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Dubai, United Arab Emirates; 10 June 2014 – Dubai’s drive to diversify its economy is key to the growth of the real estate sector in the emirate, according to Khatija Haque, head of Mena research at local bank Emirates NBD.
Speaking at MEED’s ongoing Dubai Real Estate 2020 conference, Haque said the Dubai economy is much different today than it was in 2008, when the market suffered its crash. Six years ago, construction and real estate accounted for one-third of the economy, but that figure now stands at about 21 per cent. This is partly due to a strong tourism sector, which has grown from 12 per cent to 16 per cent of the economy and is poised to grow even faster in light of Dubai hosting the World Expo in 2020.
The rise of tourism and other sectors, such as trade and medical tourism, and Dubai’s emergence as a financial hub, will also help support the resurgence of the property market. In addition, the rebound in the global economy is serving as a key pillar of growth in Dubai’s property sector.
Another key factor supporting the sustainability of the property market during the current growth phase is that fewer investors are relying on bank loans to finance purchases, Haque said. As a result, bank lending is no longer a main driver of real estate prices, which means the banking sector is much less exposed and so is in a much stronger position.
Asked if there is a risk that investment could dry up in Dubai if the political situation in the wider Middle East were to drastically improve, Haque said such a scenario is unlikely in the near term. “While we hope that the [political climate] in the region will improve, it is likely to be gradual. The situation in the region is not likely to change suddenly, so there is little risk of an impact on investment,” she said.
The Dubai Real Estate 2020 conference continues today with panel discussions and presentations focusing on the hospitality, residential, retail, office, industrial and social infrastructure sectors. Property experts and stakeholders will engage in a though leadership discussion on the risks and rewards of investing in the Emirate’s real estate market.
Part of MEED’s Destination Dubai 2020 initiative, the Dubai Real Estate 2020 Conference is also supported by Mashreq Bank, Colliers International and Drake & Scull. Details of the conference agenda and registration information may be obtained from
Source: MEED
