Breaking Barriers: The Woman Redefining Success in Real Estate and Inspiring a New Generation of Leaders
Meet an ambitious qualified, passionate and high energy multi-lingual real estate leader who is essentially self-motivated leader. She has made her name stand out in the crowd with years of progressive experience in real estate industry and communication within the property and project management – Salwa Arfaoui. She is hardworking, reliable and honest with a passion for delivering high quality customer service and building international business ties. Salwa is always seeking a challenging and varied position that will enable her to raise the bar in real estate field with opportunities for personal and professional growth. She has secured a bachelor in English Linguistics & Civilization, an Anglophone Translation Master, and an MBA degree in Business Administration.
Salwa is a Certified International Property Specialist and member at NAR (National Association of Realtors New Jersey Washington) Member at the FIABCI (International Real Estate Federation US & France chapter), and she is a IPS (International Property Show) Global Ambassador. She is official instructor with innovation expert institute certified by Dubai land department. Salwa has been awarded “The Most Inspiring Woman Expert in Real Estate 2023”, “Best Woman Leader in Real Estate”, “Best Woman Expert by Women Achievers”, “Most Influential Visionary Woman Leader 2024” and “International Property Expert of the Year 2024.” Let us know more about Salwa as she speaks about her journey in this interview.
About Salwa’s Professional Journey:
Real estate is an essentially male-dominated sector, where there are very few women in higher management and positions of authority. Salwa started in real estate driven by a passion for creating meaningful spaces and a commitment to women’s empowerment a few years back. Now she is the regional director at Next Level Real Estate. She has merged the goals of creating meaningful spaces and empowering women in this sector by establishing a company that excels in the industry while actively supporting women through mentorship and training programs. She states, “Our ‘Empower Through Real Estate’ initiative has helped many women, achieve their dreams in a traditionally male-dominated field. My mission is to combine real estate success with advancing women’s opportunities and leadership.”
Salwa’s Inspiration:
Salwa is motivated by the opportunity to empower people through strategic investments and support, particularly women and underserved communities. Investing in these areas not only fosters growth but also creates a ripple effect of positive change, aligning with her mission to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Talking about the source of her motivation, Salwa shares, “My greatest inspiration is witnessing the transformative impact that real estate can have on people’s lives. Seeing individuals and families thrive in spaces they truly love drives me.”
What makes an impactful leader?
Salwa believes in fostering growth mindset. She shares, “An impactful leader, in my view, embodies vision, empathy, and resilience. Inspiring women leaders demonstrate a deep understanding of their team’s needs and potential. They empower others by fostering an inclusive environment, championing personal and professional growth, and leading with integrity. They also embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and inspire through their actions, commitment, and genuine support for others. True leadership is about elevating those around you and driving collective success.”
Major challenges faced by women in leading roles in real estate and ways to overcome them:
“Women in real estate often face challenges like gender bias, lack of representation, and limited access to networks. They can build strong professional network, seek mentorship, and advocate for themselves assertively to overcome these hurdles. Embracing continuous learning and
showcasing their expertise also help breaks down stereotypes. Organizations should support diversity initiatives and create inclusive environments that provide equal opportunities for growth and advancement, helping women thrive in leadership roles.”
How to sustain a leadership role in real estate?
Real estate is a highly competitive field where women in the leadership roles are just a handful at least in the Middle East. Salwa continues to inspire women to step forward, she advises, “To grow and sustain a leadership role in real estate, focus on continuous learning, building strong relationships, and adapting to industry changes. Cultivating a growth mindset helps you embrace challenges and stay innovative. Mental health plays a crucial role by ensuring resilience, preventing burnout, and maintaining clarity in decision-making. Prioritizing self-care and seeking support when needed keeps you balanced and effective, enhancing your ability to lead with confidence and empathy.”
A memorable experience in Salwa’s professional journey:
“One memorable experience in my professional journey was leading a major project to revitalize a struggling neighborhood. Transforming it into a thriving community involved coordinating with various stakeholders, overcoming significant challenges, and ensuring sustainable growth.
From this, I learned the importance of vision and collaboration. It highlighted that effective leadership requires not just strategic planning but also the ability to build consensus and inspire others. The experience reinforced the value of resilience and adaptability in achieving long-term success.”
Why investors prefer to invest in Dubai real estate landscape?
Salwa has over a decade of experience in her field and as an expert she has deep insights that any investor may find valuable. When asked to share her views about investing in Dubai real estate she encourages the investors to step up and win big. She states, “Investors prefer Dubai’s real estate for its high rental yields, tax benefits (no property or capital gains tax), and strong economic stability. The city’s strategic location, innovative projects, and transparent regulatory environment further enhance its appeal. Dubai’s ambitious developments and favorable investment climate offer significant growth potential, making it an attractive choice for both income and capital appreciation.”
A good growth strategy in competitive real estate market:
“In a highly competitive market, a business strategy that has worked for me is focusing on differentiation through exceptional customer service and personalized experiences. By deeply understanding clients’ needs and tailoring solutions to meet them, we create lasting relationships and build a strong reputation. Additionally, leveraging data analytics to make informed decisions and continuously innovating in our service offerings helps us stay ahead of competitors and adapt to market changes effectively.”
Salwa Arfaoui (@salwa_arfaoui_cips) • Instagram photos and videos
Salwa’s message to the readers?
As an independent woman, inspiring leader, and working mother in the real estate market, Salwa’s message is: “Embrace your unique strengths and stay resilient. Balancing career and personal life are challenging, but it is possible to win with passion, determination, and support. Prioritize self-care, seek mentorship, and never underestimate your ability to lead and inspire. Your journey is a testament to breaking barriers and creating opportunities. Continue to push boundaries, uplift others, and build the future you envision.”
