Our story

Hayaat Group’s initial focus was on real estate in the UK and South Asian markets. As the firm grew, the scope expanded to new markets and sectors that would fuel its growth and income ambitions, including urban regeneration and next generation disruptors. Today, the group has investments across the USA, Europe, the GCC, and South Asia.

Roots:

The Elahi family business dates back to 1925 when Mohammed Fazal Elahi operated business interests including hotel, warehousing, land lease and real estate developments in what later became known as Pakistan. His son, Mohammed Ishaq, spear-headed the second generation retail business interests in the UK, later supported by one of the third generation, Mohammed Ishtiaq, between 1960 and 1990.

Group foundations:

The basis for Hayaat Group was conceived by Mohammed Ikhlaq, another third generation family member, and developed with brother Mohammed Ishtiaq, whose principal areas are group real estate and urban regeneration interests, and, supported by a third brother – Mohammed Afaq – who was one of a team of architects involved in flagship projects.

Early projects focused on North West England, and, as the group grew, UK investments were followed by interests in Turkey and the UAE.

Growth:

In 2008, work commenced on The Green, an award-winning student accommodation project for the University of Bradford, which was a milestone in the group’s history and part of a major urban regeneration project for the city of Bradford. In 2011, the group embarked on direct investments in next generation disruptors across the USA, Asia and the Middle East, while continuing major development projects in high growth markets in Africa.

Since 2016, the Hayaat Group has entered a phase of accelerated growth, with further UK real estate investments and early stage funding for companies in the UK and the USA.