Behind Every Great Community, There’s a Champion

On the occasion of International Community Association Managers Day, REM TIMES shines a spotlight on the dedicated professionals shaping thriving neighbourhoods.

June 12, 2025 | Deepa Natarajan Lobo | UAE | Community Management

At the heart of our neighbourhoods, community association managers are the quiet force making everything work. From handling emergencies and budgets to bringing people together, they are the unsung heroes who ensure our communities not only function—but thrive.

On the occasion of International Community Association Managers Day, REM TIMES is proud to present the second edition of its ‘Community Champions’ series—a heartfelt tribute to the professionals who go above and beyond to make residential life better.

This year, we once again shine a spotlight on exceptional community management professionals across the UAE—individuals whose dedication, patience, and people-first approach keep our communities safe, harmonious, and welcoming.

To all community managers: thank you. Your work may happen behind the scenes, but the impact is deeply felt, every single day.

(This recognition is not a ranking but a celebration of service and contribution. Honorees are listed in alphabetical order.)

Fatema Burichan

Community Management Professional, Asteco

Fatema Burichan is a certified community management professional with over a decade of experience spanning real estate, property management and community operations. She began her career in 2014 in data entry before progressing into real estate roles, and in 2021, transitioned into community management - a field where she continues to thrive and grow. Today, as Community Supervisor at Asteco, she oversees a diverse portfolio of vertical and horizontal communities.

Fatema’s approach is rooted in empathy, active listening and service-oriented problem solving. Her ability to connect with residents of all ages and build trusted, respectful relationships has made her a dependable point of contact within every community she manages. She holds the M100 certification and remains committed to continuous professional growth to elevate the quality of service she delivers.

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Freejo Francis

Professional

Freejo Francis is a seasoned professional with over 24 years of international experience spanning Hospitality, Community Management, Facility Management, and Property Services. Beginning his career in five-star hospitality, he holds a Degree in Hotel Management from New Zealand and has worked with renowned global brands including Marriott’s International, P&O, Carnival and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, contributing to four high-profile pre-opening projects.

Over the past two decades, Freejo has established himself as a prominent and respected leader across the UAE and GCC, particularly within the region’s Community Management industry. He has led operations across residential, commercial, retail, mall, and mixed-use developments. In recognition of his leadership, achievements, and impactful initiatives, he won the Gold Award for Best Community Professional – UAE (IRECMS 2023).

He has also served as a Board Member and as Past President (2024) of CAI Middle East (GCC)and currently holds a position on the Executive Committee of the Dubai Real Estate Brokerage & Property Management Sector. Holding a DrBA, MBA and certifications including CMCA, AMS and ARM, Freejo blends luxury hospitality excellence with strategic foresight, championing a hospitality approach that redefines service standards, optimizes property operations, and enhances stakeholder engagement across the region.

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Hassan Abdillahi

CMCA - CAI

Hassan Abdillahi is a Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA), accredited by the Community Association Managers International Certification Board in the United States and an active member of the Community Associations Institute (CAI).

With over a decade of experience, he specialises in service charge budgeting and collection, stakeholder engagement and sustainability initiatives. Hassan blends international certification with hands-on expertise to elevate community living standards.

He currently manages Mayan, a premium mixed-use development on Yas Island, where his leadership supports operational excellence, resident satisfaction and environmental responsibility. His work reflects a commitment to high standards and community-focused best practices.

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Jennifer Andal

General Manager, Better Communities

Jennifer Andal-Matining steers Better Communities OAM as General Manager, championing integrity and impeccable service across a multidisciplinary team of community-management professionals. Her commitment to raising industry standards extends globally: as a Commissioner on the Community Association Managers International Certification Board, safeguarding the rigor of the CMCA® credential, reaffirming that managers operate with professionalism, knowledge and ethics. Regionally, she was elected to the Board of the Community Associations Institute Middle East Chapter, where she cultivates leadership, learning and service for the benefit of homeowners, residents and stakeholders alike. She leads by example, mastering every facet of the field so she can mentor emerging talent and earn the respect of peers. Just as important, she hand-picks teammates with positive mindsets and unshakable ethics, knowing that when such good people work together, they function as one seamless, high-performing force. Under her stewardship, Better Communities thrives—building trust and proving that principled, people-focused management delivers enduring value for communities.

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Kareem Mohamed

Community Supervisor

Kareem Mohamed has been a key member of Asteco for over five years, gradually progressing from an officer to a supervisor for The Bridges community on Al Reem Island.

He has consistently demonstrated a high level of professionalism, leadership and dedication in his role. From overseeing financial planning and regulatory compliance to supporting operational processes and managing stakeholder engagement, he has proven his ability to handle complex responsibilities with efficiency and integrity.

As part of his role, Kareem supports the Al Reem Island team in liaising with Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). He has also contributed to positioning The Bridges as one of the top-performing communities in terms of service charge collection rates and NPS scores.

Kareem holds certifications from globally recognised institutions including Community Associations Institute (CAI), Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) and Innovation Experts Real Estate Institute (IEREI).
His qualifications include M-100 ( Essentials of Community Association Management), M-201 (Facilities Management), M-206 (Financial Management) and ARM (Accredited Residential Manager).

