As part of MeetInc’s exclusive interview series with leaders shaping Malta’s business landscape, we sat down with Maurice Tabone, Director and Property Contracts Administrator at the Tumas Group, to discuss the pivotal role contracts play in some of the island’s most iconic real estate projects. With decades of experience and a career deeply intertwined with Tumas’ growth story, Tabone offers a rare behind-the-scenes perspective on how precision, foresight and integrity underpin one of Malta’s most influential development groups.

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For over three decades, Tumas Group has been a driving force in Malta’s property, hospitality and leisure sectors, responsible for landmark projects such as Portomaso, Hilton Malta, and The Shoreline. Maurice has been part of that story for much of his career. Initially involved in sales and marketing with Spinola Development Company Ltd, the real estate arm behind Portomaso, he later transitioned into a central group role where he now oversees the property contracts function — from the first promise of sale through to final deed. His remit also extends to advising the board on strategic aspects of development, ensuring that each project is not only ambitious in vision but watertight in execution.

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Reflecting on one of the group’s biggest undertakings, Portomaso, Maurice recalls the initial scepticism that surrounded the project. “We didn’t get much encouragement from the financial people, banks, etc.,” he says. Yet the team pressed ahead with confidence in their vision. “The hotel and the tower achieved very high occupancy, the offices were rented, and the residential units sold before they were even ready.” Today, Portomaso is recognised as a protected development — a testament to its design, execution, and enduring appeal.

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For Maurice, the work begins long before any ink touches paper. “When you draft a sale agreement, your job is to foresee what can go wrong — then build in protection for both sides, transparently,” he explains. This proactive approach means engaging early, often before architectural plans are finalised, to ensure that legal and commercial considerations are aligned from the outset. “I don’t want my first involvement to be at contract drafting; I prefer to be part of the conversation before the sketch is even finalised.”

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Clarity and precision are the cornerstones of his work. Every clause, timeline, and obligation must be crafted with foresight, and every party must fully understand their responsibilities. “You can have many projects, many deals, but if one contract ends badly, it affects the whole portfolio,” Maurice notes. “So we say no when necessary — even if it means walking away.”

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This emphasis on integrity reflects a wider culture at Tumas. The group prioritises long-term reputation over short-term gain — a principle that has allowed it to maintain trust with buyers, regulators and financial institutions alike. “Part of my role is to liaise between architects, legal teams, purchasers, regulators — bridging gaps. If one side doesn’t trust the other, things stall,” he explains.

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Maurice also points to the importance of balancing structure with flexibility. “There are always unique factors in every property — location, buyer profile, financing, regulatory timelines. My job is to respect the standard but also adapt when needed.” This balance allows Tumas to protect its interests while still meeting the needs of clients and partners.

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Ultimately, Maurice views contracts not merely as legal instruments but as social agreements that form the backbone of every successful development. They are, in his words, “bridges rather than barriers” — documents that must safeguard the interests of all involved while enabling projects to progress smoothly and relationships to flourish.

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His reflections reveal a philosophy that extends beyond property: anticipate problems before they occur, prioritise trust and transparency, and never compromise on integrity — even when the easier route beckons. It’s an approach that has quietly shaped some of Malta’s most transformative developments and continues to guide Tumas Group’s future.

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For MeetInc, conversations like these highlight the often unseen expertise that powers Malta’s most significant businesses and projects. Behind every landmark building or thriving development is a network of professionals like Maurice Tabone, whose work ensures vision becomes reality.

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MeetInc continues to spotlight the people and stories behind Malta’s most influential companies. To discover how we can help share your story, visit meetinc.mt.

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