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Ras Al Khaimah launches ‘RAK Central’ as the “largest business district in the northern Emirates”

Ras Al Khaimah Unveils ‘RAK Central’ – Northern Emirates’ Largest Business District

Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is set to redefine its commercial landscape with the launch of ‘RAK Central,’ touted as the largest business district in the northern Emirates. This expansive mixed-use development, spearheaded by Marjan, promises to elevate Ras Al Khaimah’s status as a thriving business hub with Grade A offices and stunning vistas of the Arabian Gulf and Al Hamra Golf Club. Read more : ValuStrat Report: Abu Dhabi Office Sales Prices Surge 38.7% YoY in Q4 2023 Scheduled to open its doors in 2026, RAK Central will be strategically located on Sheikh Mohammed bin Salem Al Qasimi Street, offering convenient access to key amenities and attractions. The commercial spaces are meticulously designed to cater to the needs of anchor tenants, featuring open floor plans that allow for flexible design options to accommodate diverse business requirements. “RAK Central is poised to become Ras Al Khaimah’s premier business destination, attracting leading enterprises and organizations from across the region to establish their headquarters here,” stated a representative. Read more : Dubai Market Bucks Remote Work Trends with Surge in Office Space Expansion Driven by notable projects such as Wynn Resorts and investments from Aldar and other developers, Ras Al Khaimah has emerged as one of the fastest-growing real estate markets in the Gulf region. Recent initiatives, including the introduction of the RAK Digital Assets Authority and a dedicated hub for companies operating in the virtual assets space, further underscore the emirate’s commitment to fostering innovation and economic growth. Abdulla Al Abdouli, CEO of Marjan, emphasized RAK Central’s role in driving economic prosperity and enhancing Ras Al Khaimah’s business ecosystem. “This aligns with the vision of our leadership to strengthen the business landscape of the emirate and position it as a preferred destination for residence, business, and leisure,” he remarked. Read more : DIFC Reports Record Growth in 2023: A Closer Look at the Financial Hub’s Success RAK Central will offer a comprehensive range of amenities, including 4,000 residential units, 3 million square feet of leased office space, parks, three hotels boasting over 1,000 keys, and a plethora of shopping and entertainment venues. The phased development approach ensures timely delivery, with the first phase of infrastructure and the main business complex slated for completion by the fourth quarter of 2026. During the initial phase, one million square feet of commercial office space will be available for lease, with additional opportunities for development. Developers will have access to 34 exclusive residential plots, enabling the construction of residential towers reaching up to 45 stories tall. Read more : Sharjah Real Estate Thrives: February Transactions Surpass $844 Million “Following the success of Al Marjan Island, we are committed to delivering diverse projects that will serve as the ‘downtowns’ of the future, in addition to creating new lifestyle destinations on the mountains,” Al Abdouli concluded. RAK Central represents a transformative milestone in Ras Al Khaimah’s journey towards sustainable economic development and underscores the emirate’s vision to become a global business and leisure destination.

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ValuStrat Report: Abu Dhabi Office Sales Prices Surge 38.7% YoY in Q4 2023

ValuStrat Report: Abu Dhabi Office Sales Prices Surge 38.7% YoY in Q4 2023

Abu Dhabi’s real estate landscape witnessed significant growth in the fourth quarter of 2023, with office sales prices soaring by 38.7% year over year, as reported by ValuStrat. Additionally, asking rents experienced a notable increase of 13.3%, signaling a robust market performance in the capital city. Read more : Dubai Market Bucks Remote Work Trends with Surge in Office Space Expansion ValuStrat’s latest report on Abu Dhabi real estate highlights Aldar Properties’ achievement of 97% occupancy across its prime Grade A commercial properties during Q4 2023. This includes its prestigious buildings at Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), HQ, and International Tower, underscoring the strong demand for high-quality office spaces in the emirate. Read more : DIFC Reports Record Growth in 2023: A Closer Look at the Financial Hub’s Success The report attributes the market’s high growth trajectory to the increasing demand for Grade A office spaces, buoyed by government initiatives such as retiree visas and remote work programs aimed at attracting foreign professionals and investors to Abu Dhabi. These initiatives are expected to further bolster the market in the coming years. Looking ahead to 2024, ValuStrat anticipates stable apartment prices and moderate increases in freehold villa prices in Abu Dhabi. The real estate market is projected to grow steadily, with residential capital values expected to see a 3%–5% increase. Read more : Sharjah Real Estate Thrives: February Transactions Surpass $844 Million While mortgage rates are forecasted to decline in 2024, potentially boosting transactional activity, off-plan transactions may slow down. The report notes a 6.4% year-over-year increase in rental values and a 4.2% year-over-year increase in residential capital values in Q4 2023. ValuStrat also predicts an improvement in key performance indicators for the hospitality sector, with occupancy rates rising by 3% year over year from January to October 2023, reaching 74%. Revenue per available room surged by 26% to AED 309, while the average daily rate increased to AED 420 ($114.36), marking a 23% year-over-year increase. Read more : Sharjah Real Estate Soars: Dh3.1 Billion in Transactions In summary, ValuStrat’s report paints a promising picture for Abu Dhabi’s real estate market, with strong growth indicators across various segments. The capital city continues to attract investors and residents alike, driven by its strategic initiatives and favorable market conditions.

