Steven Looije and HUIS Real Estate: The Dutch powerhouse behind Dubai’s investor boom

From zero to number one, how a calm and clear Dutch approach is winning over high-net-worth investors in the Middle EastIn 2015, Steven Looije landed in Dubai with nothing but ambition. No money. No contacts. No shortcuts. Just a quiet determination to build something real.Nearly a decade later, he is the CEO of HUIS Real Estate, now the leading Dutch real estate firm in Dubai, and the go-to name for high-net-worth Dutch investors looking to secure their capital abroad.

The Quiet Rise of a Dutch Leader in Dubai

While Dubai is often associated with fast cars and fast deals, Steven chose a different route: trust over tactics, clarity over chaos, and long-term results over short-term wins."I didn’t want to play the game of pressure sales and empty promises,” Steven says. "I wanted to bring structure and honesty to a market that often lacks both, especially for foreign investors.”HUIS Real Estate was born from that mindset: 100% Dutch-language support, step-by-step guidance, and a deeply personal approach to every client’s investment journey.

A 40% Surge, and the Firm Behind It

Since 2023, Dutch investment in Dubai real estate has increased by more than 40%. This surge isn’t random. It’s the result of changing conditions in the Netherlands:

• Higher wealth taxes
• Stricter property rules
• Political pressure on private capital

Dutch investors started asking the question: Is my money safer somewhere else?Steven and his team had the answer, and the infrastructure to support it. Through HUIS Real Estate, they help Dutch clients understand Dubai’s market, navigate its legal framework, and make informed decisions, without pressure or jargon.

From Rotterdam Noord to Market Dominance

Steven’s journey from Rotterdam Noord to real estate leadership in the Middle East isn’t just inspiring, it’s strategic. He didn’t just build a business; he built a bridge between two worlds: the financial anxiety of the Netherlands and the opportunity of Dubai.Today, HUIS Real Estate leads the Dutch market in Dubai in terms of sales volume. But for Steven, success is still measured in client satisfaction."Our goal is simple,” he says. "Make Dubai feel like a second home, for those ready to look beyond borders.”