Global luxury real estate brand brings its international network and premium real estate expertise to one of the Caribbean's most sought-after destinations.
NEW YORK and PALM BEACH, Aruba, Nov. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Engel & Völkers announced its expansion into Aruba, further strengthening the global luxury real estate brand's presence in the Caribbean. Leading Engel & Völkers Aruba are license partners Zobaida Akkari and Richard Franken, two Aruba-based entrepreneurs who bring complementary expertise across real estate, sales, hospitality, tourism and business operations.
"Aruba is a compelling addition to the network's growing presence in the Caribbean," said Stuart Siegel, president and CEO, Engel & Völkers Americas. "Its international appeal, strong tourism economy and distinctive lifestyle have created a dynamic real estate market with natural connections to clients around the world. Zobaida and Richard understand both the global opportunity and what makes Aruba special, making them exceptional license partners to introduce the Engel & Völkers experience to the island."
Born and raised in Aruba, Akkari brings extensive experience in real estate, luxury sales, entrepreneurship, fashion and interior design, while Franken brings expertise in business operations, strategy and management, having built successful businesses across Aruba's hospitality and tourism sectors. Together, they will lead a team of real estate advisors specializing in residential real estate, including luxury properties, second homes, vacation residences, investment properties and land, combining deep local knowledge and personalized service with the Engel & Völkers global network and sophisticated marketing platform.
Aruba's real estate market attracts both local and international home buyers seeking primary residences, second homes and investment properties. Located outside the main hurricane belt, the island offers year-round sunshine, convenient international air connections and a vibrant lifestyle defined by white-sand beaches, upscale dining and world-class hospitality. Home to many luxury brands, Aruba combines the sophistication of a global resort destination with the charm and intimacy of a Caribbean island community.
Engel & Völkers Aruba serves clients throughout the island, including Noord, Palm Beach, Eagle Beach, Malmok, Tierra del Sol, Oranjestad, Paradera, Santa Cruz, Savaneta and San Nicolas. The shop, projected to open in April 2027, will be located at L.G. Smith Blvd. 330, Suite 8, in Palm Beach, close to many of the island's leading beaches, resorts, restaurants and residential communities.
"Affiliating with Engel & Völkers represents the natural next stage in the growth of our business," said Akkari. "Aruba is an inherently international market, and our clients increasingly come from around the world. Engel & Völkers gives us the opportunity to focus on our local business and personal relationships that define our business while providing our clients and properties with the reach, resources and exposure of a truly global brand."
"Our goal is to bring the Engel & Völkers experience to Aruba while preserving the personal, knowledgeable and relationship-driven service that is so important here," added Franken. "For our real estate advisors, the affiliation also opens the door to an international network, sophisticated marketing resources, professional tools and relationships with Engel & Völkers professionals and clients around the world."
For more information, visit aruba.evrealestate.com
About Engel & Völkers
Engel & Völkers is a global luxury real estate brand. Founded in Hamburg, Germany, in 1977, Engel & Völkers draws on its rich European history to deliver a fresh approach to luxury real estate in the Americas with a focus on creating a personalized client experience at every stage of the home buying or selling process for today's savvy homeowner. The Engel & Völkers Network currently operates approximately 300 shop locations with approximately 6,000 real estate advisors in the Americas, contributing to the global network of over 16,000 real estate professionals in more than 30 countries, offering both private and institutional clients a professionally tailored range of luxury services, including real estate and yachting. Committed to exceptional service, Engel & Völkers supports its network of advisors with an array of premium quality business services; marketing programs and platforms; as well as access to its global network of real estate professionals, property listings, and market data. Each brokerage is independently owned and operated. For more information, visit www.evrealestate.com.
Media Contact
Rachel Provenzano, Mission Control Marketing, 1 585-748-2201, [email protected], [email protected]
Katelyn Castellano, Engel & Völkers Americas, 1 646-517-3105, [email protected], www.evrealestate.com
SOURCE Engel & Völkers
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