Credit: GRI InstituteMeet the winners of the GRI Global Awards 2025
The GRI Institute honours the world's most visionary real estate leaders and companies at exclusive awards ceremony in Abu Dhabi
November 6, 2025Real Estate
Written by:Helen Richards
Key Takeaways
- The GRI Global Awards 2025 ceremony took place this week (5th) in Abu Dhabi, gathering the world's most visionary real estate leaders and companies to celebrate innovation and excellence in the industry.
- Henri Alster, founder of the GRI Institute, announced the winning projects, companies, and leaders, across diverse categories, including Corporate Project of the Year, Hospitality Project of the Year, Person of the Year, Proptech of the Year, and more.
- Serving as a defining moment for the global real estate sector, the Awards showcase the pinnacles of design, sustainability, and forward-thinking development, setting the new benchmark for the entire industry.
The GRI Global Awards 2025 ceremony in Abu Dhabi wasn't just an event; it was a defining moment for global real estate. With GRI Institute founder Henri Alster presenting the honours, the awards celebrated the sector's most innovative projects and visionary professionals.
Spanning five continents and numerous sectors, from game-changing PropTech platforms to architectural marvels, this year's winners showcase pinnacles of design, sustainability, and forward-thinking development across the world, setting the new benchmark for the industry.
And, the winners are:
Casoni is more than a building - it is a legacy. Rising 70 stories and 375,000 square feet beside Gotham Hall, Casoni redefines the Garment District skyline as its tallest tower and one of Midtown South’s tallest. Designed with soft, organic lines, each floor subtly protrudes, creating a sculptural, curved silhouette.
Developed by Sioni Group and AB & Sons, the project reflects the Yadidi family’s journey from garment manufacturing in 1992 to shaping the skyline today. Key to its identity is the sweeping curved curtain wall, integrating high-performance glass, aluminum, and European modular precision, with balconies enhancing airflow and seamless indoor-outdoor living.
Sustainability drives the design with bird-friendly glass, hurricane-tested resilience, and a custom Italian porcelain podium. Lighting and mechanical systems are fully integrated into the façade, a first in NYC. Casoni stands as a statement of vision, innovation, and enduring family legacy.
2nd Place - Dolphin Square - AXA Investment Managers - London, UK
3rd Place - Newmarket Yards - Bain | Reddy A+U - Dublin, Ireland
65 Gresham Street is a major reinvention of a significant building in the City of London, driven by innovation. The project achieved planning approval for a 33% uplift in lettable space, transforming the building into a 38,000 square metre landmark.
Notably, the entire building was fully pre-let to a leading financial institution three years ahead of its practical completion - marking the largest pre-construction pre-let in London for a decade.
This outstanding result was enabled by a first-of-its-kind, games engine-led approach to design, planning, and pre-leasing, setting a new benchmark for development in the London market.
The project added five new floors and 9,300 sqm of office area and 2,400 sqm of new terraces, while retaining 85% of the superstructure and creating 2,000 sqm of new public realm.
2nd Place - RMZ Skyview - RMZ - Hyderabad, India
3rd Place - Flamboyant Corporate - Flamboyant Urbanismo - Goiania, Brazil
Baccarat Hotel & Residences Dubai marks the debut of the iconic luxury brand in the Middle East, bringing over 260 years of heritage to the heart of Downtown Dubai.
Conceived by Shamal Holding in collaboration with world-class partners such as Studio Libeskind and 1508 London, the development features two crystalline-inspired towers - Le Rouge and Le Noir - housing a 145-key hotel and an exclusive collection of branded residences. Inspired by the brilliance of cut crystal, the towers add a striking new dimension to Dubai’s skyline, uniting iconic architecture with refined interiors.
The project offers an unparalleled hospitality and lifestyle experience, combining timeless design with exclusive services. Guests and residents will enjoy world-class amenities, including a spa, wellness studios, signature dining, and curated lounges, while the branded residences embody the philosophy of “Everyday Baccarat” in private living.
More than a real estate development, the project positions Dubai at the forefront of ultra-luxury hospitality, aligned with the global growth of branded residences expected to surpass 1,000 schemes by 2030 (Knight Frank).
2nd Place - Altaona Sports & Wellness Resort - The Art of Living in Spain - Murcia, Spain
3rd Place - Waldorf Astoria en San Miguel de Allende - Peakair Developments - San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Building #8 at Vesta Park Apodaca is our most innovative project to date, designed to exceed expectations in construction, sustainability, and social responsibility.
