South African property organisation, Galetti Group, has announced it is stepping into the global arena with the official launch of Galetti Auctions Dubai in February 2026. This move marks a defining moment in the group’s evolution and places a South African-grown business at the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic and fast-expanding real estate markets.
“Dubai is entering a new property cycle, and the timing couldn’t be better,” says Jenna Robertson, Managing Director of Galetti Auctions Dubai. “The city’s commercial market is resetting, capital is flowing in at speed, and buyers are demanding faster, more transparent ways to transact. That’s exactly where Galetti’s auction model thrives, and we’re excited to bring this to Dubai.”
A Market Primed for Auctions
Dubai’s property market is known for its pace. Deals typically close in two to six weeks, rather than the three to six months of many global markets. But Robertson notes that traditional, negotiation-led transactions can still be slow and uncertain. This is particularly true as international demand intensifies.
“Galetti’s launch is the perfect time to introduce a competitive and transparent sales model that doesn’t limit pricing,” she says. “Auctions bring qualified buyers together in one decisive moment. They let the market set the price. The highest bidder wins, not the first offer. This allows sellers to discover the true market value. Buyers compete openly for what they believe the property is worth. It’s faster, clearer, and built for frictionless markets.”
With rising prices, growing multinational expansion and accelerating demand, Dubai’s commercial sector is well placed for a process that rewards speed and transparency. Auctions deliver both. Robertson adds that Dubai is entering a structural growth phase driven by population expansion, offshore capital and rapid economic activity. Auctions match this momentum rather than slowing it down.
Galetti’s auction methodology is refined over nearly twenty years across multiple asset classes. It brings strict timelines, visible competition, qualified bidder pools and no renegotiation once the hammer falls. “This approach consistently succeeds in fast-moving markets,” she explains. It works where serious buyers are willing to compete openly for high-quality stock.
The process begins with a detailed market assessment. This establishes accurate pricing. It is followed by a targeted campaign that promotes the asset directly to qualified, geo-located buyers. Throughout, Galetti engages and screens bidders. It facilitates viewings and prepares participants for auction day. When bidding begins, sellers receive live updates as offers rise. Once the auction concludes, Galetti manages the outcome and oversees completion.
Dubai’s Growth is Set to Continue
The UAE now leads the world in attracting high-net-worth individuals, with 6,700 millionaires moving to the country in 2024 and an estimated 9,800 expected in 2025. Many are relocating headquarters, establishing family offices and investing in strategically located commercial and residential assets, further fuelling demand and reinforcing the need for faster, more transparent methods of sale.
This inbound investment has brought rapid population growth. Dubai’s population surpassed 4 million in 2025, up from approximately 3.8 million at the end of 2024, and is projected to exceed 4.2 million by 2026. Dubai’s long-term development strategy aims to absorb this growth, with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan underscored by major infrastructure investment, including:
- Major new urban hubs and transport corridors
- Expanded health, education, tourism and hospitality nodes
- An increase in recreational and green space
- 60% of land earmarked for conservation and natural environments
This growing shift to Dubai is further supported by the provision of Golden Visas, business-friendly regulations and a tax-free operating environment, with Dubai now offering a proposition few markets can match.
“This population growth means that demand continues to outstrip supply, particularly across prime villas, waterfront homes, and Grade A commercial and industrial space,” Robertson says. “Off-plan transactions now make up 60 to 70% of total sales, which tells you investors are betting on the next decade.
“Dubai is rewriting its real estate playbook, with commercial property as the next frontier. We’re joining a market that rewards speed, transparency and certainty, and that’s exactly what the auction model is built to deliver.”
Following Client Capital Offshore
John Jack, CEO of Galetti Group, says that South Africa has seen increasing outward investment over the past five years, with private investors, family offices and listed funds looking for stable, dollar-based returns.
Dubai ticks every box, offering:
- No income tax or capital gains tax
- Strong rental demand and escalating yields
- Transparent regulatory frameworks
- Globally connected business environment
- Deepening infrastructure spend and population growth
“We’re already seeing clients diversify offshore,” says Jack. “Dubai offers them a haven with scale, and now they can participate through a platform run by people they trust, led by the highly experienced Jenna Robertson.”
Robertson is a multiple award-winning real estate professional and internationally recognised consultant, who has spent more than a decade operating across both the South African and UAE markets. Her experience spans leasing, sales, and strategic advisory across commercial, retail and industrial assets.
Known for her data-driven decision-making, client-first mindset and ability to align real estate strategy with business growth plans, she is regarded as a trusted partner to both regional and multinational clients. Her appointment underscores the significance of the Dubai launch and Galetti’s commitment to building an expert-led platform rooted in local knowledge with global reach.
From Johannesburg to the Middle East
Since hosting its first live auction in Johannesburg in November 2022, Galetti Auctions has continued its rapid growth. The landmark event saw over R650 million in property sold. The Johannesburg launch was followed by Cape Town in May 2023 and Durban in November 2025. The division achieved 100% year-on-year growth in asset value sold, with R1.65 billion in sales between March and November 2025.
“We’ve proven the auction model works in South Africa across every major metro and asset class,” continues Jack. “Dubai represents the next chapter for us, our clients and interested investors. It is a market expanding faster than almost anywhere else.”
He says that, in Dubai, this process could help reshape how property is sold. “Our role is not to sell harder but to sell smarter. We’re bringing a process that delivers efficiency and legitimacy. It suits a market that values speed and sophistication.”
For Galetti, it’s about following demand while opening doors for South Africa’s investment community. Jack explains: “We’re carrying our clients with us and creating a bridge to Dubai. This is a moment for South African investors to think bigger. It allows them to participate in one of the most exciting real estate markets in the world.”
