Dubai ‘the model for Middle East land and real estate development’

The region’s most advanced real estate market to be showcased at inaugural Arab Land Conference

In a regional first, Dubai is set to play host to the inaugural Arab Land Conference. The event will showcase the city’s rapid development into the Middle East’s first global city and the lessons it provides other cities in the region in terms of land development and property market regulation.

According to regulatory body Dubai Land Department (DLD), the conference will address many of the most-challenging land-related issues in Arab countries, including how to manage land to reduce conflicts, and how to maximise the use of land and real estate for individuals, countries, and society as a whole.

In addition to being a platform for knowledge sharing, the DLD says the conference will work towards enhancing regional cooperation, capacity development, and innovation in land management and real estate reform in order to promote social and economic development in the Arab region.

Commenting on the decision to nominate Dubai as host for the inaugural event, His Excellency Sultan Butti bin Mejren, Director General of DLD, said: "It was not a coincidence for Dubai to be chosen to host the first Arab Land Conference in partnership with the leading international institutions related to the real estate sector. The choice was due not only to Dubai's leading position on the global real estate stage — which has become a unique model in aspects related to real estate development, but also because of Dubai's pioneering activities in various fields related to sustainable development, environmental conservation, the application of the highest green building standards, and maximising the use of land necessary for people's lives".

DLD is working with a number of major international institutions in coordinating the event, including the World Bank, the Global Land Tool Network, UN-Habitat, the Arab League and the Arab Union of Surveyors.

Bin Mejren added: "The tremendous development of the real estate sector in Dubai is a true application of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, via laws, policies, regulations and human resources development. Dubai ranks tenth globally and the first regionally in terms of ease of property registration — surpassing many advanced economies as was reported in the World Bank's 'Doing Business Report'.

"With the participation of many leading real estate and land professionals, the conference will be a high-profile platform to encourage the exchange of knowledge and the latest research that will contribute to the development of Arab countries' capabilities in this very important economic sector. At the conference the DLD is pleased to share the success of our experience and our accumulated expertise in order to help the Arab world address fundamental challenges related to land use, and work towards ensuring the prospects for economic and social potential in the region."

In addition to hosting high-level ministerial meetings, the conference will feature discussions and presentations focusing on various topical issues, including access to land for sustainable business and investment; the link between housing policy and land management; and new technologies designed to support land and real estate registration systems, property valuation and taxation policies.

The conference will be open to all interested parties including individuals, companies and institutions, government officials, academics, students, real estate brokers and developers.

The first Arab Land Conference will be staged in Dubai from 26-28 February.