Dubai Real Estate Institute opens doors to first batch of 37 professionals

Offered for the first time in the Middle East, the six month diploma is presented in partnership with the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Sweden, a pioneering university in the real estate field in Europe.

The partnership with KTH is the first of its kind in the region, and provides exclusivity to DREI in the entire Middle East region, while validating the institute as a strong and credible educational partner.

DREI's first batch of participants includes professionals with diverse industry and academic backgrounds from real estate companies such as Sama Dubai, Nakheel, Dubai Islamic Bank and Dubai Properties.

The first module is delivered by Professor Samuel Azasu and Professor Han-Suck Song, two leading faculty members from the Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden. It covers the basic quantitative and economic aspects of the real estate business.

Dr. Mohamed Al Shehi, Managing Director, DREI said: "With the volume of real estate projects in the GCC region exceeding the US$1-trillion mark, the programme comes at the right time for industry executives. Through our high quality programmes in real estate education, training and research, we seek to contribute to the creation of a talent pool of qualified experts and the improvement of the industry competitive capabilities".

"We are overwhelmed with the number of applicants seeking admission to the program. Our initial target was to include 30 professionals, but given the demand, we have extended the strength to 37. The waitlisted candidates will be given priority admission in the next batch, which will commence in October 2008."

Professor Samuel Azasu, KTH said: "The diploma programme will empower high potential professionals with practical skills, cutting-edge knowledge and state-of-the-art analytical techniques. The customised courses will help participants deal with the dynamic challenges of the sector. It will also help the region develop the next generation of leaders and professionals in the real estate industry."

DREI will offer five different modules in all, and include introductory courses in Economics and Quantitative Methods, Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Investment Analysis, Real Estate Valuation, and Real Estate Management.

Dania Dayeh, Project Manager, SmartCity - Malta, Sama Dubai, said: "I am privileged to be amongst the first to participate in the diploma programme, which provides an excellent opportunity to gain industry specific knowledge from some of the best real estate programs in the world."

Farah Kazim, Development Manager- Investment Projects, Nakheel, a student in the programme said: "This course will equip me with tools that enhance my work-related performance. The learning acquired from the programme will help me play a significant role in shaping the industry in the future."

Upon the successful completion of the programme, participants will be awarded a graduate diploma certificate issued jointly by DREI and the Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden.