Kabir Joshi, the CEO of Vantage Capital and Vantage Properties in the UAE, has had a remarkable journey from selling perfume on the streets to becoming a major real estate developer. He attributes his success to the opportunities that Dubai has provided him, stating that the city now runs in his blood. Despite facing challenges such as a near-death experience that left him paralyzed, Joshi has managed to build a thriving career in the real estate industry.
Joshi’s upbringing in a middle-class family, combined with his exposure to different cities due to his father’s military background, prepared him for the challenges of life. After migrating to the US and undergoing medical treatment following a serious accident, Joshi began his entrepreneurial journey by selling perfume and later working in a call center. His interest in real estate was sparked during his time at a brokerage firm, leading him to attend a Dubai property show in New York in 2003.
In 2004, Joshi decided to explore Dubai on his way back from India and landed a job with Dubai Holding’s sales team. This experience propelled him into the Dubai property market, where he started selling properties to clients from around the world. In 2019, Joshi launched Vantage Capital Advisory, focusing on real estate advisory services for family offices and financial institutions. He later expanded his business to include Vantage Properties, working on multiple real estate developments with a growing team.
Joshi considers his time heading a real estate unit for a local bank as a turning point in both his personal and professional life. He gained insight into how banks perceive real estate as a liability rather than an opportunity, inspiring him to start his development and advisory companies. Despite the challenges he has faced, including his accident in India, Joshi remains confident and grateful for the opportunities that Dubai has provided him.
As a passionate rider and golfer, Joshi encourages brokers and young entrepreneurs to focus on perseverance and growth in their careers. He believes that moving to Dubai and working with Dubai Holding was a tremendous opportunity that has shaped his success over the past 20 years. With a focus on expansion and a balanced risk-averse approach, Joshi continues to thrive in the competitive real estate market in Dubai, with ambitious plans for the future.
