The bazaar team sits down with Marketing Manager of MAS International, Mr. Abdullah Al Shehab, as he tells us all about the growth of one of Kuwait and the region’s most forward thinking real estate marketing company.

Can you tell us more about MAS International?

MAS International is a Kuwaiti Islamic Shariah compliant company specialized in offering innovative real estate marketing services. It was established in 2003 as a result of a unique alliance, between Munshaat Real Estate projects Company by 60% and Sokouk holding company by 40%. Since its outset, MAS International was keen on being close to its customers through its offices locally and internationally to cover their demands. The company was first founded to market the Zamzam Tower in Makkah, KSA, in offering an innovative form of Islamic Time Share holdings that are Shariah compliant. As opposed to regular timeshare programs, an Islamic timeshare entails that the tenant receives a confirmed time, space, and type of accommodation as well. For instance, you may choose to book a royal suite at Zamzam Tower and that is what you will receive regardless of how early you choose to book it. You may delay the usage of the space, and even invite others to utilize it, or rent it out for a return on your investment.

From that point, the company’s infrastructure grew and we built a network of representatives throughout the entire region, and we began offering our customers complete ownership programs of properties throughout the region, distinguishing MAS international as a complete Real Estate Investment Advisory. Since the company’s inception, we have retained more than 16,000 clients worldwide that span from the US to East Asia. Our core operation today exists as a fully-fledged real estate marketing entity.

What are the real estate projects that MAS International is involved with?

We are involved in several projects in Turkey, KSA and Egypt. Perhaps one of the most recognized projects in Turkey is BatiSehir in Istanbul. This is not only the largest real estate project in Istanbul; it is by far the largest commercial construction project in all of Europe. BatiSehir will include a complete city, from tennis courts, hospitals, schools, health clubs to five star hotels and various accommodation types.

How was 2013 for you on an operational level?

As the company continued to grow in 2013, we’ve made it our strategy to always be present at regional and international Real Estate Exhibitions to communicate to the market that we have entered a global phase in our expansion. This shift towards an international phase for MAS International was truly visible in 2013. We focused our marketing efforts to showcase our growth to not only our existing clients, but to new and prospective clients at the same time. Since I’ve joined the company, it was my focus to make it known to our clients that we have created a reliable and trusted network of offices across the region to make sure that we have a regional presence that reflects our growth, giving us a credible edge that is hard to find elsewhere in the market. Our work with BatiSehir reflects this remarkable growth, where we have sold 50 high-end units in less than a year to our sophisticated clientele. After BatiSehir MAS International also signed on to more projects that give our clients a variety of property options throughout all of Turkey. These include: Prestij Park, Istanbul, Prestij Modern, Bursa, Mia Thermal, Yalova, Trabzon Modern, Trabzon. We also most recently signed with two property projects in Cairo, Egypt. These include Hyde Park, New Cairo and October Park, 6th of October City.

What are some of the key developments in 2014?

This year, we officially became a member of the Association of International Property Professionals (AIPP) member. This membership truly represents the growth of our company, as the international non-profit and independent association that adopts a set of strict and accurate standards designed to enhance and develop the transactions related to the purchase of international real estates, and applies the best practices related to real estate activities in the international markets as reflected by the fact these AIPP member companies are viewed with the highest confidence. By joining AIPP, MAS International became one of the most trusted real estate marketing companies worldwide. We feel blessed to already operate at this remarkable level and with this membership; we further reassure our clients that they are served in the most transparent and credible manner.

Now that we have passed the first half of 2014, can you tell us what lies ahead for MAS International?

We are looking to further expand our property portfolio to soon offer real estate marketing solutions in Turkish coastal regions like Kusadasi and Bodrum. We are also studying opportunities in Europe, as the demand for property ownership and investment in these regions is always on the rise.

For further information, please visit their official website www.mas.net.kw or you can call 182 0111 and follow them on Instagram