ACI Real Estate enters Indian market through franchisee network

This marks the first phase of ACI's Indian franchisee network currently being established to serve ACI's Real Estate portfolio in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) currently valued at over Rs.100bn.

In the coming months, ACI will continue to seek prime franchisee operators to represent them across key Indian cities. Its portfolio includes residential, commercial, leisure and retail developments in prime locations across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, and other emerging cities across the UAE.

Speaking on the potential of the franchisee set up, Sanjay Chimnani, joint managing director, ACI Real Estate, said,

"The agreement with Global Properties marks our first alliance in India to serve the rapidly growing investor market here. In selecting our local franchisee, we found one in Global Properties who shares in our mission of doing business with transparency, purpose and integrity. We believe the ACI franchisee network in India will set a valid gateway that links the astute Indian investor with ACI's vast UAE property portfolio."

Branded properties for value sustainability: Schumacher, Becker and Lauda

ACI Real Estate has rapidly set itself apart in the burgeoning real estate market in Dubai, the emirates fastest growing city, by introducing branded properties concept including the 'Sports Trilogy' along the up-market Business Bay (valued at Rs. 22 bn), and more recently its Rs.63 billion 'Marine Legends' with the Ferretti Group. It is pointed out that some of ACI's developments have sold within hours of being announced.

Speaking on the franchise agreement, Sanjay Bathla, and Sarin Katta, Managing Partners of Global Properties said, "Dubai and Abu Dhabi are poised for immense growth and earnings potentials in real estate. ACI offers some of the most talked-about pieces of real estate in the various emirates and we are honored to be aligned with them."

What the franchisees will offer

The Indian franchisee network is seen as part of ACI's global expansion plans, which Chimnani, also an Indian-national currently living in Dubai, refers to as, "as a natural extension of our historical and economic ties."

The ACI network of franchisees will comprise six appointees across India to lend ready assistance to potential investors.

More announcements in the Indian franchisee appointments are expected in the coming months though no further details are yet made available.

Strong economic fundamentals, marketing genius and valid partners

Chimnani further added, "With the weakening US dollar, and the UAE's tax-free policies, as well as strong economic fundamentals, real estate across the emirates offer uncommon gains. Earnings potentials have been known to reach as high as 30 per cent in some of ACI's key locations."

Hailed as a marketing genius, the team at ACI has positioned each of their developments not only for their aesthetic appeal and grand location, but also as local landmarks in a city brimming with bold construction projects.

"Our properties will become local landmarks to the city folk, and global reference points to visitors," said Chimnani, referring to the Michael Schumacher Business Avenue, and Boris Becker Business Tower both located along the soon to be opened Business Bay district that will house upto 250 commercial towers each elbowing for key positioning.

In addition, ACI has also joint developments with reputed local partners in the emirates including Galadari Investment Office (GIO) in Dubai.

The 45 storey 'G Office' in Dubai has been designed by internationally-known architect, Alex Vacha with interiors by international design house Yoo, and its leading designer Philippe Starck.

Abu Dhabi: Likely to draw increased attention

ACI also has distinctive partnerships in the capital, Abu Dhabi, including Al Odaid Real Estate for 5 commercial towers on the much talked-about Al Reem Island. With a GDP nearly thrice that of Dubai, Abu Dhabi is slated for immense growth, and high expected returns.

The number of Indians residing and visiting the emirates has grown steadily since 2004, when the freehold property market opened to foreign investors.