Muhammad Binghatti became CEO of Binghatti before most people in real estate had started thinking about brand identity as a design discipline. His background was in architecture, and from the beginning he approached property development as an artistic endeavour rather than a purely commercial one. The results have included partnerships with Bugatti and Jacob and Co — two collaborations that are reshaping how luxury residential architecture is understood globally. Lara Palmer spoke with him in Dubai.
Lara Palmer: What distinguishes your approach to real estate?
Muhammad Binghatti: I have always perceived myself as an entrepreneur rather than a corporate CEO. My background in design and architecture led me to treat property development as an artistic endeavour — to build a brand so recognisable it is identifiable at first glance. In most industries, consistent brand identity is standard practice. In real estate, it was essentially absent. That is what we set out to change. LP: What does the Bugatti collaboration mean architecturally? MB: Drawing inspiration from Bugatti’s iconic supercars, the Bugatti Residences by Binghatti features subtle contours and fluid lines informed by the aesthetic of the French Riviera. Just as hypercars are engineered for safety, comfort, and efficiency, we envision our hyper-properties as prioritising sustainability, functionality, and aesthetics simultaneously. LP: You write poetry in your personal time. How does that connect to your work? MB: A CEO’s life is defined by structure, data, and decision-making. Poetry is the opposite. It is an avenue for self-reflection and introspection that transcends the language of business entirely. My fitness journey keeps me physically and mentally strong. Writing poetry enriches my soul. Both allow me to begin each new day ready to transcend the boundaries of the most daring dreams. LP: What is your motto? MB: Binghatti only competes with Binghatti. We do not compare ourselves to others. We set a standard, then try to exceed it.