As global capital flows increasingly cross borders, Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a preferred real estate destination for Indian investors seeking stability, transparency, and long-term value. At the center of this growing trend is Aditya Earnest John, Founder of HowToDXB Real Estate, whose strategic foresight and investor-first approach have positioned his firm among the most trusted cross-border real estate advisories in the region.
With a background rooted in India’s industrial landscape, Aditya brings a deep understanding of value creation and disciplined investing. His entrepreneurial journey, from assisting his family business in India to establishing two thriving real estate advisories in Dubai, reflects a commitment to combining traditional business integrity with modern investment science. Having navigated market cycles including the 2008 Dubai real-estate downturn, he has built HowToDXB’s advisory model around rigorous due diligence, asset quality assessment, and compliance-led structuring.
Today, HowToDXB Real Estate operates across Dubai, Mumbai, and Singapore, offering clients data-backed insights, transparent processes, and a boutique yet institutional experience. The firm’s approach emphasizes risk protection, sustainable returns, and adherence to regulatory frameworks such as RERA, FEMA, and LRS guidelines — ensuring investors can diversify globally with confidence.
In this exclusive conversation, The Realty Today speaks with Aditya Earnest John, Founder of HowToDXB Real Estate, about Dubai’s evolving real estate landscape, the rise of cross-border investments by Indian investors, and the values driving sustainable global advisory models.
Here are the excerpts from the interview -
1. Aditya, your journey from helping your family business in India to building two thriving real estate advisories in Dubai is truly inspiring. What were some defining moments that shaped your approach to leadership and investment strategy?
My journey in real estate has been shaped by both legacy and reinvention. Growing up in an industrialist family, I had an incredible role model for leadership in my father. Watching him build and lead with clarity, integrity, and a growth mindset taught me that true leadership begins with leading by example. His ability to take bold decisions and back them with hard work became the foundation for how I operate today.
My approach to investment strategy was forged by fire during the 2008 real-estate crash in Dubai. Being an investor through that phase I developed a deep respect for quality assets with strong fundamentals.
That experience shaped the investment philosophy we follow today at HowToDXB real estate . Every property we recommend goes through a strict, USP-driven checklist to ensure our clients’ downside is protected while maximizing long-term upside. Irrespective of the market cycle our focus remains to preserve wealth, compound returns, and always protect the investor first.
2. How do you ensure that HowToDXB Real Estate maintain their “personal touch” while expanding across multiple markets like Dubai, Mumbai, and Singapore? What values drive your team culture?
Maintaining a personal touch while expanding across regions is one of our biggest priorities and challenges. As we’ve grown, we’ve been fortunate to bring on board highly motivated and like-minded professionals, but we’ve also built a strong operational backbone to ensure consistency.
Every client presentation follows a SOP , client gets the same experience whether I or a team member is presenting. Every Property Recommendation follows follow a four-step investment checklist & is vetted by Mahesh n I personally before being introduced to clients.
This allows us to combine the warmth and attentiveness of a boutique firm with the discipline and reliability of an institutional advisory — giving every client a consistent, high-quality experience no matter which market they interact with us in.
3. In recent years, Dubai has emerged as one of the most attractive destinations for Indian investors. What key trends or regulatory changes have contributed to this surge in cross-border real-estate investments?
The foremost reason Indians are drawn to Dubai today is safety — the safety of one’s family, lifestyle, and assets. For investors, peace of mind is the foundation of every decision, and Dubai delivers that with remarkable consistency and governance.
The second factor is a combination of credibility and investor protection. Dubai has built a reputation for delivering what it promises. Investors are protected by RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) ensuring funds are secured in escrow and developments stay on schedule. This culture of delivery and accountability has made investors trust the city’s real-estate narrative.
Another powerful driver is Dubai’s tax advantage. For a developed city, Dubai offers some of the lowest taxes in the world, allowing investors to grow their wealth efficiently and without friction.
The introduction of the Golden Visa, providing long-term residency to property owners and entrepreneurs, has further transformed Dubai from an investment market into a destination for living. Add to that currency stability, high rental yields, seamless connectivity from Indian metros, and the city’s ongoing infrastructure and lifestyle evolution—and you have a market that combines aspiration with security.
But What truly sets Dubai apart, however, is its future readiness. The city has embraced crypto-friendly regulations, attracting a wave of global tech and blockchain entrepreneurs. With its government actively integrating blockchain into governance and property systems, Dubai is on its way to becoming one of the world’s most advanced, tech-forward real-estate markets.
In essence, Dubai today represents more than returns — it represents trust, innovation, and long-term value, which is why Indian investors increasingly view it as a secure and progressive extension of their wealth portfolio.
4. As someone deeply involved in guiding global property investments, what are the biggest challenges Indian investors face when investing abroad, and how do you help them navigate these complexities?
One of the biggest challenges Indian investors face while investing abroad is navigating the regulatory and compliance framework. Transferring funds overseas requires precise planning and complete adherence to FEMA and RBI guidelines.
For instance, under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), individuals can remit up to USD 250,000 per person per year, which means property payment plans must be carefully planned. When investments are made through corporate structures, the process must comply with Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) limits based on the company’s net worth.
At HowToDXB Real Estate, we manage this through our in-house compliance ecosystem — Chartered Accountants in both Mumbai and Dubai, along with a dedicated FEMA consultant. Together, they structure every transaction to ensure it is legally sound and tax-efficient. We’re proud that none of our clients have ever faced compliance issues or ED notices — a testament to our proactive planning and unwavering focus on doing things the right way.
5. With global markets evolving rapidly, how do you see the future of international real-estate investments for Indians? Are there emerging regions or asset classes you believe hold strong potential in the next decade?
International real-estate investments by Indians are poised to grow exponentially in the coming decade, driven by both financial returns and lifestyle aspirations. There are three major drivers. First, the need to diversify into stronger currencies, as the rupee depreciates, investors are parking part of their wealth in dollar-pegged assets, second, the pursuit of a better lifestyle. India is progressing rapidly, but many families want to enjoy world-class infrastructure, safety, and amenities today, especially for the next generation and the third, the tax simplicity of the Middle East enables faster wealth compounding with minimal friction.
Looking ahead, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Saudi Arabia stand out as exciting frontiers. The rise of casino tourism in Ras Al Khaimah and Saudi’s visionary urban transformation present unique opportunities. My partner, Mahesh Kevalramani, born and raised in Saudi , offers deep cultural insight into the region. I truly believe the next decade belongs to the East — where safety, opportunity, and lifestyle converge for global investors.
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