Face to Face: Gregory Jasmin and Bassem Hariri
The newly-formed Syska Hennessy Group MENA is targeting mission-critical facilities
Projected growth
QPM's vision is to be among the world's top-five project management companies by 2020, says COO Ezzat Ragab
World-Class builder
With over 15 years' experience, AlJaber Engineering is well-placed to take a lead role in Qatar's World Cup build-up. Winner of Construction Executive of the Year at the 2011 CW Qatar Awards, MD Osama Hadid speaks about Qatar's transformation
Face to Face: Eamonn Kerr, MD, Sweett Group
Eamonn Kerr is international MD of the newly-rebranded Sweett Group
Man on a mission
Billionaire tycoon Nicolas Berggruen is on a mission to save the West from sinking into chaos
Sweet spot
Eamonn Kerr is international MD of the newly-rebranded Sweett Group, project manager and cost consultant for the CMA Tower in Riyadh. Kerr talks about up-and-coming markets like Qatar and Kuwait
Starck Choice
Philippe Starck, 62, has been working with Duravit since 1992 and has created eight product ranges to promote its brand of kitchen and bathroom sanitary ware
Face to face: ASGC's Bishoy Azmy
Established in 1989 by two partners, Shafar and Azmy, ASGC is today one of the top ten contractors in the UAE, with a significant share of the Dubai construction market in particular.
Downtown Champion
Eng Issa M. Al Mohannadi, CEO of Msheireb Properties, talks about the company's five-phase, $5.49bn project to regenerate the heart of Doha, and introduce ‘sustainable urbanism' to Qatar
Art attack
Nadim Khattar from Austin Smith: Lord talks to Devina Divecha about arts and culture projects in Abu Dhabi
Call the shots
Adel Saleh oversees one of the region's most diverse construction groups. Now Al Fara'a Group is looking outside UAE
Stadium challenge
Best known in this region for its eye-catching stadia designs for the FIFA 2022 Football World Cup in Qatar
Green fatigue
Do clients truly understand the importance of LEED certificates and do they really care about designers incorporating sustainable elements into their projects
Track record
Hyder Consulting has led global rail projects for the past 30 years. Now, says regional rail director Geoff Leffek, it has its sights set on the Middle East
Look who's back
Kabir Mulchandani was once the darling of the Dubai real estate industry. Then came fraud allegations, a legal battle and - in December - exoneration. In his first interview since being released, he tells Arabian Business why he's heading back into the property market.
Leader by design
Managing partner Talal Saeed says Fino International is much more than an interior design company
Back to the future
Mohamed Alabbar is best known as the man who built the Burj Khalifa. But in the past few years, the Emaar chairman has also been branching out on his own, in the process creating a mining empire. He tells Arabian Business about his passion for the resources business - and why he has no plans to quit Emaar
The Wavebreaker
Shane McGinley reports from The Wave, Muscat, Oman's first and biggest mixed-use property and tourism development
Moving forward in Oman
The man in charge of Omran's US $10 billion project portfolio, Wael Al Lawati, tells Louise Oakley why continued tourism development and investment will be crucial to keep Oman on the destination radar in light of recent political events in the country
Go west
Abu Dhabi's Western Region is booming with major projects, including the UAE's first nuclear plant
Quiet giant
In almost 40 years, Mohammad Sadiyyah has helped drive Khatib & Alami to be one of the most successful consultancies in the Middle East, with little fanfare. Recently appointed to the board as area general manager, he explains what it takes to stay ahead
Boom time again for Dubai property?
As oil prices soar, Dubai's property market could be an attractive place to park cash
Rolling the sleeves again
Fear of making decisions on time and from instinct, is the greatest challenge facing leaders of business in 2011, says Alex Andarakis
Dubai can’t kick building habit as property glut expands
Tens of thousands of homes set to come online, as vacancy rates across the emirate hit 40%
Money for nothing
It took Tiger Woods twelve years to earn $99m in prize money. In 2008, Dubai promised him that amount in one contract: to put his name to golf courses that will likely never exist. The best piece of business in the history of sport? You decide
Opportunity in a downturn
Kat Slowe casts an eye over the GCC's slowing real estate market in the hope of finding bargains.