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Dubai Market Bucks Remote Work Trends with Surge in Office Space Expansion

Dubai Market Bucks Remote Work Trends with Surge in Office Space Expansion

Dubai’s commercial real estate sector is set to defy remote work expectations as it prepares to welcome 44,000 square meters of new, premium office space in free zones across the city in 2024. This proactive response comes amidst surging demand for office accommodations, reflecting Dubai’s resilience and attractiveness as a business hub. A report by commercial real estate company CRC highlights the upcoming construction projects, including the development of 6 Falak in Internet City and Sweid One in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), signaling a commitment to meeting the city’s evolving office space needs. Read more : DIFC Reports Record Growth in 2023: A Closer Look at the Financial Hub’s Success In 2023 alone, the Dubai market witnessed the addition of 92,000 square meters of gross leasable area, bringing the total stock size to an impressive 9.2 million square meters. This expansion underscores Dubai’s position as a vibrant commercial center with sustained investor confidence. Despite initial projections favoring remote or hybrid work arrangements post-pandemic, the Dubai market has experienced a remarkable 44% increase in buyer leads for office purchases, signaling a robust demand for physical office spaces. This trend is attributed to regulations governing visas per square foot of office space, driving companies to seek larger premises to accommodate their expanding workforce. Read more : Sharjah Real Estate Thrives: February Transactions Surpass $844 Million The average price of office properties in Dubai saw an uptick in 2023, reaching AED 1,120 per square foot, reflecting growing investor interest and market resilience. Total office space sales in 2023 amounted to AED 4.78 billion, marking a significant increase from the previous year’s figures. In terms of commercial real estate transactions, Dubai witnessed a notable surge, with 12,215 units sold for a total value of AED 91 billion in 2023, representing a substantial uptick from AED 52.1 billion and 9,724 transactions in 2022. Read more : Sharjah Real Estate Soars: Dh3.1 Billion in Transactions Key office sales locations in Dubai include Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), Business Bay, and Sheikh Zayed Road, underscoring the city’s diverse and thriving business districts. Meanwhile, Tecom and Media City emerged as prominent destinations for commercial leasing, further diversifying Dubai’s commercial landscape. As Dubai continues to position itself as a global business destination, the expansion of office space reflects the city’s commitment to fostering growth, innovation, and economic resilience. With rising demand, a growing population, and a thriving market, Dubai remains a premier destination for businesses seeking to establish a presence in the Middle East.

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In 2023, DIFC records record growth with 34% more company registrations

