For many of the richest families and individuals worldwide, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is a reliable, international hub.   DIFC has contributed to Dubai’s ranking as the top city in MEASA and among the top 22 cities worldwide in terms of the wealthiest populations. It is home to over 120 of the wealthiest families and individuals in the world, with combined net worths exceeding $1 trillion.   The World’s Wealthiest Cities Report 2023 states that over 68,500 HNWIs—those with at least $1 million in liquid assets—206 centi-millionaires—those with a net worth of at least $100 million—and 15 billionaires are among the population of Dubai.   Dubai family businesses With a workforce of over 41,500 and over 5,500…

Jubail Island Investment Company (JIIC) has announced that it has achieved a major milestone in Abu Dhabi's real estate market with the handover of 44 residential units at the Nad Al Dhabi village - located within its AED15 billion ($4.1 billion) mega island development - to the first batch of homeowners. Nad Al Dhabi is one of six villages located within Jubail Island, offering residents access to a range of well-curated amenities and residential options. This village will see the addition of a community centre and dedicated mosque during the fourth quarter of this year. The community centre will include a majlis, a leisure pool, a gym, a room for fitness classes, a multi-purpose community space, an indoor kid’s playroom, a kid’s pool, a kid’s playground, several…

Global captive centers have been growing and changing at an astounding rate over the years. Global captive units have become a popular offshoring strategy in the Middle East. These divisions mainly provide IT support and back-office functions to their parent companies. For many multinational firms, outsourcing corporate operations to captive centers has proven to be an economical and successful business strategy. Businesses like Apple, Standard Chartered, General Electric, UBS, and American Express have been able to reduce costs associated with their back offices and concentrate more on their core competencies by taking advantage of lower-cost locations. Captive centers provide companies aiming to optimize their operations with opportunities for innovation and technological advancements,…

Property prices and rentals in Dubai will continue to witness a rise until 2025 given that the population in the city is growing 300 per cent faster than fresh supply of properties in the first quarter of this year.   Real estate industry executives are extending their forecast for the three-year rally to next year as strong demand continues to outpace supply at a faster pace this year than estimated, especially after the UAE’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) Grey List.   In February 2024, the UAE was removed from the FATF’s Grey List, which demonstrated the country’s transparency in financial transactions, hence, raising UAE’s profile among foreign investors.   Initially, the price rally seemed to be slowing down…

UAE –  ARA Real Estate Development, a subsidiary of Core Holding, has revealed an AED 22 billion gated community project in Abu Dhabi. Named Arabian Hills Estate, the project is planned to be built on 244 million square feet, according to a press release. DECA Properties was appointed as the exclusive sales and marketing partner for the project. Arabian Hills offers open, freehold ownership, appealing to a diverse clientele seeking modern living. With stunning lagoons, natural pools, serene parks, and various recreational amenities including equestrian facilities and 5-star resorts, the project enhances the quality of life for residents and short-stay visitors alike. Hany Sabry, CEO of Core International Holdings, said: "We look forward to this collaboration with DECA…

Select Group, a leading real estate developer headquartered in Dubai, has announced the launch of Six Senses Residences Dubai Marina, marking a new chapter in ultra-luxury living. This significant milestone in architectural excellence is set to claim the title of the 'tallest residential tower globally' as it reshapes the Dubai Marina skyline, reaching a height of 517 metres, said a statement. The development follows the successful partnership between Select Group and Six Senses for the award-winning Six Senses Residences The Palm, Dubai and signifies Six Senses' first standalone residential development. Strategically located in the vibrant Dubai Marina district, the ultra-luxury 122-storey development embodies the essence of urban sophistication, offering residents an unparalleled…

The Emirati developer Binghatti is launching a new mega development in Dubai. The landmark project Binghatti Hills is set to become the most expansive development within the community. The unveiling of this project will be held on the 29th of April followed by a four-day sales event in Four Seasons Jumeirah, Dubai. The exquisite project will comprise a total of 1,666 residential units and 21 retail spaces. Drawing inspiration from the natural contours of terrains, Binghatti Hills seeks to capture the serene ambiance of a rolling hillside and translate it into an architectural masterpiece that embodies the spirit of tranquility amidst the bustle of city living. Binghatti Hills will feature private pools and lush sky gardens interwoven into the fabric of the architectural structure,…

UAE - ARA Real Estate Development, a Core Holding subsidiary, has unveiled the Arabian Hills Estate, a master-planned, gated community in Abu Dhabi, at an exclusive event held in Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai. The company said it has assumed the full development and management responsibilities for the AED22 billion ($6 billion) project. DECA Properties will be the exclusive sales and marketing partner for this ambitious 244 million-sq-ft project in Abu Dhabi. This partnership marks a significant step towards realising the vision of Arabian Hills Estate and aligns with the capital city’s 2030 vision for sustainable development and community-centric living, said a statement. Arabian Hills offers open, freehold ownership, appealing to a diverse clientele seeking a modern lifestyle. The…

Portugal eyes more global investment in its real estate sector through its golden visa scheme as the property sector in the country recorded huge growth in the last few years, said Marcos Drummond, Sales Director at Valuable Investment Capital (VIC).Speaking during a networking event in Dubai, he added that the purpose of this event is to showcase Portugal’s real estate landscape to UAE-based investors and highlight the country’s potential investment avenues. He praised Dubai’s dynamic nature, its quick vaccination drive and safety protocols, which helped the city to go back to the normal and resume business activities.Marcos explained that the Portugal Golden Residence Permit Programme is a five-year residence-by-investment programme for non-EU nationals. The…

Equitativa (Dubai) Limited, manager of Emirates REIT (CEIC) PLC, has reported FY 2023 financial results for Emirates REIT. The REIT experienced strong growth, with record property income.   Commenting on Emirates REIT’s 2023 performance, Thierry Delvaux, Chief Executive Officer of Equitativa, said: “The past year represents a major milestone for Emirates REIT, with record revenues and positive operating profits built on a strategy based on asset performance optimization. With a well-managed diversified portfolio of premium commercial, retail and educational assets in Dubai, Emirates REIT is well positioned to build on our strong foundations for growth.     We signed a significant number of leases at lower rates during the COVID crisis, which are now coming…

In Dubai in the first quarter of 2024, developers from both domestic and foreign companies are launching projects at a rapid pace—on average, more than one launch per day. Based on preliminary data from Cavendish Maxwell’s Property Monitor, almost thirty new off-plan projects were launched in March 2024, with 10,000 units coming up for sale over the month. “These projects now bring the total number of launches in first-quarter of 2024 to an unprecedented 34,000 units spread over 120 projects — an average of a new launch every 18 hours,” said Zhann Jochinke, director of marketing and research at Cavendish Maxwell. “This phenomenal level of activity in the off-plan market shows no signs of abating anytime soon, and will likely continue for the…

Residents of Dubai who were impacted by the storm can now use WhatsApp to get in touch with the authorities for assistance with property damage from the rain. This is in response to Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s directive to the relevant authorities to prepare for severe weather. By these directives, the Mohammed bin Rashid Housing Establishment’s Executive Director, Omar Hamad Bushahab, formed a committee to review all requests from impacted residents and decide how to proceed, “giving priority to maintaining all their damaged homes and restoring them.” On the WhatsApp app, a number (0583009000) has been set aside to take support requests from impacted citizens. He continued by saying that all requests for assistance from residents…