Murray Strang, associate director at Cluttons in Dubai elected to the RICS board

The RICS is the world's leading professional body for qualifications and standards in land, property and construction. RICS accreditation ensures that a company can be trusted to act and provide services in line with the strict global standards set by the organisation. Clients have the assurance that companies accredited by the RICS must be ethical, diligent and professional. Strang was elected onto the board having been an active member of the institution for over nine years in both the UK and now the UAE.

Cluttons now has an RICS board member in each of its Middle Eastern offices, and is the only property firm in the region to boast such an achievement. The relationship is not a fleeting one; Ron Hinchey, head of professional services in Dubai, was the inaugural chairman of the original Dubai RICS Chapter, appointed in 1988. In addition, Jonathan Fothergill, head of UAE valuations at Cluttons in Dubai, is a current member of the RICS consultation group for commercial property and valuation for the MENA region.

Murray Strang, associate director at Cluttons comments: "The vast majority of property companies, developers, financial institutions and auditors deem RICS accreditation compulsory for their service providers, ensuring uniformity and continued high standards across the real estate market. Companies without RICS accreditation find it increasingly difficult to gain any foothold in the real estate advisory market."

Steve Morgan, head of Cluttons in the UAE says: "I am delighted with Murray's appointment onto the RICS board, an international body that guarantees the highest standards for today's organisations and individuals. Our presence on the national association boards throughout the region ensures Cluttons remains at the forefront of developments in market practice and client care."

RICS board members are expected to demonstrate a desire and enthusiasm to improve market awareness of their membership base and the body's objectives, along with dedication to drive forward the standard of the services provided, both to the members and the UAE's wider real estate market. Being elected onto the UAE RICS national association board will allow Strang the opportunity to develop the range of support and services the body offers to its members, as well as influencing best practice and organizing events to boost member numbers and involvement.