DIFC Reports Record Growth in 2023: A Closer Look at the Financial Hub’s Success

In a recent press release issued by the Dubai Government Media Office, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) celebrated its unprecedented growth and reaffirmed its status as the premier global financial hub for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region. Amidst record-breaking achievements in 2023, DIFC showcased an impressive 34% year-on-year growth in new company registrations, welcoming a total of 1,451 new companies into its thriving ecosystem. This surge brings the total number of active companies within the DIFC to 5,523, marking a remarkable 26% increase from previous years. Read more : Sharjah Real Estate Thrives: February Transactions Surpass $844 Million His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and President of the Dubai International Financial Centre, lauded the visionary leadership behind DIFC’s success. He stated, “Two decades ago, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, articulated an ambitious vision to transform Dubai into one of the world’s leading global financial hubs.” Sheikh Maktoum emphasized the strategic significance of DIFC’s growth in aligning with Dubai’s economic agenda, particularly the objective to double the city’s economy by 2030 and solidify its position as a top global business destination. Read more : Sharjah Real Estate Soars: Dh3.1 Billion in Transactions According to the press release, DIFC is poised to double its GDP contribution by 2030, with total revenues nearing Dh1.3 billion. The hub’s appeal to businesses in the fintech and innovation sectors continues to grow, with 902 companies operating within these domains by the end of 2023, marking a substantial 31% year-on-year increase. Moreover, DIFC’s real estate segment witnessed remarkable occupancy rates, with 95% of properties owned and managed by DIFC being occupied. The introduction of DIFC Living, the hub’s first residential offering, proved to be a resounding success, selling out within 48 hours of launch. Total assets surged to Dh18 billion, reflecting an 18% increase and highlighting DIFC’s robust financial standing. Read more : Ajman Real Estate Sector Revamp: JLL Crafting New Competitive Strategy The vibrant urban retail district of DIFC, Gate Avenue, experienced a 25% surge in foot traffic, attracting 12 million visitors. This increase can be attributed to a diverse range of events and the opening of 66 new retail and food outlets, further enhancing DIFC’s appeal as a dynamic commercial destination. To nurture talent migration and enhance job opportunities, DIFC established the DIFC Talent Network, facilitating the creation of 5,514 new jobs. The overall workforce expanded to 41,597 employees, marking a notable 15% year-on-year increase. Read more : Ajman’s Real Estate Revamp: JLL Consultancy Takes the Lead In conclusion, DIFC’s stellar performance in 2023 underscores its pivotal role in driving Dubai’s economic growth and positioning the city as a global financial powerhouse. With ambitious growth targets and a commitment to innovation, DIFC remains at the forefront of fostering economic prosperity and attracting international investment to the region.

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Sharjah Real Estate Thrives: February Transactions Surpass $844 Million

Sharjah Real Estate Thrives: February Transactions Surpass $844 Million

February 2024 witnessed a robust surge in Sharjah’s real estate transactions, totaling an impressive $844 million, as reported by the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department’s “Real Estate Transactions and Mortgages Movement” report. Across various regions and cities, a total of 4,458 real estate transactions were recorded, underscoring the emirate’s continued growth and prosperity in the property market. Read more : Sharjah Real Estate Soars: Dh3.1 Billion in Transactions The influx of local, Arab, and foreign investments into Sharjah’s development projects has been a significant driving force behind the sector’s success, yielding substantial returns for investors. This trend reaffirms the resilience and dynamism of Sharjah’s real estate market, which continues to attract diverse investment interests. The steadfast support from the Sharjah government has played a pivotal role in nurturing the real estate industry. Through a range of incentives and facilities tailored for developers, investors, and business owners, the government has fostered an environment conducive to sustained growth and innovation in the sector. Read more : Ajman Real Estate Sector Revamp: JLL Crafting New Competitive Strategy Breaking down the February transactions, a total of 1,048 sales transactions were completed, comprising 23.5% of the total, while mortgage transactions accounted for 8% with a total value of $158 million. The remaining 68.5% of transactions encompassed various real estate activities, reflecting the broad spectrum of the market’s activities. A staggering 8.7 million square feet across 101 areas within Sharjah witnessed sales transactions, encompassing agricultural, commercial, industrial, and residential properties. Notably, the transactions included 307 built-in land transactions, 328 tower units, and 413 lands, showcasing the diversity of real estate offerings in the emirate. Read more : Ajman’s Real Estate Revamp: JLL Consultancy Takes the Lead The “Muwailih Commercial” area emerged as the focal point of real estate activity, leading with 213 transactions, followed closely by “Rawdat Al-Qart,” “Al-Mazairah,” and “Al-Khan” areas, each recording 77 transactions. In terms of trading volume, “Muwailih Commercial” area maintained its dominance, registering a trading volume of $104 million, followed by “Um Fanain,” “Al-Khan,” and “Al-Sajaa Industrial” areas with significant contributions. The Central Region witnessed notable transaction activity, with “Al-Madina Al-Qasimia” recording the highest number of transactions, while “Blida” emerged as the top performer in terms of trading volume. In Khor Fakkan, the “Al-Bardi 4” area secured the highest trading volume, underscoring the city’s burgeoning real estate landscape. Additionally, “Al-Saaf 7” and “Sur Kalba Commercial” areas witnessed noteworthy transaction volumes, highlighting the broader geographical diversity of real estate activities within Sharjah. In conclusion, Sharjah’s real estate market continues to thrive, propelled by robust transactional activity and sustained investor confidence. The diverse portfolio of offerings and strategic government support position the emirate as a premier destination for real estate investment opportunities in the region.

