Grow Forward: Exploring Real Estate Challenges Through the Design Thinking Lens
28 April 2026
Plekhanov University in Dubai successfully held the second session of its Grow Forward Initiative, titled “Design Thinking for Real Estate Professionals,” delivered by Dr. Sanjay Nadkarni. Building on a strong start, today’s session continued the initiative with a strong momentum.
Grow Forward is a part of the University’s continuing contribution towards the UAE community. We believe that learning opportunities should be accessible, and that, in times of change, people should not feel alone in finding direction. This cost-free initiative equips professionals, parents, and educators of the UAE community with skills and knowledge to help them navigate change with confidence. It runs across three tracks: Business Innovation, Family and AI Literacy, and Languages, from April to June 2026. The sessions are delivered on our campus, in a setting built for learning and growth. With this initiative, we affirm that knowledge, skills, and community are not privileges, but a foundation.
The real estate sector operates under constant pressure, shaped by high demand, and tight delivery timelines. In this context, the session focused on introducing Design Thinking as a structured, people-first approach to problem-solving. Dr. Nadkarni explored how the methodology can be used to better understand the needs of stakeholders, engaging participants in exploring new possibilities for real estate workflow. The session also included AI-supported activities, in which participants learned how to map stakeholder perspectives, define problems with clarity, and translate insights into practical solutions.
Real estate is one of the pillar industries of the UAE economy, and supporting its professionals in developing strategic skills is an intentional measure to not only help our community members grow, but to contribute to the continued resilience of the sector.
What’s Next?
This is just the beginning. More sessions are ahead for professionals, parents, educators, and students. Each session will offer practical insights from experienced experts. Upcoming dates:
• May 2nd: AI Literacy for Parents: The Classroom
• May 7th: Basic Arabic for Business
• May 8th: AI Literacy for Teachers: AI Tools for Feedback
• May 15th: AI Literacy for Teachers: AI Detection
Grow Forward is more than just an initiative. It is your ticket to building truly valuable skills and knowledge. If you’re ready to grow with us and reach new heights, check out the full Grow Forward agenda and register for the upcoming sessions.
Grow Forward is a part of the University’s continuing contribution towards the UAE community. We believe that learning opportunities should be accessible, and that, in times of change, people should not feel alone in finding direction. This cost-free initiative equips professionals, parents, and educators of the UAE community with skills and knowledge to help them navigate change with confidence. It runs across three tracks: Business Innovation, Family and AI Literacy, and Languages, from April to June 2026. The sessions are delivered on our campus, in a setting built for learning and growth. With this initiative, we affirm that knowledge, skills, and community are not privileges, but a foundation.
The real estate sector operates under constant pressure, shaped by high demand, and tight delivery timelines. In this context, the session focused on introducing Design Thinking as a structured, people-first approach to problem-solving. Dr. Nadkarni explored how the methodology can be used to better understand the needs of stakeholders, engaging participants in exploring new possibilities for real estate workflow. The session also included AI-supported activities, in which participants learned how to map stakeholder perspectives, define problems with clarity, and translate insights into practical solutions.
Real estate is one of the pillar industries of the UAE economy, and supporting its professionals in developing strategic skills is an intentional measure to not only help our community members grow, but to contribute to the continued resilience of the sector.
What’s Next?
This is just the beginning. More sessions are ahead for professionals, parents, educators, and students. Each session will offer practical insights from experienced experts. Upcoming dates:
• May 2nd: AI Literacy for Parents: The Classroom
• May 7th: Basic Arabic for Business
• May 8th: AI Literacy for Teachers: AI Tools for Feedback
• May 15th: AI Literacy for Teachers: AI Detection
Grow Forward is more than just an initiative. It is your ticket to building truly valuable skills and knowledge. If you’re ready to grow with us and reach new heights, check out the full Grow Forward agenda and register for the upcoming sessions.