Drake & Scull
It is expected that more than 33 percent of Dubai's budget expenditure in 2009 will be earmarked for infrastructure projects. In spite of the slowdown in the economy in general and the real estate in specific, opportunities in the infrastructure sector in the region remain high.
Al Mourouj: A market leader
Unlike most economies in the region which are affected by the global economic downturn, Qatar is witnessing a meteoric degree of progress and takes pride in its position as one of the world's fastest-growing economies.
Recession proof
Few destinations in the region can compete with the unique hospitality that awaits visitors to the emirate of Qatar. More properties are currently under construction, ensuring future visitors to the oil-rich country have an even wider choice of activities and places to stay.
Recovery position
Qatar's real estate market will bounceback on population influx and infrastructure spending, despite downturn.
Confusion in Qatar
Industry bosses are in agreement that Qatar has so far largely avoided the effects of the global financial crisis, but they appear to remain divided on what the future holds.
The Eco-Emirate
Two master developers explain why Abu Dhabi developers are at the forefront of sustainable projects and their plans to build communities as well as a better tomorrow.
Mr. fix it
Deyaar CEO Markus Giebel tells Damian Reilly about the company's survival plan, which includes reducing the cost of properties already bought.
Best of British
Owners of Great Britain on Nakheel's ‘The World' project are determined to beat the real estate slump.
Top five architectural firms
From the largest, tallest and widest to the fastest, most expensive or luxurious...the Middle East's developments have plenty of 'wow' factor; however, the region is also where many of the world's leading architects push their own design boundaries.
Residential, commercial, holiday rents to drop in 09
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Prime Minister and Vice-President and Ruler of Dubai, has issued a decree stating rents signed in 2008 cannot be raised.
Dubai begins to fight back
In light of worsening economic conditions, Dubai appoints an advisory body to steer the Emirate through stormy waters.
Buying versus leasing in the UAE
With scandals involving regional real estate tycoons, the recent chaos in the US housing market and the global financial crisis, people are wondering how the Middle East is going to be affected; more specifically how the real estate and property market will be influenced and whether it can retain the confidence of potential investors.
Bolt from the Blue
Poor financial ratings and the credit crunch are coming to bear on Oman's much-hyped megacity, Blue City.
Lots of smoke, where’s the fire?
Global economic slowdown or crisis of confidence? Matt Warnock asks industry experts whether it's the real deal, overreaction or simply a lack of preparation, and what will the consequences be?
The Russia route
Rajiv Shah went along to find out if the nation looks set to become the next big arena for property investors.
Prestige properties
Get ready for major communities dedicated to well-being as the region steps on the pampering pedal.
Stretching the boundaries
The Middle East is actively involved with Iskandar in Malaysia - but will investors be as forthcoming as the global slowdown intensifies, and how will the wider Medini project affect Singapore?
Money-making Mauritius
Known as a luxury holiday destination famed for its turquoise waters and palm-fringed beaches, Mauritius is now looking to attract a new wave of property investor with its Integrated Resort Scheme.
A question of ethics
Real estate brokers in Dubai are now required by law to sit industry-driven examinations.
Joining forces
Having recently launched in the UAE, international real estate agency Fine & Country explains why it is offering independent agencies the chance to join its ever-expanding network.
Keeping culture
Beit Al Funoon is breaking with the modern trend to entice investors by keeping all things traditional.
Gulf money sits on the sidelines
Arab investment in commercial property in Europe could decline as the real estate market slows.
On the way to Wembley Capital city eyes UAE investors
London's key 2012 Olympic town, Wembley City, will attract football fans in droves to England's capital.
Brushing off property pessimism
Andrew Chambers, managing director of Asteco, gives his take on Dubai's property market and what lies ahead.
Dubai's billionaires' row
A retreat being created in a corner of Dubai is fast becoming a haven for the world's super-rich.
