Ali Al Gebely grew up in the United Arab Emirates within a family business environment that prioritized continuity, diversification and innovation. His father, Alaa Al Din Al Gebely, and his mother, Hala Salah El Din, established the foundational enterprise now known as Al Gebely Holding (AGH), a group whose legacy spans more than forty years. From an early age he absorbed lessons about enterprise, stewardship and growth an upbringing that set the stage for his future in major development ventures.
Professional Journey
In his professional evolution, Ali Al Gebely amassed over two decades of leadership experience across energy, infrastructure and real-estate platforms. He served in senior capacities at Al Fanar Gas Group, Abu Dhabi’s LPG distributor, where the firm secured the first city-gas infrastructure EPC contract for ADNOC under the Abu Dhabi 2030 plan and completed more than 1,500 projects spanning significant developments such as Yas Island and Saadiyat Island. His tenure at Al Gebely Holding covered interests in technology, hospitality, healthcare, investment, and real-estate sectors an experience that deepened his operational acumen and broadened his strategic outlook.
Establishing ONE Development and Vision for the Future
In 2024, Ali Al Gebely launched ONE Development, signalling a new chapter in the UAE’s real-estate landscape. He recognised that the market required more than traditional building programmes; it needed thoughtfully designed communities shaped by lifestyle, technology, and long-term value. Under his leadership, ONE Development articulates a vision to transform residences into living ecosystems, places where architecture, community, and technology converge.
Signature Project: Laguna Residence
ONE Development’s landmark for this vision is Laguna Residence in Dubai’s City of Arabia. The project stands out for its ambition: a twin-tower residential development anchored by a large podium-level lagoon, designed to offer a unique living experience in the region. Media sources report that the first release of units sold out in record time, reflecting strong market demand for this form of development. While the launch drew attention for its technological positioning, it is the emphasis on community, design, and long-term living that gives the project its substance.
Leadership Style and Philosophy
Ali Al Gebely leads with clarity of purpose and a commitment to empowering teams. He rejects the notion that leadership is purely about authority; instead, he frames it as enabling individuals to experiment, learn, and take ownership. In his view, results matter and so does the process that creates them. He emphasises that real-estate development must deliver not just structures, but meaningful impact for people and communities. Values such as integrity, transparency, and accountability guide his approach.
Real-Estate, Innovation and Community Impact
From his vantage point, the future of real estate in the UAE lies in bridging investment value with human value. Ali Al Gebely sees development not simply as construction, but as a platform for community building and lifestyle elevation. Under ONE Development, his team weaves together design, sustainability, smart living features, and resident-centric amenities. As the founder puts it, “we’re no longer just developing homes; we’re designing intelligent ecosystems that anticipate future resident needs.”
Recognition and Industry Standing
Ali Al Gebely’s influence in the real estate sector has been formally recognised. He features in lists such as Forbes Middle East’s Most Impactful Real Estate Leaders 2025, which acknowledges his leadership of ONE Development and his role in shaping a new trajectory for development in the region. That recognition underscores a professional profile that combines legacy, innovation, and sector transformation.
Looking Ahead: Building with Purpose
As ONE Development continues to grow, Ali Al Gebely remains focused on crafting spaces that reflect more than market trends. His ambition is to deliver developments that adapt, endure, and serve as communities rather than simply as residences. He emphasises that the real measure of success lies in how people live, connect, and flourish within the spaces his teams create.
Shaping Tomorrow
Ali Al Gebely stands out in the dynamic landscape of UAE real estate. He carries forward a family legacy while shaping a fresh vision for development, emphasising community, innovation and value. Through ONE Development and his wider roles in Al Gebely Holding, he has shown that thoughtful leadership, purposeful strategy and human-centred execution can redefine how urban spaces are built and experienced. With his focus firmly on real estate, development and community, his story is one of steady progress, bold ambition and meaningful impact.
