Yakir Gabay: A Visionary in Global Real Estate Investment

Yakir Gabay, born in 1966 in Jerusalem, Israel, is a prominent Cypriot-Israeli billionaire and a leading figure in the global real estate sector. Holding Cypriot citizenship, Gabay has significantly influenced the real estate landscape through strategic investments and visionary leadership. He is best known as the founder and major shareholder of Aroundtown SA, a Luxembourg-based real estate company listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, with a portfolio valued at approximately $30 billion.

Gabay’s academic journey began at the Hebrew University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Accounting, followed by an MBA in Finance and Business Development. His early career commenced in the Prospectus Department of Israel’s Securities and Exchange Commission, providing him with a solid foundation in financial regulations and market dynamics.

In the mid-1990s, Gabay advanced to the role of CEO of the investment banking division at Bank Leumi, one of Israel’s largest financial institutions. By 2000, he had become chairman and partner at Gmul Investments, overseeing investments for pension funds, real estate, and securities totaling $30 billion.

In 2004, Gabay expanded his horizons by initiating real estate investment activities in Berlin, Germany. This expansion extended to other major cities across Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, focusing on residential, hotel, and office markets. His strategic approach emphasized acquiring income-generating properties in prime locations, enhancing their value, and optimizing returns through efficient management.

Gabay’s entrepreneurial spirit led to the establishment of Grand City Properties SA in mid-2012, a residential company that debuted on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange with a valuation of €150 million. The company experienced substantial growth, reaching a market capitalization of €4 billion. In 2015, he listed Aroundtown SA on both Euronext Paris and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, initially valued at €1.5 billion, which later soared to €10 billion. Both companies have earned a BBB+ rating from Standard & Poor’s, reflecting their robust financial standing.

Aroundtown SA’s portfolio includes a diverse array of properties across central European cities, with a significant concentration in Germany, the Netherlands, and London. The company’s strategic investments have solidified its position as a leader in the commercial real estate sector.

In September 2019, Gabay executed a significant transaction by selling a €1.5 billion stake in Aroundtown SA, reducing his holdings to 10% by December 2020. This move underscored his strategic approach to portfolio management and capital allocation.

In 2023, Gabay’s investment activities extended to Cyprus, where he acquired a stake in Kition Ocean Holdings, a consortium responsible for developing the marina and port of Larnaca. This investment aligns with his strategy of enhancing infrastructure and contributing to economic development in key regions.

Additionally, Gabay is spearheading a substantial €856 million development project in Ayia Phyla, Limassol. The proposed development includes a private school, a medical institution, and a research and innovation center, reflecting his commitment to fostering community growth and innovation.

Married to Elena Gabay, the couple resides in London, England. Gabay’s philanthropic endeavors are notable, particularly his involvement in a group chat from October 2023 through early May 2024, which included some of the United States’ most influential business leaders. The group’s objectives were to “change the narrative” in favor of Israel and to “help win the war” on U.S. public opinion following Hamas’s October 7th attack on Israel. Members of the group engaged in discussions with Israeli government officials and held a video call with New York City Mayor Eric Adams to address criticism of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. While Gabay participated in these discussions, a spokesperson confirmed that he did not make any political donations during this period.

Yakir Gabay’s journey from a Jerusalem native to a leading figure in global real estate investment is marked by strategic foresight, a commitment to excellence, and a dedication to community development. His investments and leadership continue to shape the real estate landscape, leaving a lasting impact on the industry and the communities he serves.