Berth boom
Michael Horrigan of IGY Middle East and Europe explains why it's plain sailing for marina developments.
Hope springs eternal
The internet's power became clear in 2002 when the BBC opened their website for votes to decide the best song of all time.
Ka$hakhstan
Gulf states are leading the charge into Kazakhstan with its vast and untapped commodity wealth up for grabs.
Making an entrance
As Abu Dhabi's Plan 2030 begins to take shape, there is an increasing focus on public developments.
Skylines for sale
Plummeting property valuations in London's have attracted a surge of investment from the Middle East.
In clover
Al Barari is being developed as an environmentally-friendly option for those with plenty of cash.
Russian roulette?
Russia's new found wealth has seen global investors looking to cash in on its property market.
A 'real' giant
India's real estate industry is booming thanks to a thriving economy and new property laws.
Kenshington Krystal
Dubai Maritime City will be the world's largest purpose-built centre for maritime commerce and business.
Man on a mission
Although just 32-years-old, Rashid Galadari is head of a multi-million dollar real estate empire.
Investors unfazed by surging house prices
Buyers will continue snapping up properties in GCC, hoping market will continue bullish trend.
Nine out of ten purchase property off-plan
Investors looking for higher potential returns on their investment, survey finds.
Investment main driver of GCC property market
More people buy property in region as investment than any other reason.
Investors back UAE on capital gains
Most GCC investors believe emirates offer best financial investment over next two years.
The Property News
- Dubai gifts nearly $550m worth of land to Emiratis in 2011
- Nakheel names homeowners who haven't paid service fees
- Abu Dhabi rents to fall amid surge of new homes
- Developers drag their heels in handover to owners
- Dubai house prices close to bottom, says Cluttons
Buying and Selling
Qatar's IQ sells 34% held in local property firm
Industries Qatar sells stake for $44m amid low demand, growing supply in property sector
High land prices crimp plans for low-cost homes
Plot prices that are rising faster than house prices seen hurting GCC drive for affordable housing
Renting
Dubai residents fume over hike in cooling fees
Tenants in The Gardens development argue that 50% jump in charges is unfair, unjustified
Dubai rents holding steady in sign of uptick
But Asteco warns release of fresh supply in 2012 could spur new fall in rents, prices
Financial & Legal
EU crisis likely to hit UAE mortgage recovery in 2012
Mortgage market though down 60% since 2008, is currently showing slight signs of recovery
Kuwait's KFH seals first Canadian real estate investment
Kuwait Finance House signs up for apartment block in Ontario as part of JV agreement
Market & Trend News
- Arab buyers told to look past luxury London real estate
- MidEast investors now own 6% of City of London offices
- Arab buyers seek haven in luxury London homes
- Abu Dhabi’s vision dims amid Dubai-like property slump
- Abu Dhabi project delays to hurt Dubai recovery
- Saudi housing supply, demand gap narrows
Latest Residential Launches
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Mulberry Mansions
Jumeirah Village
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Al Shimal Tower
Dubai Promenade
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Rufi Akin Towers
Marmooka City
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Axis Residences I
Silicon Oasis
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Aquarius Gate
Waterfront
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Chapal The Harmony
Emirates City
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Veneto
Waterfront
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Dubai Lifestyle ...
Dubailand
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Iris Amber
Culture Village
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Rainbow Towers
Emirates City
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BSEL Fayrooz Tower
Emirates City
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BSEL Kahraman To...
Emirates City
Finance
UAE bank fees deter borrowers from paying off debts
Moves to slash personal debt in Gulf state stymied by loan charges, refusals to restructure debt
- UAE banks favour talks over home foreclosures
- Handovers push profit rise at Abu Dhabi’s Sorouh
- Qatar's Barwa posts 7.5% rise in nine-month net profit
Developers
Nakheel names homeowners who haven't paid service fees
Lists at entrance of Shoreline buildings on Palm Jumeirah contain owners of about 90% of homes
- Ajman restarts scaled-down Al Zorah project
- Dubai’s Nakheel says back in the black in H1
- Worst is over for Dubai property, says Alabbar