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The Six Pillars of Life

Adam Saleh, Managing Director of eZayed Real Estate Auctions, on eliminating imbalances in life and work

What is the number one item on your wish list/to-do list?

The number one item on my to do list is to redefine the process of buying and selling property, and promote a healthy real estate market in the UAE through my company eZayed Real Estate Auctions. We are trying to encourage the use of auctions in the real estate market, not just for default properties, but also for day-to-day property sales. Buying and selling via auction ensures that real estate is more accessible and the entire process more transparent and streamlined.

What good deed are you hoping to do today?

There are many hard working people in Dubai; however, with family and other commitments back home, many often do not have sufficient money set aside to enjoy a substantial meal. So on a daily basis, I like to try and find a person and buy them a delicious meal.

If you could have one super-power, what would it be?

That’s a tough one, as there are so many choices, but I think it would have to be the ability to see into the future. This would help me to know in advance the results of the decisions I am going to make, and guide me in understanding what to do and what not to do. It would enable me to eliminate mistakes and do more good.

Your fitness mantra?

I believe there are six pillars in life and they all have to be equally taken care of: 1) Fitness 2) Spirituality 3) Work 4) Finances 5) Emotional 6) Family. If any of these pillars are broken, it can cause an imbalance. So I try and do as much as I can in the little free time I have each day.

The first thing you think about when you wake up in the morning?

Well, the first person I see in the morning is my lovely wife, so I usually spend some time with her planning our day together, hoping she is not too upset with me about my long working hours.

The app on your Smartphone that you click on most often…

I can’t single one out as I have plenty of apps that I regularly use, but I quite enjoy Flipboard. It’s a bit like reading the newspaper, except you can choose topics that are of specific interest to you.

(left) Dubai Real Estate; (right) La Petite Maison in DIFC

Your favourite hangout in the UAE is…

My favorite hangout in the UAE is La Petite Maison — an amazing French restaurant with great food, atmosphere and service. It is also a great place to meet people from all over the country.

What is your greatest fear?

Ever since I had a parasailing accident when I was young, I have always had a fear of heights. Fortunately, I didn’t suffer any serious injuries; however, it was a traumatic experience I suffer from acrophobia to this day.

What’s one thing you would like to change in your life?

Well, I think I am a bit of a workaholic, so I would perhaps change that… a little. I work long hours and often take my work home with me, which doesn’t always allow for a lot of family time.

As told to Mary Paulose