Dr Christopher Payne is a Partner at Knight Frank, specialising in Strategy, Economics and Geospatial advisory across MENA. With more than 30 years of experience and a career in the Gulf since 2014, he advises government entities, institutional investors and developers on economic conditions, market dynamics and development opportunities.
His expertise includes macroeconomic and demographic forecasting, real estate market analysis, economic impact assessments and development strategy. Chris combines financial and economic modelling with geospatial analysis to provide clear, evidence-based insight that supports investment, planning and policy decisions.
Before joining Knight Frank in 2024, Chris was Chief Economist at Peninsula Real Estate, where he led strategic asset allocation, investor relations and supported the company’s IPO preparation. He previously served as chief economic adviser to the Governor and CEO of the Dubai International Financial Centre Authority and as Head of Research and Consultancy at the Kuwait Institute of Banking Studies. Chris holds a doctorate from the London School of Economics and is a Chartered Accountant.
His expertise includes macroeconomic and demographic forecasting, real estate market analysis, economic impact assessments and development strategy. Chris combines financial and economic modelling with geospatial analysis to provide clear, evidence-based insight that supports investment, planning and policy decisions.
Before joining Knight Frank in 2024, Chris was Chief Economist at Peninsula Real Estate, where he led strategic asset allocation, investor relations and supported the company’s IPO preparation. He previously served as chief economic adviser to the Governor and CEO of the Dubai International Financial Centre Authority and as Head of Research and Consultancy at the Kuwait Institute of Banking Studies. Chris holds a doctorate from the London School of Economics and is a Chartered Accountant.
