From Kazakhstan To Dubai Real Estate Leader
Zhibek Kusainova is now one of the most respected real estate professionals in the United Arab Emirates. She serves as a Partner at Driven Properties, a leading real estate agency in Dubai, and manages a property portfolio valued at over $170 million. Her journey has been defined by vision, resilience, and deep understanding of the UAE property market, making her story an inspiration for investors and young professionals alike.
Born in Kazakhstan, Zhibek moved to Dubai in 2007. At that time, Dubai was still growing into the global real estate powerhouse it is today. Zhibek saw potential where others saw uncertainty. With determination, she built her career from the ground up, learning the dynamics of the UAE property market and navigating cultural and business shifts with confidence. Today she stands as a testament to what dedication and strategic thinking can achieve in one of the world’s most competitive investment markets.
A Decade Of Real Estate Mastery And Investment Insight
Over the last ten years, Zhibek has immersed herself fully in real estate — specializing in investments, off-plan property advisory, and portfolio management. At Driven Properties, she works with an international clientele, helping them identify, buy, lease, and manage properties across prime communities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Driven Properties, established in 2012, has grown into a major brokerage and advisory firm in the UAE, respected for its comprehensive services in sales, leasing, and investment strategy.
Managing a portfolio worth more than $170 million is no small feat. It requires rigorous market analysis, constant communication with investors, and staying ahead of trends that can impact property values and rental yields. Zhibek’s expertise in handling these responsibilities has made her a trusted advisor for both seasoned investors and newcomers to the UAE real estate scene. Her fluency in multiple languages and cultural sensitivity help her serve a diverse range of clients from across the world.
Dubai And Abu Dhabi: Strategic Investment Destinations
Dubai’s real estate market has grown rapidly over the past decade, drawing domestic and international investors alike. Real estate transaction values in Dubai have seen remarkable increases, with the city consistently leading the Gulf Cooperation Council in property activity. Properties in ultra-luxury segments continue to draw global interest, especially in iconic communities like Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, and Bluewaters.
Neighboring Abu Dhabi has also seen a surge in investment activity, with transaction volumes doubling in recent years and new high-end projects launching across waterfront and island communities. This trend reflects growing confidence among investors seeking value, diversification, and long-term capital growth in the UAE’s property markets.
Zhibek’s work spans both emirates, and her strategic focus is on properties that offer strong prospects for appreciation as well as stable rental returns. Her ability to guide clients toward opportunities that align with their financial goals has been central to her success.
The Lifestyle Behind The Success
Living in Dubai since 2007 has deeply shaped Zhibek’s outlook on life and business. Dubai is known for its cosmopolitan lifestyle, high standards of living, and fast-paced business environment. For Zhibek, moving to the UAE was not just a career choice, but a life transformation. The city became her home, and its dynamic growth mirrored her own professional trajectory.
Her daily life involves juggling multiple priorities — client meetings, property inspections, market research, networking events, and strategic planning. But beyond work, Zhibek believes in building genuine relationships with clients and colleagues, prioritizing trust and transparency. These values have earned her not only business success but lifelong connections that span continents.
Overcoming Challenges With Determination
Like all success stories, Zhibek’s journey has included challenges. Breaking into a competitive industry as a foreign professional required resilience. She had to understand complex regulations, build credibility, and prove her skill in advising high-net-worth investors. But these obstacles only strengthened her resolve.
She invested time in education, professional development, and staying informed on global real estate trends. Zhibek is known for her calm decision-making under pressure, and her ability to maintain focus on long-term goals even as markets fluctuate.
Inspiration For The Next Generation Of Investors
Today Zhibek uses her story to motivate others. She often speaks about the importance of patience, strategy, and continuous learning. Her path shows that success in real estate is not about quick wins but about building knowledge, understanding market cycles, and nurturing strong professional relationships.
For young professionals aspiring to enter real estate, her advice centers around developing expertise, being ethical in client dealings, and staying resilient in the face of uncertainty.
Current Focus And Future Aspirations
Currently, Zhibek continues to expand her influence in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi markets. She focuses on identifying high-potential properties, helping investors secure assets that align with their financial priorities. She also mentors colleagues and shares insights about property management and investment criteria, shaping the next generation of real estate leaders.
Her long-term vision includes contributing to the growth of Driven Properties’ presence and helping more international investors unlock opportunities in the UAE’s vibrant real estate ecosystem.
Legacy Of Impact And Leadership
Zhibek Kusainova’s story is more than a career profile. It is a narrative about ambition, strategic thinking, and the power of persistence. From her early years in Dubai to managing a multi-million-dollar property portfolio, Zhibek exemplifies what can be achieved when someone combines passion with professional excellence.
Her journey continues to inspire others not just to invest in property, but to pursue their goals with dedication and confidence in a global marketplace.
Do follow her on Instagram.
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