We are implementing a "shared neighborhood amenities" concept to foster a sense of community, and we've partnered with an internationally experienced landscape architecture firm to create the finest park in Monterrey, Nuevo León.
On the sustainability front, we are pursuing LEED Platinum certification, confirming our commitment to developing the most distinguished buildings on the market.
The building's strategic location on Boulevard Acapulco & the Highway to the Monterrey International Airport provides a significant advantage for tenants seeking to stand out as employers, thanks to easy workforce access to the city's public transportation network.
Connectivity will improve even more in the coming years with the new metro line, which will have a station in La Fe, San Nicolas, from which employees can take bus routes to the park. The final station of the Ecovía (Valle Soleado) at Ruiz Cortines is also just 1.5 km away, providing additional mobility options.
2nd Place - Urbanity Campus Tachov - URBANITY Development - Tachov, Czech Republic
3rd Place - Horizon Industrial Park Farukhnagar II - Horizon Industrial Parks - Farukhnagar, India
Redefining how people live. At Blueground, we believe that when your base is reliable, the world opens up. That’s why we’re building the world’s leading platform for living.
Every year, 350 million people move between cities - yet today’s housing options haven’t caught up with the needs of this modern, mobile generation. Blueground was built to change that.
With 40,000+ homes across the globe, available for stays from a few days to a year or more, we’re just getting started. We’re on an exponential growth path to redefine living and create an entirely new category. Our edge? Powerful proprietary tech, operational excellence, and a team that executes with speed and discipline.
Blueground is headquartered in New York City, with a portfolio of thousands of apartments in 50+ cities worldwide.
2nd Place - Anarock - India
3rd Place - Built AI - United Kingdom
280 Art Boulevard was the name chosen not only to define the building that has the power to reshape the city’s skyline, but also to embody an entire artistic and cultural journey. Rising at number 280 on Avenida Cidade Jardim, this project is where artistic expression and architecture converge to create one of São Paulo’s most inspiring landmarks.
Our journey began with a partnership with Gensler, the world’s largest architecture firm, alongside its Brazilian associate, Zien. Soon after, we welcomed the renowned designers from Yabu Pushelberg and celebrated landscape architect Alex Hanazaki.
The unique geometry of the site, its loop-shaped layout, and the meticulously designed façade - crafted like a second skin for the building - reveal a project conceived as a work of art, designed to engage in dialogue with the city and its future.
Adding another layer of distinction, Marc Pottier’s art curation integrates exclusive, site-specific works throughout the spaces.
2nd Place - 520 Fifth Avenue - Rabina - New York City, USA
3rd Place - Forma - Great Gulf | Dream | Westdale - Toronto, Canada
Sky City Mall is Mumbai’s ultimate lifestyle and retail destination - a part of Oberoi Realty’s 25 acre integrated development, seamlessly connected to Sky City Residences.
With over 250 premium Indian and international brands, global dining, entertainment zones, and one of India’s largest mall rooftops, it offers a curated, upscale experience for the discerning consumer. Strategically located with direct access to the Western Express Highway, Devipada Metro Station, and just 17km from the airport, the mall is designed for everyday ease and elevated moments.
Anchored by a 43,500 square foot PVR INOX Megaplex, the space blends convenience with indulgence - making it more than just a shopping destination. Sky City Mall is a place to explore, connect, and celebrate - where premium feels personal and every visit inspires discovery. It’s not just a mall; it’s a lifestyle statement for Mumbai’s western suburbs.
The objectives of the project were to create an affluent, premium destination in Mumbai’s western suburbs that offers elite brands immersive experiences - transforming lifestyles while creating cheerful, passionate memories. It aims to be a vibrant hub for luxury, connection, and community, where every visit offers inspiration, indulgence, and a sense of escape.
2nd Place - One Times Square - Jamestown - New York, USA
3rd Place - Oakridge Park - QuadReal Property Group - Vancouver, Canada
Aldar is the leading real estate developer, manager, and investor in Abu Dhabi, with a growing presence across the United Arab Emirates, the Middle East North Africa, and Europe. The company has two core business segments, Aldar Development and Aldar Investment.
Aldar Development is a master developer of a 62 million sqm strategic landbank, creating integrated and thriving communities across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ras Al Khaimah’s most desirable destinations. The delivery of Aldar’s developments is managed by Aldar Projects, which is also a key partner of the Abu Dhabi government in delivering housing and infrastructure projects across the UAE’s capital.
Internationally, Aldar Development wholly owns UK real estate developer London Square, as well as a majority stake in leading Egyptian real estate development company, SODIC.
