How advanced tech enhances operational efficiency as mixed-use developments grow popular across GCC

The Middle East real estate market is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by a shift towards mixed-use developments and the adoption of advanced technologies to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and innovation.

Mixed-use developments that blend residential, office, retail, and leisure have been gaining momentum worldwide, especially in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. These developments are reshaping urban living by offering a balanced work-life experience, with convenience and accessibility at their core.

Dubai stands as a global role model for work-life integration, according to Faisal Durrani, Partner and Head of Middle East research at Knight Frank. Its diverse mixed-use projects demonstrate how a well-balanced combination of residential, commercial, and leisure spaces can foster vibrant, dynamic communities.

Why mixed-use developments are thriving in the GCC

In cities like Dubai and Riyadh, mixed-use caters to the evolving needs of modern cities, offering convenience and community within a single location as well as:

• Flexibility: Tenants can enjoy everything from workspaces to entertainment without needing to leave the community.

• Attracting tenants: A diverse asset mix appeals to a wide range of tenants—families, businesses, and tourists alike.

• Sustainability: Shorter commutes and walkability contribute to the sustainability of urban living.

The 15-minute city

The 15-minute city offers a vision of urban planning that prioritises proximity and accessibility to essential services within a 15-minute walk from residents' homes.

As University College of Estate Management (UCEM) states, “The built environment is responsible for around 40 per cent of global CO2 emissions per year, from construction through to operation, demolition and redevelopment.” With the sector playing a significant part in the climate crisis, the 15-minute city provides an opportunity to enhance sustainability, reduce carbon emissions, and create thriving cities.

In the GCC, this concept is being implemented in various ways, including Expo City Dubai in the UAE and The Line in Saudi Arabia.

Expo City Dubai is a 15-minute city where you can live, work and play. It’s an innovative business hub integrated with modern residences, cultural spaces, unique leisure facilities, restaurants and retail outlets all within a sustainable city.

Stretching across 170km, towering 500 metres above sea level but only 200 metres wide, The Line in Saudi Arabia redefines the concept of urban development and what cities of the future will look like.

As urban populations continue to grow and tenant expectations shift, property owners must embrace innovative solutions to manage these complex, multi-faceted spaces effectively.

Role of technology in managing mixed-use developments

Implementing tools that can handle the complexity of blending multiple asset types into one unified solution is essential. The partnership between mixed-use and technology not only improves operational efficiency but also enhances the overall user experience, making these developments more attractive to investors and occupants alike.

Yardi: A unified solution for mixed-use management

Yardi’s integrated asset, property and investment management platform supports the unique needs of mixed-use with:

• Streamlined operations: Ensure seamless operations across various asset types by managing residential, commercial, retail, and leisure spaces on one platform.

• Financial management: Streamline accounting with automated billings, collections, and revenue recognition while providing real-time insights and forecasts.

• Construction & procurement: Stay on track with real-time tracking of timelines, budgets, and supplier management.

• Tenant engagement: Automate the tenant lifecycle from lead generation to lease management, ensuring smooth communication and increased tenant satisfaction.

• Facility management: Proactively manage maintenance and vendors with Yardi’s predictive and preventive maintenance strategies, ensuring facilities operate efficiently.

• Data-driven decision-making: Empower property managers with real-time insights into asset performance, tenant behaviour and market trends.

Client success: Emaar

Through Yardi’s unified, cloud-based platform, Emaar, one of the largest real estate developers in the UAE, was able to enhance operational efficiency and deliver a superior tenant experience across its assets, including residential, retail, and leisure properties. By embracing digital transformation, Emaar continues to set new benchmarks in property management and tenant satisfaction.

Future of mixed-use developments in the GCC

As the popularity of mixed-use continues to rise in the GCC, the demand for technology like Yardi’s will only increase. Whether managing residential-led communities with retail and leisure components, or commercial-focused developments, property managers need comprehensive, scalable platforms that can meet the evolving needs of tenants.

By adopting innovative tools to manage everything from investment to maintenance, developers and property owners can create vibrant, efficient, and sustainable communities that thrive in the modern world.