Third Islamic Real Estate Finance Middle East conference to open on December 17, 2005

IREF ME 2005 will feature presentations from over 40 distinguished speakers from all over the world focusing on the hottest topics in their areas of expertise. The programme comprises of a pre conference workshop followed by a two- day conference and exhibition.

Conference director Mohaned Abdullah said: "As such the IREF - ME workshop this year explores in depth various forms of conventional and Islamic financing structures for real estate including; REITs, Securtisations and Sukuks. The workshop will also feature case studies from some of the biggest and most innovative projects financed using Shariah principles."

"Following on from the workshop, the conference is set to analyse and discuss the salient issues from the global real estate industry. Each sector of the major geographical regions such as Europe, North America, Middle East and the Far East will be examined extensively; detailing strategies for successful investment as well as uncovering areas of great potential that as yet remain untapped," he added.

Mr. Abdullah said:

"There will be considerable focus on the various GCC markets. The GCC real estate sector is booming with considerable inflows coming from the repatriation of funds into home markets. Governments within the region have also been very proactive in diversifying their economies and the region has witnessed a dramatic increase in tourism. The construction spend from entities such as Emaar, Dubai Properties, Damac etc in Dubai alone has exceeded $40 billion dollars."

He concluded: " Real estate sectors in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain will be discussed at length at IREF ME as well as a special focus on the new emerging markets such as Qatar, which last year experienced a growth rate of a staggering 20.5% and Oman which has received inflows of over $2 billion in the construction sector last year."