#1Michael Lahyani

Originally from Switzerland, Lahyani moved to Dubai after recognising the need for a more efficient and transparent way to navigate the region's fast-growing property market. After introducing one of the Middle East's first real estate classifieds, he launched Property Finder in 2007 with a vision of simplifying the property search experience for buyers, renters, developers and brokers through technology and data

Under his leadership, Property Finder has evolved into one of the MENA region's leading digital real estate platforms, operating across multiple markets while serving millions of users and thousands of real estate professionals. The platform has consistently introduced new technologies and data-driven tools that have improved market transparency, strengthened consumer confidence and enabled better-informed property decisions. By combining intuitive user experiences with analytics, digital marketing solutions and market intelligence, Property Finder has become an integral part of the region's real estate ecosystem.

Lahyani's leadership extends beyond growing a successful technology company. Throughout Property Finder's evolution, he has championed digital transformation across the property sector, encouraging higher standards of professionalism, greater access to market information and wider adoption of technology by developers, brokers and industry stakeholders. His customer-first philosophy and commitment to innovation have helped modernise the way real estate is marketed and transacted across the region.

His entrepreneurial journey has also helped establish the Middle East as an attractive destination for global technology investment. Property Finder has secured significant international backing over the years, reflecting investor confidence in both the company and the region's rapidly evolving proptech landscape. Lahyani continues to focus on innovation, data and digital solutions that strengthen the long-term resilience of regional property markets while supporting sustainable industry growth.

Today, Michael Lahyani continues to shape the future of proptech by driving innovation, transparency and digital transformation across one of the world's most dynamic real estate markets, reinforcing Property Finder's position as a catalyst for the continued evolution of the Middle East's property sector.