers of investment and development, and sources of capital. The theme of the conference—Connecting Capital and Strategies for the New Real Estate Cycle—reflects the market’s leadership position during a time of immense change for the industry.

Just as the sector is undergoing dramatic transformation, Stern is a school that embraces change. Professionals in the real estate industry need to be prepared for the innovations that are radically transforming their industry. NYU Stern’s Chen Center for Global Real Estate is playing a leading role when it comes to making sure practitioners are informed and adequately equipped for the future of real estate.

Hosting the Global Real Estate Markets Conference at the Stern School of Business at NYU Abu Dhabi allows us to convene thought leaders and experts from New York, Abu Dhabi, London, Mumbai, and across the globe to discuss the changing global real estate landscape; to share ideas about how to anticipate, lead, and adapt to change; and to thoughtfully consider emerging opportunities and risks in the sector. It also allows us to make meaningful connections between industry participants across global real estate capitals. 

Q: Regionally as well as globally, what are some of the key themes in real estate markets that the conference will address? In particular, what are you seeing in terms of international capital flows as 2025 gets underway? 

A: This conference will dive into some of the most pressing themes in real estate today, including sustainability, climate resilience, patterns of investment and divestment within the industry, changes to the nature of work (e.g., work from home and the shift from commercial to residential), and the rise of disruptive technologies like AI. Regionally, we’ll explore specific opportunities in MENA and South Asia, while globally, sessions will focus on capital flows, and the opportunities and risks to deploying funds across established and emerging markets. As 2025 begins, we’re seeing dynamic shifts in international capital flows, with a heightened focus on regions like the Gulf and India, driven by their rapid development, increasing stability, and economic resilience.