Aldar Investment houses a core asset management business comprising a portfolio of more than AED 47 billion worth of investment grade and income-generating real estate assets diversified across retail, residential, commercial, logistics, and hospitality segments.
Mahdi Amjad is the Founder and Executive Chairman of OMNIYAT Group, a diversified portfolio and a strategic and operational centre for excellence headquartered in Dubai. The Group leverages the strong legacy of OMNIYAT as a first-mover, fast-paced entrepreneurial developer to drive growth across new segments, projects and geographies.
Mahdi established OMNIYAT, the flagship brand under the Group, in 2005 as a developer of ultra-luxury real estate, with a vision to deliver architecturally significant, design-led properties that set new benchmarks in the region’s real estate market.
Under Mahdi’s leadership, OMNIYAT has become one of the most distinctive names in ultra-luxury real estate, with a portfolio that includes some of the UAE’s most recognisable addresses. As Executive Chairman, Mahdi oversees the Group’s strategy, capital structure, and corporate development.
Before founding OMNIYAT, Mahdi built one of the Middle East’s leading IT distribution companies and began his entrepreneurial journey in his family’s jewelry business. His track record spans more than three decades across real estate, technology, and investment, with a consistent focus on creating platforms that lead and endure.
The GRI Institute would like to thank all the individuals, teams, and companies that took part in this year’s GRI Global Awards 2025. The extraordinary achievements celebrated during the Awards reinforce the dynamism and forward-thinking nature of the international real estate industry.
As the industry continues to evolve, these award-winning projects, whether through their integration of advanced technology, commitment to ESG, or creation of community-focused spaces, serve as an inspiring roadmap for the future.
The GRI Institute also extends its gratitude to the esteemed jury for their crucial role throughout the awards process: António Pereira Dias (Havenstone), Attilio Giaquinto (Holding 18), Cristina García-Peri (Azora), Ema Iftimie (Globalworth), Gavin Neilan (DFI), Janusz Dzianachowski (Addleshaw Goddard), Jean-Philippe Küss (Trustone REIM), Omar Fjer (Ardian), Patricia Pinto (Sonae Sierra), and Tim Wilkinson (Indotek Group).
Spanning five continents and numerous sectors, from game-changing PropTech platforms to architectural marvels, this year's winners showcase pinnacles of design, sustainability, and forward-thinking development across the world, setting the new benchmark for the industry.
And, the winners are:
BTR (Build-to-Rent) Project of the Year
1st Place - Casoni - Sioni Group - New York City, USA
Casoni is more than a building - it is a legacy. Rising 70 stories and 375,000 square feet beside Gotham Hall, Casoni redefines the Garment District skyline as its tallest tower and one of Midtown South’s tallest. Designed with soft, organic lines, each floor subtly protrudes, creating a sculptural, curved silhouette.
Developed by Sioni Group and AB & Sons, the project reflects the Yadidi family’s journey from garment manufacturing in 1992 to shaping the skyline today. Key to its identity is the sweeping curved curtain wall, integrating high-performance glass, aluminum, and European modular precision, with balconies enhancing airflow and seamless indoor-outdoor living.
Sustainability drives the design with bird-friendly glass, hurricane-tested resilience, and a custom Italian porcelain podium. Lighting and mechanical systems are fully integrated into the façade, a first in NYC. Casoni stands as a statement of vision, innovation, and enduring family legacy.
2nd Place - Dolphin Square - AXA Investment Managers - London, UK
3rd Place - Newmarket Yards - Bain | Reddy A+U - Dublin, Ireland
Corporate Project of the Year
1st Place - 65 Gresham Street - J.P. Morgan Asset Management - London, UK
Award accepted by Sabrina Yon-Boyenval (J.P. Morgan Asset Management)
65 Gresham Street is a major reinvention of a significant building in the City of London, driven by innovation. The project achieved planning approval for a 33% uplift in lettable space, transforming the building into a 38,000 square metre landmark.
Notably, the entire building was fully pre-let to a leading financial institution three years ahead of its practical completion - marking the largest pre-construction pre-let in London for a decade.
This outstanding result was enabled by a first-of-its-kind, games engine-led approach to design, planning, and pre-leasing, setting a new benchmark for development in the London market.
The project added five new floors and 9,300 sqm of office area and 2,400 sqm of new terraces, while retaining 85% of the superstructure and creating 2,000 sqm of new public realm.
2nd Place - RMZ Skyview - RMZ - Hyderabad, India
3rd Place - Flamboyant Corporate - Flamboyant Urbanismo - Goiania, Brazil
Hospitality Project of the Year
1st Place - Baccarat Hotel & Residences Dubai - Shamal Holding - Dubai, UAE
Award accepted by Abdulla Binhabtoor (Shamal Holding)
Baccarat Hotel & Residences Dubai marks the debut of the iconic luxury brand in the Middle East, bringing over 260 years of heritage to the heart of Downtown Dubai.
