Shiva Helali is a prominent businesswoman and entrepreneur, known for her remarkable journey in the real estate industry. As the founder and CEO of 4Ever Properties, Shiva has successfully navigated the complex landscape of Dubai’s real estate market for over 20 years. Her story is not just about professional success, but also about finding a harmonious balance between career, family, and personal care.
Shiva Helali’s journey began with a passion for real estate and a determination to make her mark in a competitive industry. From an early age, she exhibited a keen interest in business and entrepreneurship, qualities that would later define her career. Armed with ambition and a clear vision, she embarked on her real estate career, facing numerous challenges along the way.
One of the defining moments in Shiva’s career was the 2008 financial crisis. During this period, she faced significant challenges that tested her resilience and adaptability. The crisis had a profound impact on the real estate market in Dubai, creating a climate of uncertainty and fear. However, Shiva’s strategic decision-making and unwavering determination helped her navigate through these turbulent times.
“When the financial crisis hit, I was pregnant, and the uncertainty in the market was overwhelming,” Shiva recalls. “But I firmly believed that there was a viable solution to not only survive but also maintain all the assets I had worked hard to build. My husband and I decided to shift our approach from selling properties to renting them out. This decision was driven by the high demand in the market and the influx of people seeking lower rental prices and better living conditions.”
By meticulously devising a plan and demonstrating patience, Shiva and her husband successfully transitioned their business model, ensuring their continued success despite the challenging economic environment.
Shiva’s journey is not just about professional accomplishments; it is also about the importance of maintaining a strong support system at home. Throughout her career, she has prioritized her family life, recognizing that a healthy work-life balance is crucial for personal growth and happiness.
“Family is the foundation of my success,” Shiva emphasizes. “By dedicating time and effort to nurture relationships with my loved ones, I have found a sense of fulfillment that complements my professional achievements. A strong support system at home is vital for maintaining stability and continuous growth in all aspects of life.”
Shiva’s ability to balance her career and family life has been instrumental in her overall well-being and success. She firmly believes that a harmonious balance between these two aspects is essential for achieving long-term fulfillment.
In addition to managing her business and family responsibilities, Shiva has recognized the importance of self-care. Taking care of oneself physically, mentally, and emotionally is crucial for maintaining overall well-being. By prioritizing personal care activities, she has been able to energize herself and approach both work and family life with renewed vigor.
“Self-care is not a luxury; it is a necessity,” Shiva asserts. “Taking time for oneself, whether it’s through exercise, meditation, or simply enjoying a hobby, is essential for maintaining a positive and resilient mindset. It allows you to recharge and approach challenges with a fresh perspective.”
Shiva’s commitment to self-care has not only benefited her personally but has also positively impacted her professional and family life. By nurturing her own well-being, she has been able to bring her best self to every aspect of her life.
One of the most significant challenges Shiva faced was the loss of her mother. The grief and emotional turmoil that accompanied this loss were immense, but Shiva found a way to honor her mother’s memory by embodying her values and principles.
“Losing my mother was one of the hardest challenges I’ve ever faced,” Shiva reflects. “In order to overcome this challenge, I made a conscious effort to live my mother’s legacy by embodying her values, principles, and way of life. By doing so, I aimed to keep her spirit alive within myself.”
By actively incorporating her mother’s qualities into her own life and finding ways to honor her memory, Shiva has ensured that her mother’s legacy continues to live on through her.
Throughout her illustrious career, Shiva has received numerous accolades and recognition for her contributions to the real estate industry. She has been consistently recognized as a top performer in the field, earning awards for her outstanding achievements as a realtor from various developers and master developers.
In addition to her success in real estate, Shiva has also excelled in other areas. In 2018, she won the Best Poetry Writing Competition in Tajikistan, showcasing her diverse talents and creativity.
As a seasoned professional in the real estate sector, Shiva has valuable insights into the trends and developments shaping the Dubai market. According to her, several key trends have emerged over the past few years, including sustainability, affordable housing, mid-market stabilization, and investment in luxury real estate.
“Dubai’s real estate market has experienced a series of shifts and developments,” Shiva explains. “The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact, but Dubai’s proactive management and effective response helped the market rebound quicker than many other global markets. Technological advancements, sustainability initiatives, and government policies have all contributed to the market’s resilience and growth.”
Shiva also emphasizes the importance of thorough research, setting clear investment goals, and choosing the right location when investing in Dubai’s real estate market.
Her advice is to focus on rental income potential and work with trusted licensed real estate brokers for better guidance and assistance.
Looking ahead, Shiva is optimistic about the future of Dubai’s real estate market. She believes that sustainability, smart technologies, and government initiatives will continue to drive growth and attract investors. The integration of technology, such as AI-driven innovations and data-driven market analysis tools, will redefine how properties are purchased and experienced.
“Dubai’s real estate market is projected to grow by 5% in 2024, driven by the overall economic expansion of the UAE and high rental income potential,” Shiva predicts. “The market offers a diverse range of residential property types, catering to various classes of investors. Its business-friendly government policies, world-class infrastructure, and investor-friendly regulations make Dubai a beacon for global real estate investment.”
As a modern leader, Shiva emphasizes the importance of leveraging technology, emotional intelligence, and agility. She believes that utilizing digital tools and platforms can enhance communication, collaboration, and decision-making processes within organizations.
“Leaders in the digital age must possess strong interpersonal skills and cultivate a culture of transparency and open communication,” Shiva asserts. “Agility and adaptability are also crucial in a rapidly changing business environment. By remaining flexible and responsive, leaders can steer their organizations towards success.”
Looking to the future, Shiva has several dreams and aspirations. One of her primary goals is to improve the performance and productivity of her employees by enhancing their skills, knowledge, and motivation. She also aims to establish an ownership structure that allows employees to become shareholders in her company.
“Expanding my real estate business and becoming a market leader in the international market is a significant goal for me,” Shiva shares. “I also aspire to become a recognized industry expert and speaker, sharing my knowledge and expertise with others. Creating a successful mentorship program to help new brokers and business developers succeed in the industry is another dream of mine.”
Above all, Shiva strives to achieve a work-life balance that allows her to prioritize her personal and family life while still pursuing her professional goals.
Shiva Helali’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and balance. Her journey in the real estate industry, coupled with her commitment to family and personal care, serves as an inspiration to others. By sharing her experiences and insights, Shiva hopes to encourage others to find their own harmonious balance and achieve a fulfilling and well-rounded life.
