NUWAVE
Surf lagoon destination at sunset
Experience

Depth across every side of a development.

We've shaped large-scale destinations, rolled out retail brands, negotiated franchises and managed portfolios — working across the UAE, Australia and international markets.

Areas of experience
01

Destination & Mixed-Use Development

02

Active Leisure & Surf Destinations

03

Community Retail Development

04

Franchise Development & F&B

05

Retail Portfolio Management & Expansion

06

Portfolio & Asset Management

Aerial dusk view of a mixed-use destination arranged around a lagoon
01
Destination & Mixed-Use Development

Large-scale active-leisure destination

Dubai Festival City, UAE

Masterplanning, development design, engineering assessment and commercial assessment for an 80,000m² mixed-use destination centred on a surf lagoon — integrating hotel, F&B, retail, co-working and events space into a single commercially structured place.

  • Masterplanning and development design
  • Engineering and technology assessment
  • Commercial assessment and phasing strategy
Scope
80,000m² anchored by a surf lagoon
Aerial view of a surf lagoon leisure destination at golden hour
02
Active Leisure & Surf Destinations

Active-leisure & surf destination strategy and masterplanning

UAE

Strategy and masterplanning for active-leisure and surf-lagoon-centred destination opportunities across a range of environments, including engagements at Yas Island, Creek Park, Atlantis The Palm, Al Forsan and Dubai Sevens Stadium — working with technology partners including Wavegarden.

  • Strategy and masterplanning across multiple sites
  • Market assessment and feasibility
  • Commercial modelling and technology partner coordination
Scope
Yas Island to Dubai Sevens Stadium
Palm-lined community retail plaza at sunset
03
Community Retail Development

Australia's largest Masterplanned City

Springfield Lakes, Queensland, Australia

John led all retail and commercial leasing, and managed shop fit-out and delivery in the development of two large community shopping centres in Springfield Lakes — working together with Lend Lease on residential, our projects included the launch of a small luxury hotel, commercial office park, medical centre and restaurant precinct.

  • Two large community shopping centres
  • Retail and commercial leasing led by John
  • Shop fit-out and delivery management
Scope
Community centres, hotel, office park and medical precinct
Warmly lit modern grill restaurant interior with open kitchen
04
Franchise Development & F&B

Hurricanes Grill & L'Artisan du Burger

Dubai

Master franchise acquisition and rollout of international restaurant concepts. Secured the MENA master franchise for Hurricanes Grill and led its UAE launch including the flagship at The Dubai Mall; for L'Artisan du Burger, secured the master franchise, negotiated the Dubai Mall lease, appointed contractors and fit out oversight.

  • MENA master franchise negotiation
  • Flagship site selection and lease negotiation
  • Contractor appointment and fit-out oversight
Scope
Two flagship launches at The Dubai Mall
Night aerial of a Dubai retail and hospitality district
05
Retail Portfolio Management & Expansion

International brand portfolios

UAE

Directed real estate strategy and expansion across a portfolio of more than 200 stores — including Inditex brands Zara, Massimo Dutti, Bershka and Oysho, alongside F&B concepts Eataly, Paul Café, Pulp Juice and Butcher Shop — negotiating with the UAE's leading developers and landlords.

  • 200+ store portfolio strategy
  • Lease renewals, expansion and landlord negotiation
  • Market and financial viability assessment for new locations
Scope
200+ stores across Inditex and F&B brands
Coastal hospitality interior at dusk
06
Portfolio & Asset Management

Bin Drai family office

Dubai

Asset management strategy and leasing across a USD 1bn diversified family-office portfolio spanning retail, commercial, residential, hospitality and land assets — directing portfolio strategy, capex planning and tenant retention.

  • USD 1bn mixed-use portfolio
  • Occupancy improved by 17% through structured tenant optimisation
  • Budgets, capex planning and performance metrics
Scope
USD 1bn portfolio under management
Organisations worked with
ADIA
Al-Futtaim
Emirates
Dubai Municipality
Wavegarden
Lend Lease
Inditex
Atlantis The Palm

Engagements delivered independently and within previous roles.

Next step

Discuss an opportunity — a site, an asset or a destination.

Discuss an opportunity