Dubai and the whole UAE has always been a breeding ground for Real Estate. Investors and Developers flood into the city with its assured turnovers every passing year with more enthusiasm. 

Mohan Kavalam, the General Manager of Synergy International Real Estate in Dubai, is on his busy schedule as he prepares to travel to Abu Dhabi the next day after we meet him for a small biz-talk, as he is a volunteer at Special Olympics, Abu Dhabi. 

So, that’s Mohan Kavalam, a single man with an endless number of roles and we could almost imagine in our heads, his itinerary with not a single space left blank!

The First Phase

Mr. Mohan, is currently counting on his 44th year in Dubai. “Accurately, 43 years, 8 months,” he says, “since I came to Dubai back in 1975.”

Reaching Dubai in the Year 1975, Mohan, a Civil Engineer, landed in a job with a Construction Company wherein he continued to work for over 12 years. In the year 1987, Mohan found himself a job in the Government Sector, in the Dubai Municipality Drainage Department. “However, in the year 2001, due to localization, I lost my job.”

“With the commencement of a New Year, I decided to foray into something new, Real Estate. The availability of freehold properties in Dubai during that time enabled foreigners to buy property in the city. And I knew that it was the right time to start.”

As of 2019, Mohan has been in the Real Estate Industry for over 16 years with 12 years in a local company followed by 4 years in Synergy International Real Estate, Dubai. 

Expecting more surprises from Dubai

The best thing about Dubai is that it never runs short of surprises. The population in Dubai was less than even 0.2 million when I came here in 1975. Today the number has soared to about 3.1 million. Various factors have led to this growth, especially the great vision of its Ruler and Leaders. I believe that this growth will go on. Although ups and downs happen to pop up, they are only temporary. This city will continue to shine brighter. You must remember that the iconic Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Metro had all come up at a time when the world was battling against the woes of recession.”

Mr. Mohan has excess love for the country that has nurtured him. “I love this city. This city lent me a helping hand when it saw me struggle and encouraged me to move forward in life. Soon after my marriage, I brought my wife here. She was really excited to be in this city. My daughter was also born and brought up here. Putting it pithily, I have spent a lion’s share of my life here in this marvelous city."

Why spend on rent when you can buy a home?

“Most residents in the UAE today seem to rent a house rather than buy one. I would say this is a bad idea. This comes in light of my own experience. I have been living in a rented apartment for the past 11 years. I would have spent over AED 800,000 paying the rent. When I look back, I think it was a great mistake. If I had instead spent the same amount of money and bought am an apartment, for which I could have taken a loan as well, I think it would have been a much better idea. It will also be a significant investment. So, I want to advise the new-generation settling down in Dubai, regarding the same. I am not telling you this because I am from the Real Estate,” he laughs. “Buy a home here, don’t waste your savings on rent.”

“Another awe-inspiring aspect of Dubai is the Ruler’s Vision which isin fact a blessing to all the people living here happily. The leaders of this country are role models to the world with their tolerance and humanity that makes them treat everyone equally. I don’t think even the European countries have so much to offer as much as this wonderful city of Dubai has! I consider it the best place in the world.”

A Public Figure

Mohan’s areas of interest don’t end with business or family. He is well into other activities including cultural programs and charity works. “I used to be a prominent member of the Fine Arts Society for around 5 years. I am also the Advisory Board Member at Dubai Kairali Kala Kendram.”

Mohan is also the Core Committee Member at World Malayalee Council Umm Al Quwain. The philanthropist in him never fails to notice those in need. He is part of various organizations that work for the welfare and well-being of people. 

“It is not the depth of what you are doing, but the intention in your mind that is important. Not everybody can help people by giving huge sums of money. Different people have different resources to help their fellow beings. Sometimes it is the empathy you show to someone and sometimes it is a smile of assurance. It need not be money always."

A love for Music

Mohan humbly denies himself being called a musician, “I am not a musician, I only have an ardent love for it. My whole family enjoys music. My daughter Saranya Mohan has been a favourite in the show Voice of Arabia."

Saranya is an awardee of 5 ‘Kalathilakam’ a prestigious award to recognize artistic talents. She has also sung songs for 2 films. Saranya owns an MBA from the University of Wales, UK.

 "Music is my favourite pass-time. Sometimes music accompanies me during my hours of solitude. I listen to good music. I enjoy Classical and Hindustani Music greatly.” 

He is also a member of the Indian Musician’s Forum. 

Mohan is married to Geetha Mohan, a Homoeo Doctor who is currently running a successful Youtube Channel on Cookery, ‘Curry With Amma’, while she also helps Mohan in project management. His daughter Saranya Mohan is settled in Trivandrum with her husband and two daughters. He hails from Kavalam, in the Alappuzha district of Kerala.