Conceived by Shamal Holding in collaboration with world-class partners such as Studio Libeskind and 1508 London, the development features two crystalline-inspired towers - Le Rouge and Le Noir - housing a 145-key hotel and an exclusive collection of branded residences. Inspired by the brilliance of cut crystal, the towers add a striking new dimension to Dubai’s skyline, uniting iconic architecture with refined interiors.
The project offers an unparalleled hospitality and lifestyle experience, combining timeless design with exclusive services. Guests and residents will enjoy world-class amenities, including a spa, wellness studios, signature dining, and curated lounges, while the branded residences embody the philosophy of “Everyday Baccarat” in private living.
More than a real estate development, the project positions Dubai at the forefront of ultra-luxury hospitality, aligned with the global growth of branded residences expected to surpass 1,000 schemes by 2030 (Knight Frank).
2nd Place - Altaona Sports & Wellness Resort - The Art of Living in Spain - Murcia, Spain
3rd Place - Waldorf Astoria en San Miguel de Allende - Peakair Developments - San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Industrial & Logistics Project of the Year
1st Place - Vesta Park Apodaca Building #8 - Vesta - Apodaca, Mexico
Award accepted by Cesar Guerra, Diego Berho, and Carlos Alberto Aranda Hernandez (Vesta)
Building #8 at Vesta Park Apodaca is our most innovative project to date, designed to exceed expectations in construction, sustainability, and social responsibility.
We are implementing a "shared neighborhood amenities" concept to foster a sense of community, and we've partnered with an internationally experienced landscape architecture firm to create the finest park in Monterrey, Nuevo León.
On the sustainability front, we are pursuing LEED Platinum certification, confirming our commitment to developing the most distinguished buildings on the market.
The building's strategic location on Boulevard Acapulco & the Highway to the Monterrey International Airport provides a significant advantage for tenants seeking to stand out as employers, thanks to easy workforce access to the city's public transportation network.
Connectivity will improve even more in the coming years with the new metro line, which will have a station in La Fe, San Nicolas, from which employees can take bus routes to the park. The final station of the Ecovía (Valle Soleado) at Ruiz Cortines is also just 1.5 km away, providing additional mobility options.
2nd Place - Urbanity Campus Tachov - URBANITY Development - Tachov, Czech Republic
3rd Place - Horizon Industrial Park Farukhnagar II - Horizon Industrial Parks - Farukhnagar, India
PropTech of the Year
1st Place - Blueground - USA
Award accepted by Ruston Vickers (Blueground)
Redefining how people live. At Blueground, we believe that when your base is reliable, the world opens up. That’s why we’re building the world’s leading platform for living.
Every year, 350 million people move between cities - yet today’s housing options haven’t caught up with the needs of this modern, mobile generation. Blueground was built to change that.
With 40,000+ homes across the globe, available for stays from a few days to a year or more, we’re just getting started. We’re on an exponential growth path to redefine living and create an entirely new category. Our edge? Powerful proprietary tech, operational excellence, and a team that executes with speed and discipline.
Blueground is headquartered in New York City, with a portfolio of thousands of apartments in 50+ cities worldwide.
2nd Place - Anarock - India
3rd Place - Built AI - United Kingdom
Residential Project of the Year
1st Place - 280 Art Boulevard - Benx - Sao Paulo, Brazil
Award accepted by Luciano Amaral (Benx)
280 Art Boulevard was the name chosen not only to define the building that has the power to reshape the city’s skyline, but also to embody an entire artistic and cultural journey. Rising at number 280 on Avenida Cidade Jardim, this project is where artistic expression and architecture converge to create one of São Paulo’s most inspiring landmarks.
Our journey began with a partnership with Gensler, the world’s largest architecture firm, alongside its Brazilian associate, Zien. Soon after, we welcomed the renowned designers from Yabu Pushelberg and celebrated landscape architect Alex Hanazaki.
The unique geometry of the site, its loop-shaped layout, and the meticulously designed façade - crafted like a second skin for the building - reveal a project conceived as a work of art, designed to engage in dialogue with the city and its future.
Adding another layer of distinction, Marc Pottier’s art curation integrates exclusive, site-specific works throughout the spaces.
