Landmark Properties and panel of industry experts call for greater transparency and context in regional markets

The exclusive forum examined current real estate trends, both regionally and abroad, to build a better understanding of emerging market dynamics. Key points included the need for a broader range of indicators in the market, from transactional data to media reports, as well as new vehicles for participation in the market in addition to direct investment.

Robert Lovett, Chairman of Landmark Advisory, the research and analysis division of Landmark Properties, gave a market overview and discussed the difference between institutional investments and local market investments. He also spoke in-depth about the findings of Landmark Advisory's Q1 2009 UAE Real Estate Report and the trends he expects in the sector this year.

"There is a tremendous need for context in the region's property market at present - readers need to take new information coming out with a grain of salt and look for greater context, including a wider range of sources for data. We're all looking for increased transparency as well as a range of new ways to participate in the market - in addition to buying a property outright, at some point there should be real estate-based funds and equity-based investment opportunities to help the market mature and guide investors," said Lovett.

Tony Ciochetti, the Chairman of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Center for Real Estate, arrived in Dubai to participate in Landmark's panel before leading a one-day seminar on Commercial Real Estate. At the discussion, he reviewed the credit crisis and discussed the importance of diversifying one's portfolio with real estate, noting that a number of markets around the world find themselves in relatively more challenging circumstances, without a clear path to market recovery.

Kerrie Alder, Head of Real Estate at Emirates Investment Services, focused on the characteristics of real estate portfolios and offered advice on investment strategies. She spoke further on what her own Investment Committee is considering for 2009 and highlighted other opportunities going forward.

Mohammed Sultan Thani, Assistant Director-General of Excellence and Organisational Governance of the Dubai Land Department, compared land transaction patterns in the first quarter of 2009 to those seen at the same time last year. He also spoke about land values and the demographics of different nationalities that own property in Dubai.

The forum, attended by investors, financial services organizations, agents, and other industry watchers, gave participants insight into the range of information currently available on the UAE's property sector while calling for additional participation and discussion. All attendees received Landmark Advisory's Q1 2009 UAE Real Estate Report.