Dubai issues new mortgage law

The ruler of Dubai has issued a new mortgage law as part of moves to regulate the Gulf Arab business hub's booming real estate sector, the chief executive of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) said.

A bridge too far?

Already labelled the ‘Bridge of the Century' by its supporters, developers plan to make engineering history by building a $25bn causeway between Africa and the Arabian peninsula. But is a project of such unprecedented scale viable?

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Dubai giants expand to other fledgling markets
Construction giants in Dubai are bidding to channel their profits from the regional boom into specific international markets, including Saudi Arabia and Oman.

Bahrain – banking on the fast track

Two good articles on Bahrain: Winds of change and Bahrain calling.

CEO: Dubailand on track

ArabianBusiness.com reports: The CEO of Dubailand said last week that the megaproject has not faced any major setbacks. Mohammed Alhabbai said that by 2010, many of the 22 theme-based projects that form part of the development's first phase of construction will be welcoming visitors.

"Never too late to start investing in Dubai bricks and mortar"

United Holdings CEO Abbas Kiani to ArabianBusiness.com: "If you look at the trends in the market, the population of Dubai is forecast to grow to 9 million people by 2030 which is growth of almost 8.9% per annum."

He believes this fast-growing population and influx of foreigners will help sustain demand for apartments, even in a tightening lending environment.

"In addition, we have the new Jebel Ali airport coming as well as the extension of the current airport and we have strong government support of the tourism industry, all of which is encouraging more people to come here".

Building with an eye on technological innovation

Investment in technology by the real estate sector has been traditionally low. But with the new green building code and ever increasing demand for complex megaprojects, Angela Giuffrida reports on how new technology is set to dictate success.