FutureBrand to showcase third annual Gulf Real Estate Study during Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2008

The study provides a comprehensive industry overview examining the forces, trends, developer rankings and branding importance in the regional real estate market.

GRES 2007, which also includes industry news and trends, and 'mystery shopper' research findings, is the most comprehensive study produced by FutureBrand to-date. Compiling proprietary qualitative and quantitative research data, the study includes valuable industry research that provides unique insights into Gulf real estate development, and reveals the preferences of homebuyers and development professionals.

'GRES has become an essential reference for the regional real estate industry, especially in the UAE where the real estate sector is expected to post a growth rate of up to 24.4%; combining with the construction industry to constitute 23%of the UAE economy by 2010. Our results show that total development projects in the country, planned and underway, increased by 79% between 2006 and 2007; with branding and marketing becoming more important and significant in building preference and buyer loyalty,'

said Rina Plapler, Senior Executive Director at FutureBrand.

The latest GRES also considers industry concerns from the perspective of the developers and governments, addressing topical issues such as rising inflation and costs of living, increased attention to the environment and sustainability, the proliferation of luxury, and the correlation between branding and real estate. Leisurecorp, a member of Dubai World, sponsored the Study, while AME Info and Cityscape Marketing Intelligence are both profiling GRES.

Host city Abu Dhabi takes a prominent role in the study; with an estimated Dhs34.89bn in real estate projects to be awarded to contractors during 2008 alone

'The Gulf's real estate industry continues to surge despite currently volatile global economic conditions. The sector's rapid expansion is worthy of continued examination and emulation and is an example within the Arab World of how diversification, visionary leadership and progressive business policies can realise sustained progress,' concluded Plapler.