The Minds Behind Maaia

A French native, energetic individual who has deep rooted foundations in the financial industry, performing across a variety of continents in the world including the Middle East, Europe, Asia and the Far East. With access to HNWIs, Cyrill understands the structure of asset management, strategic planning and developing investments. Cyrill sits as a Chief Executive Officer and Founding Partner of a major financial consulting company, based in Abu Dhabi and thrives on innovative ideas to bring them to market. Continually Cyrill has worked with private investors to raise hundreds of millions of Euros in finance for pioneering projects, including those in the real estate industry, making him an asset to the Company. His experience includes:

• CEO and Founding Partner at National Resources for Financial Consulting LLC.
• Executive Director at RAM Capital Asia.
• Managing Director / Partner at Real Value Management SA.
• Middle East Director, at Best Asset Class at Best Asset Class.
• CFO and Partner at Wylesight Consultant.

His experience in the financial sector, especially in the international markets has been welcomed by the Company.

With over 20 years of experience, Raza has a strong background in developing and managing large-scale projects including master planned residential communities, shopping malls, hospitality, leisure and mixed-use developments. His unwavering commitment to the company in implementing the vision and driving forward its ethos has led to its growth and success. An energetic and driven business leader, he has facilitated to implement the Company’s commitment to excellence. With his education being heavily weighted towards mechanical engineering and a Masters in Real Estate Management and Development studied in the UK, Raza has the foundations to fully understand each concept from design to construction. Throughout his career, Raza has worked on landmark developments, including projects featuring international hotel brands such as Hyatt Regency, a brand which he brought to Pakistan. He has worked closely with the Abu Dhabi Group Taavun, developing their business model, successfully leading to the re-design of a multi-use shopping mall, serviced apartments, office towers and a 5-star hotel. His wealth of experience spans from being a project manager, understanding construction, to development, finances and creating business models for largescale developments. By working closely with some of the largest international “Big Four” accountancy companies in the world including KPMG and PwC, he has real experience in delivering on and before time. Working under pressure is second nature to Raza, especially when a multitude of stakeholders and contractors are involved. Raza holds a Masters degree in Real Estate Development & Management from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK and a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from G.I.K. Institute of Engineering Sciences & Technology, Pakistan.

  Zahid is a seasoned finance and investment professional and brings over 20 years of extensive hands-on experience to MAAIA in the real estate sector. His early career started at PwC, an international “Big Four” accountancy company, where he rapidly established himself as a distinguished and strategic individual. His knowledge and proficiency underscore his ability to navigate with precision. Due to his substantial experience, Zahid has a proven track record of strategic financial management, financial planning & risk assessment. His expertise spans advisory, audit, and complex financial management, with particular emphasis in the construction industry. Zahid has successfully led teams and implemented growth initiatives, creating innovative financial solutions. His vast portfolio boasts, working on large scale residential communities, real estate development, large scale shopping centres, hospitality industry and leisure projects. These projects make him best placed to further MAAIA’s vision, aligning the financial and construction arms of the group.

With over 25 years’ experience, Marcus is a trusted an award-winning architect known for his innovative and sustainable design solutions. With a passion for integrating natural elements into modern architecture, he has transformed various urban landscapes into harmonious living spaces. He echoes the company’s commitment to creating environments that enhance well-being and foster community connection. Each project taken on by Marcus is unique and has creativity at its heart. He has the ability to transform a vision from its client to enhance and maximise the space. He understands the needs of customers in worldwide jurisdictions, adapting to the local environment. His copious experience also includes knowing the climate and groundwork challenges of each country, ensuring that the delivery of a project is never compromised. Such experiences are invaluable. Work highlights of Marcus include: designing large-scale purpose-built communities which include a plethora of amenities strategically placing them for the convenience of the client, residential apartments, office towers, holiday resorts in the desert in Dubai, hunting resorts, commercial spaces and health care. Marcus is a lateral thinker and adopts a conscious approach with environmental and ethical challenges, which ultimately have led to him producing cutting edge designs.

A renowned innovative interior designer, admired for her craftsmanship, Julie has over 20 years of high-end creative experience. She originates from Norway and her early career started in Dubai leading her to become an accomplished interior designer, specialising in creating spaces that combine functionality with aesthetic appeal. Her designs emphasise well-being, comfort and sustainability, ensuring that every MAAIA residence offers a unique and enriching living experience. She has worked across Europe, Middle East and the Far East, understanding the taste and cultures of each geographical location, implementing these strategically in her design. Her taste and vision echoes luxury, complimenting the construction without comprising on everyday living. She works tirelessly at every stage of the construction to ensure that the final finish mirrors the initial design, if not better. Clients call her a real class act which stems from her wealth of experience. All materials are carefully sourced by Julie and her objective from the outset is to meet the needs of the ultimate end user, giving them a finish which they will love for years to come. Julie’s work highlights include: commercial towers, residential apartments including the Leaf Tower in Abu Dhabi, purpose-built communities, leisure resorts, villas and leisure facilities. She has spent a wealth of time sourcing soft furnishings from around the world and show cases them in showrooms in Dubai and overseas.

A passionate and results-driven interior designer with over 10 years of experience delivering innovative and functional design solutions across a wide range of residential, commercial, and hospitality projects. Adept at leading design teams, managing complex projects from concept to completion, and translating client visions into beautifully crafted, purposeful spaces. With a deep understanding of spatial planning, materials, lighting, and construction processes, Diana combines creative flair with technical expertise to deliver designs that are both aesthetic and practical. Skilled in client communication, vendor coordination, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, she thrives in fast-paced, detail-oriented environments where design excellence is paramount.

Khalid is an Emirati with a deep understanding of the local markets, policies and procedures in the UAE. His role involves providing advice on developing and implementing international strategies, building relationships with foreign individuals and entities and furthering the company’s interests in the GCC. Khalid enhances the Company’s growth, as his local insight provides valuable information for any stage in the projects. His connections are deep rooted in the UAE which provide an excellent sounding board in advising of the future vision of the UAE and how the Company can develop its projects to meet the demands of the markets and its consumers.

Hadia plays a leading role in the international sales team and is the driving force across continents, working with sales partners in different jurisdictions. She works tirelessly to drive excellence in sales, promoting the interests of the company. She is articulate, passionate and driven, with a proven track record of success. Her strengths include diving into the detail to understand the challenges faced by consumers across the regions and working with them to find solutions. She fosters the company’s vision; makes you feel at ease and rigorously ensures that customer satisfaction is always maintained. Hadia is a dynamic and professional individual and has played a vital role in promoting the company in the international markets.