2nd Place - 520 Fifth Avenue - Rabina - New York City, USA
3rd Place - Forma - Great Gulf | Dream | Westdale - Toronto, Canada
Retail Project of the Year
1st Place - Sky City Mall - Oberoi Realty - Mumbai, India
Award accepted by Rajendra Chandorkar, Shilpa Mantri, and Rohini Shetty (Oberoi Realty)
Sky City Mall is Mumbai’s ultimate lifestyle and retail destination - a part of Oberoi Realty’s 25 acre integrated development, seamlessly connected to Sky City Residences.
With over 250 premium Indian and international brands, global dining, entertainment zones, and one of India’s largest mall rooftops, it offers a curated, upscale experience for the discerning consumer. Strategically located with direct access to the Western Express Highway, Devipada Metro Station, and just 17km from the airport, the mall is designed for everyday ease and elevated moments.
Anchored by a 43,500 square foot PVR INOX Megaplex, the space blends convenience with indulgence - making it more than just a shopping destination. Sky City Mall is a place to explore, connect, and celebrate - where premium feels personal and every visit inspires discovery. It’s not just a mall; it’s a lifestyle statement for Mumbai’s western suburbs.
The objectives of the project were to create an affluent, premium destination in Mumbai’s western suburbs that offers elite brands immersive experiences - transforming lifestyles while creating cheerful, passionate memories. It aims to be a vibrant hub for luxury, connection, and community, where every visit offers inspiration, indulgence, and a sense of escape.
2nd Place - One Times Square - Jamestown - New York, USA
3rd Place - Oakridge Park - QuadReal Property Group - Vancouver, Canada
Developer of the Year
Aldar - Abu Dhabi
Award accepted by Jonathan Emery (Aldar)
Aldar is the leading real estate developer, manager, and investor in Abu Dhabi, with a growing presence across the United Arab Emirates, the Middle East North Africa, and Europe. The company has two core business segments, Aldar Development and Aldar Investment.
Aldar Development is a master developer of a 62 million sqm strategic landbank, creating integrated and thriving communities across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ras Al Khaimah’s most desirable destinations. The delivery of Aldar’s developments is managed by Aldar Projects, which is also a key partner of the Abu Dhabi government in delivering housing and infrastructure projects across the UAE’s capital.
Internationally, Aldar Development wholly owns UK real estate developer London Square, as well as a majority stake in leading Egyptian real estate development company, SODIC.
Aldar Investment houses a core asset management business comprising a portfolio of more than AED 47 billion worth of investment grade and income-generating real estate assets diversified across retail, residential, commercial, logistics, and hospitality segments.
Person of the Year
Mahdi Amjad - OMNIYAT Group
Award accepted by Mahdi Amjad (OMNIYAT Group)
Mahdi Amjad is the Founder and Executive Chairman of OMNIYAT Group, a diversified portfolio and a strategic and operational centre for excellence headquartered in Dubai. The Group leverages the strong legacy of OMNIYAT as a first-mover, fast-paced entrepreneurial developer to drive growth across new segments, projects and geographies.
Mahdi established OMNIYAT, the flagship brand under the Group, in 2005 as a developer of ultra-luxury real estate, with a vision to deliver architecturally significant, design-led properties that set new benchmarks in the region’s real estate market.
Under Mahdi’s leadership, OMNIYAT has become one of the most distinctive names in ultra-luxury real estate, with a portfolio that includes some of the UAE’s most recognisable addresses. As Executive Chairman, Mahdi oversees the Group’s strategy, capital structure, and corporate development.
Before founding OMNIYAT, Mahdi built one of the Middle East’s leading IT distribution companies and began his entrepreneurial journey in his family’s jewelry business. His track record spans more than three decades across real estate, technology, and investment, with a consistent focus on creating platforms that lead and endure.
The GRI Institute would like to thank all the individuals, teams, and companies that took part in this year’s GRI Global Awards 2025. The extraordinary achievements celebrated during the Awards reinforce the dynamism and forward-thinking nature of the international real estate industry.
As the industry continues to evolve, these award-winning projects, whether through their integration of advanced technology, commitment to ESG, or creation of community-focused spaces, serve as an inspiring roadmap for the future.
The GRI Institute also extends its gratitude to the esteemed jury for their crucial role throughout the awards process: António Pereira Dias (Havenstone), Attilio Giaquinto (Holding 18), Cristina García-Peri (Azora), Ema Iftimie (Globalworth), Gavin Neilan (DFI), Janusz Dzianachowski (Addleshaw Goddard), Jean-Philippe Küss (Trustone REIM), Omar Fjer (Ardian), Patricia Pinto (Sonae Sierra), and Tim Wilkinson (Indotek Group).