Tech Writers at PF
Intro – Let’s start with you telling us a bit about yourself…
I’ve spent the last 25 years in technology, starting as a software engineer and eventually working my way into leadership roles in global tech companies. I’ve had the privilege of working in a variety of environments, from startups to large corporations, and across different industries. This diverse background has shaped my approach to leadership and innovation. Outside of my role as CTO at Property Finder, I also have a passion for mentoring and building high-performance teams.
What was your journey to become CTO at Property Finder?
My journey has been shaped by a series of transformative experiences in tech and leadership roles across organizations like Amazon, LinkedIn, and Microsoft. After founding and scaling a couple of startups and growing a large non-profit, I was drawn to Property Finder’s mission to revolutionize the real estate space in MENA. When the opportunity came to join as CTO, I saw it as a chance to apply my experience in scaling high-growth teams and platforms to a unique and exciting market.
So… what exactly does a CTO do?
As a CTO, my role is to ensure that technology not only supports but drives the company’s strategic objectives. I oversee the engineering function, including product development, infrastructure, and scaling. I also work closely with cross-functional teams, providing the vision and technical leadership needed to transform our company into a leading platform for both consumers and businesses in the real estate space.
That sounds interesting — and varied! Talking of tools… what are your favourites?
At Property Finder, we lean heavily on cloud-based technologies like AWS, and I’m particularly excited about how AI and machine learning are starting to revolutionize our industry. For team collaboration, tools like Slack and Jira are indispensable for keeping engineering teams aligned. I’m also a big advocate for continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, which keep the development process smooth and efficient.
Here’s what our CTO had to say during the podcast when asked “Companies say that they are product-led, but actually are not! What are your thoughts?“
What excites you the most about global tech trends?
The biggest global trend that excites me is AI’s potential to reshape industries, especially when it comes to personalization and automation. The ability to harness vast amounts of data to drive real-time decision-making is incredibly powerful. I’m particularly focused on the impact of AI in the real estate market, from personalized listings to smarter ways of verifying and pricing properties.
How about local trends in Dubai? Is there anything exciting you at the moment?
Dubai is quickly becoming a tech hub in the region, and I’m excited by the drive for innovation across all sectors, including real estate. The government’s commitment to tech-driven transformation, coupled with the region’s rapidly growing digital infrastructure, provides great opportunities for startups like Property Finder to thrive. What excites me the most is the massive potential to innovate at the intersection of data, AI, and real estate to offer better services to both consumers and real estate professionals.
What makes you feel at home at Property Finder?
Property Finder’s commitment to innovation and its entrepreneurial spirit is something that resonates deeply with me. The company’s emphasis on using technology to solve real-world problems aligns perfectly with my personal values. The team at Property Finder is passionate, dedicated, and driven—qualities that make it feel like home to me. We’re all working toward the same goal: to revolutionize the real estate experience in MENA.
