Dubai is a lucrative destination for investment for a number of reasons. Its world-class infrastructure coupled with a safe living and a facilitated business environment make it an ideal place to live and work. Dubai is ranked first in global population and employment growth [National Statistics Office] with an annual GDP growth in Dubai averaging 14% per year over the last 30 years [IMP], making the demand for Dubai real estate even more viable. The fact is that Dubai has witnessed 13% growth year-on-year since 2000. That makes for a higher growth rate than both India and China, presently the two most powerful developing countries in the world.

The new plan is to achieve 11 % annual growth year-on-year to 2015, bringing GDP to US$ 108bn, with an increase in per capita income to US$ 44,000. This translates into the creation of 882,000 new jobs, bringing the Emirate's total number of employed to 1.73 million - and this is in a population of over 2 million. The Dubai economic phenomenon isn't about to run out of steam, and neither is the development of its burgeoning real estate sector.

Developments in Residential and Commercial Projects

Until recently, the Dubai market for project development was cornered by the three government developers: Nakheel, Emaar and Dubai Properties. At current rates, these three primary developers will provide around 50°/o of all units delivered within the next four years.

However, the number of non-government investors in this field has increased significantly, partly as a result of the primary developers selling or leasing land for third-party development. These new developers are investing from all over the world, and are predominantly investing in the luxury segment of the market.

With mounting construction costs and greater supply, however, developers of all kinds can no longer afford to adopt a 'build first, sell later' strategy. Buyers have much higher quality concerns than even two years ago, and with the introduction of more sophisticated finance options, can be swayed by arrangements with financial institutions.

For developers, this means that market studies, materials-cost analysis, and serious marketing are critical elements in any successful project. This is where our Project Sales & Marketing Division excels. Established specifically to offer developer-clients bespoke analysis, management, marketing and sale of projects at any stage of the development cycle, the division's team of development experts will be with you every step of the way.