UAE gears up for series of ULI real estate programs in Middle East

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The ULI programs will start with a 'Fundamentals of Real Estate Modelling' workshop November 7-8, 2007 in Dubai, followed by a 'Construction Fundamentals' workshop December 3-4, 2007, also in Dubai. A ULI conference, 'Building a Sustainable Future: Trends, Opportunities, and Challenges' will be held February 13, 2008 in Abu Dhabi, including an optional study tour of Dubai February 14, 2008. The conference will bring international experts in sustainable development together with key regional leaders and decision makers to explore how global best practices and lessons learned can be applied locally.

The creation of the ULI programs illustrates 'the vast importance of the United Arab Emirates in the increasingly globalised real estate industry,' said Richard Rosan, President, ULI Worldwide. 'The UAE region holds enormous potential as a global magnet for investment and development. We are extremely pleased to be hosting these events in an area of the world that has so much to offer in terms of contributions to the built environment.'

'The workshops and the conference have been designed specifically for real estate development professionals at all levels, in both the public and private sectors as well as for senior executives who want to expand their land use expertise and perspective,'

said William Kistler, President, ULI Europe, Middle East, Africa and India. 'These are very timely events as we solidify our partnership with the Middle East. These programs will provide a strong foundation in all essential real estate elements.'

Along with the series of ULI programs, the ULI Middle East Centre is being established, which will include a Centre For Real Estate Education. This Education Centre will, within three years, offer a broad range of courses in real estate development, valuation, contract management, urban and regional development, investment and economics.

The final agreement establishing the ULI Middle East Centre is being signed during a November 18 ceremony involving signatories Rosan and Lee Tabler, Chairman of the ULI Middle East Council and Chief Executive Officer of the Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), the asset development arm of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA).

'Over the past year, the Middle East has been responsible for some of the world's largest real estate projects and development is now one of the fastest growing sectors in the region. The ULI Middle East Centre will assist and support events which are aimed at facilitating the open exchange of ideas, information and experience among local, national and international industry leaders and policy makers,' said Tabler.

The ULI conference in Abu Dhabi will mark the formal launch of the ULI Middle East Centre Centre and the ULI Centre For Real Estate Education. Both will be housed within the new TDIC headquarters being built adjacent to Maqta Bridge - the gateway to Abu Dhabi city. The centre will also house the ULI Middle East Council, which currently has more than 200 members.