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UAE – Top 10 research resources
This week, our regular look at the best online resources for emerging property markets turns the spotlight on the
United Arab Emirates (UAE). Dubai is certainly the best known property destination of the seven emirates, though the others, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Sharjah, Ras al-Khaimah (“RAK”), Fujairah and Umm al-Quwain are each to some degree following the lead of their neighbour.
The introduction of laws allowing foreigners to own the
freehold on their property (or at the very least, a long lease) has been a key factor in the success to date of some of the emirates. Most agents will be familiar with Dubai’s property price growth over recent years since its law was changed.
Ajman is tipped to follow suit thanks to its strategic location, and developers are already selling a number of developments there in the areas designated foreign ownership zones.
A shortage of residential property in Abu Dhabi has led to a housing crisis that has fuelled
high rental increases, with existing projects unable to fulfil the needs of a fast-expanding population and the government asking developers to construct more homes. RAK already has
a large number of developments and infrastructure improvements underway as it looks to capitalise on tourism from
within the UAE itself and elsewhere. It seems only a matter of time before the other emirates capitulate to
demand from overseas investors.
We’ve taken a look at many websites relating to property in the UAE and selected what we consider to be the ten most useful. If we’ve missed one of your favourites, or want to share your views about the sites we’ve chosen, please
post a comment below:
Dubai Real Estate Regulatory Agency. The Dubai RERA was established by royal decree in July 2007 in order to establish order in the emirate’s property market. The extensive site lists all the relevant laws and regulations that apply to agents and developers, its code of ethics and lists of approved companies operating in the industry. The RERA has
just announced the launch of a magazine covering the property market in Dubai, but details of the
Dubai Real Times are very sketchy at the moment.
AME Info real estate news. Wide-ranging news resource covering the entire Middle East, with the ability to filter by country (e.g. the UAE) and a dedicated property channel. Several other specialist news strands, such as tourism, finance and media, will also be of interest to property professionals. All the news stories, country guides and research data is free to access, with numerous newsletter options available to those who register, again at no charge.
Estates Dubai. News blog updated daily with consumer and trade articles covering all UAE territories, not just Dubai. Project launches and updates, market analysis, legal changes and regional economic figures are all featured on a regular basis.
Mark Wallington blog. Mark is Director of appropriately named specialist UAE portal
propertyportal.ae and an avid blogger. His contributions can be seen on a wide range of blogging sites and he updates his output on a daily basis, covering new launches and news items as well as giving some insightful overviews of projects and destinations that will be particularly useful to those new to the region.
Colliers International Middle East Market Reports. Global property consultants Colliers International’s Middle East office provide a number of regular, freely downloadable market reports featuring information on the residential, retail and commercial real estate sectors for a number of country’s in the region. They currently cover Abu Dhabi and Dubai on a quarterly basis.
Oxford Business Group “Ajman 2008 – The Report”. There is a dearth of independent online resources for the less celebrated emirates. In contrast to the huge coverage dedicated to Dubai, sites devoted to its neighbours are thin on the ground and information is at a premium. Unfortunately, this lengthy (200-page) report isn’t free, with a price tag of £130, but you can download the Real Estate chapter on its own for £18. There are also separate reports for
Abu Dhabi,
Dubai,
Ras al-Khaimah and
Sharjah.
Dubai Business Portal. Useful information about the business world in all the emirates including tax, legal and employment topics. There’s a free-to-suscribe monthly e-newsletter and a 200-page printed
Business Guide to order, costing $13.50 (£7.00).
Ras al-Khaimah Investment Authority. A good introduction to RAK from the emirate’s government, outlining the business environment for potential investors and some of the key projects being undertaken in RAK.
UAEPropertyTrends.com. Free-to-access news items and analysis from the UAE market, with particular focus on project and developer news and consumer- and industry-related analysis.
BizTradeShows.com. Directory of trade exhibitions taking place around the world, listed by sector (real estate has its own section) and country. Interest is high in sourcing new property in the region as well as to sell to its expat population and this site lists relevant shows to network with potential partners.
If you're researching other destinations, please refer to our other articles:
Top 10 research resources for
Argentina
Top 10 research resources for
Baltic States
Top 10 research resources for
Brazil
Top 10 research resources for
Canada
Top 10 research resources for
Central America
Top 10 research resources for
China
Top 10 research resources for
Czech Republic
Top 10 research resources for
Egypt
Top 10 research resources for
Germany
Top 10 research resources for
India
Top 10 research resources for
Malaysia
Top 10 research resources for
Morocco
Top 10 research resources for
Philippines
Top 10 research resources for
Russia
Top 10 research resources for
South Africa
Top 10 research resources for
Ukraine
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Ahmet Kayhan,
REIDIN.com