Sandwater team
Who We Are

The people
behind Sandwater.

Four partners, four backgrounds in European finance, law, and real estate development. United by Scandinavian work ethics and seven years navigating Dubai's market as institutional investors.

Partner Ehssen Qadir, Partner at Sandwater
Partner · Wealth Management & Project Finance

Ehssen Qadir

8+ years across wealth management, investment banking, and project finance

Ehssen brings deep expertise in direct investments across commercial and residential real estate and shipping. His background spans investment banking and wealth management across European institutions, with a focus on tailored portfolio strategy for private clients entering Dubai's property market.

Background
DNB · Nordea · Ness, Rissan & Partners · Lagom Eiendom
Education
  • MSc Investment Analysis & Financial Risk Management, Kingston University (UK)
  • BSc Business Administration, BI Norwegian Business School
  • Certified Financial Advisor (AFR, Norway)
Partner Idrees Malik, Partner at Sandwater
Partner · Real Estate Investment & Legal

Idrees Malik

9+ years as a real estate investor, CEO, and board member

A seasoned real estate investor, Idrees formerly served as CEO and board member of companies offering property management and residential development services in Norway from 2017. He is now a full-time investor and partner at Sandwater, bringing operational depth and legal expertise to every mandate.

Background
Gjensidige Insurance · County Governor Norway · Lagom Eiendom
Education
  • Master of Law, University of Oslo
Partner David Chen, Partner at Sandwater
Partner · Project Finance & M&A

David Chen

5+ years in project finance, financial analysis, and investment banking

David brings specialist expertise in real estate mergers and acquisitions, risk management, and equity capital markets. His analytical rigour and Asia-Pacific exposure complement the team's European base, offering clients a uniquely cross-regional perspective on investment structuring.

Background
Swiss Life Asset Managers · FSA Norway · Pareto Securities · SEB Markets
Education
  • MSc Economics & Business Administration, NHH Norwegian School of Economics (Economic Analysis & M&A)
  • BSc Finance, BI Norwegian Business School (Financial Mathematics & M&A)
  • Exchange Semester, National University of Singapore (Business Chinese & Mathematics)
Partner Sofian Mehmood, Partner at Sandwater
Partner · Finance & Real Estate Development

Sofian Mehmood

8+ years in finance and real estate development

An experienced finance and real estate development professional, Sofian previously served as a Project Manager at Skanska, the Swedish multinational construction and development company. His hands-on development experience gives Sandwater clients direct insight into the build side of the equation.

Background
Skanska · Lagom Eiendom · DNB · KLP
Education
  • MSc Finance, Aston University (UK)
  • BSc Business & Economics, BI Norwegian Business School
  • Chartered Financial Analyst Level II (CFA Program)
Where We Come From

Institutions our team
has worked with.

The discipline and standards we apply at Sandwater were forged at some of Europe's most respected financial and development institutions.

NordeaBanking
DNBBanking
SkanskaDevelopment
ParetoSecurities
SEBMarkets
Swiss LifeAsset Managers
GjensidigeInsurance
KLPPensions
LagomEiendom
Ness RisanPartners
FSANorway
County Gov.Norway
Let's Talk

Speak directly with a partner
about your property goals.

Whether you are evaluating Dubai property for the first time or growing a portfolio, our partners take calls personally. No layers, no scripts, just direct conversation.