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Mohamed Kotb

Compliance Director, LOAMS

Mohamed Kotb, Compliance Director at LOAMS, has built a reputation for his rigorous approach to regulatory standards. With 15 years in the industry, he has played a key role in maintaining LOAMS’ compliance record, including zero fines in the past year. Known for his proactive stance, Kotb emphasizes resolving issues within 24 hours, well under RERA’s 48-hour window.

His leadership extends beyond compliance—he mentors his team, fostering accountability and professional growth. Kotb has also contributed to shaping community regulations, earning recognition from RERA, DLD, and DAMAC for his work on dispute resolution and service improvements. Additionally, he has assisted other communities during crises, such as coordinating water tankers for Mudon and pumps for Nakheel. Kotb has also contributed to industry-wide improvements, including defining community violations and streamlining services through platforms like Mollak and the Dubai REST app.

Through his dedication to compliance, mentorship, and industry collaboration, Kotb has established himself as a respected figure in community management.

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Muhammad Mumtaz

CMCA, AMS / President, Community Associations Institute - Middle East (CAIME)

Muhammad Osman Mumtaz, CMCA, AMS, is a seasoned community manager at Asteco and President of the Community Associations Institute – Middle East (CAIME). Since entering the industry in 2017, Mumtaz has been a driving force in promoting professional excellence and industry collaboration. At Asteco, he oversees high-value properties in Dubai Marina as part of a portfolio exceeding 150 communities nationwide.

Through his leadership at CAIME, he continues to advocate for higher standards, education and recognition within the field, supporting initiatives that elevate the role of community managers across the Middle East. His work reflects a commitment to fostering resilient, well-governed communities, increasing cooperation between management companies and governing authorities and raising the profile of the profession at large.

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Nikita Raberts

CMCA, AMS, ARM - PCAM

Nikita Raberts is a seasoned professional in community management, with over 13 years of industry experience driving excellence across some of the UAE’s most iconic residential and commercial developments. From luxury master communities to VIP beachfront projects, her portfolio spans RERA and DIFC-regulated properties across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where she has led operations for more than 5,800 units across six large-scale communities. Known for her resilience, strategic leadership, and commitment to service excellence, Nikita has worked with leading developers and OA companies including Aldar, Khidmah, Provis, Three60 Communities, Kingfield, and Damac.

Today, in her role at Asteco, she continues to elevate community living through tailored strategies and resident-focused solutions. A strong advocate for collaboration, she builds lasting trust with owners committees and stakeholders. Nikita holds a range of industry-relevant certifications, including CMCA, AMS, and ARM, and is currently pursuing her PCAM designation. She actively gives back through the Community Associations Institute – Middle East Chapter as a former volunteer and MEC Committee member.

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Saravanan Viswanathan

Senior Community Manager, Highrise Owners Association Management

Saravanan Viswanathan is a seasoned community association management professional with over 15 years of experience managing high-end freehold communities and two decades in the property and services sector. He excels in enhancing residential environments, fostering stakeholder collaboration, and driving operational excellence through strategic planning, digital innovation, and sustainability.

Inspired by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s belief that leadership is built through action, Saravanan is committed to upholding world-class standards in Dubai’s communities. With a strong background in crisis management, he has led recovery efforts, boosted resident engagement, and introduced transformative solutions for long-term resilience.

As an active member of government initiatives and industry bodies, he advocates for best practices in community management. Passionate about continuous learning, Saravanan explores ESG, PropTech, FinTech, AI, and leadership development to stay ahead in a dynamic industry. His mission aligns with the D33 agenda, driving community growth and long-term value.

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Stephen Horner

Executive Director, PRD Survey Services

Stephen Horner is a seasoned executive specialising in community management and development consulting across the UAE. As Executive Director at PRD Survey Services, he leads strategic direction, oversees operations, and manages key client relationships.

With a background spanning both independent consultancy and in-house roles with major developers, Stephen has been instrumental in establishing and expanding community management divisions. His expertise includes strata title structuring, operational strategy, and community governance advisory.

A recognised leader in the field, Stephen blends practical management with strategic foresight to deliver sustainable, well-governed communities within the UAE’s dynamic real estate sector.

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Sunayna Bhambani

AMS - PCAM

With over 14 years of experience in Dubai's community management sector, Sunayna Bhambhani has established herself as a trusted professional in developing thriving residential and mixed-use communities. Her career has been dedicated to creating well-managed spaces through collaborative work with Owners Committees and operational excellence.

Specializing in both strategic planning and practical implementation, Bhambhani approaches community management with a focus on building trust and fostering resident satisfaction. Her professional philosophy centers on transforming properties into welcoming environments where residents feel secure and valued.

Bhambhani's expertise spans daily operations management to long-term community development strategies. She excels at aligning team efforts with organizational objectives, demonstrating particular strength in stakeholder communication and operational problem-solving. Her approach consistently emphasizes transparency and resident-focused solutions in all community management initiatives.

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