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Sharjah Real Estate Soars: Dh3.1 Billion in Transactions

Sharjah Real Estate Soars: Dh3.1 Billion in Transactions

In a testament to its burgeoning real estate sector, Sharjah witnessed a surge in property transactions totaling Dh3.1 billion in February, fueled by heightened interest from Arab, international, and local investors. Read more : Ajman Real Estate Sector Revamp: JLL Crafting New Competitive Strategy The latest “Real Estate Transactions and Mortgages Movement” report from the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department revealed a robust market performance, with a total of 4,458 transactions recorded, including 1,048 sales deals, constituting 23.5% of the total. Mortgage transactions, totaling 355, accounted for 8.0% of the total value, amounting to Dh581.4 million. Leading the charge in transaction volume was the Muwailih commercial area, registering 213 sales transactions, followed closely by Rawdat Al Qar, Al Mazairah, and Al Khan areas, each recording 77 transactions. Read more : Ajman’s Real Estate Revamp: JLL Consultancy Takes the Lead In terms of transaction value, Muwailih Commercial Area emerged as the top trading hub with transactions worth Dh382 million. Um Fanain and Al Khan followed suit with Dh109.5 million and Dh84.2 million, respectively. Further analysis revealed Blida as the central region’s top performer in terms of trading volume, while Al Madina Al Qasimia boasted the highest concentration of transactions. Read more : The UAE Ranks as the Most Stable Economy Globally and 10th Best Country in Soft Power The Northern Emirates’ Annual Property Market Report from Dubizzle corroborated Sharjah’s real estate market’s upward trajectory in 2023, citing sustained demand and escalating prices for both sale and rental properties. Key neighborhoods such as Al Khan, Muwaileh, Al Tai, Al Jazzat, Al Nahda, and Al Qasimia emerged as prime destinations for prospective tenants and buyers. Apartment prices witnessed a notable increase, ranging from Dh601,000 to Dh1.01 million for sale and Dh21,000 to Dh45,000 for annual rent. Read more : Confident Group Debuts in Dubai with Lancaster Luxury Residences Al Khan emerged as the most sought-after neighborhood for apartment purchases, boasting an average price of AED 948,000 and a promising return on investment (ROI) of 3.51%. Meanwhile, Al Majaz and Muwaileh gained traction for their impressive ROI, with Al Majaz topping the charts at 6.24%. In the villa segment, Al Sabkha claimed the highest ROI at 6.23%, while Sharjah Sustainable City garnered attention with a notable ROI of 5.06%. Al Tai emerged as a preferred destination for villa rentals, offering an average annual rent of Dh111,000. In summary, Sharjah’s real estate market continues to attract investors and tenants alike, driven by robust demand and promising returns across various neighborhoods, underscoring its position as a thriving investment destination in the region.

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Ajman real estate, JLL consultancy, Economic development, Foreign investment, UAE real estate market, Strategic planning, Market analysis, Property market trends, Rental market, Investment opportunities, Tourism development, Economic growth, Market competitiveness, Real estate transactions, Hospitality industry

Ajman Real Estate Sector Revamp: JLL Crafting New Competitive Strategy

In a bid to bolster Ajman’s real estate sector and attract increased foreign investment, the Ajman Department of Economic Development has enlisted the expertise of JLL consultancy to devise a transformative strategy. With a rich history of operations in the UAE, JLL is poised to contribute significantly to the rejuvenation of Ajman’s real estate landscape with innovative strategies tailored for sustainable growth. Read more : Ajman’s Real Estate Revamp: JLL Consultancy Takes the Lead This initiative forms part of Ajman’s broader economic agenda aimed at enhancing its competitiveness and expanding its appeal to global investors, particularly within the real estate domain. A statement from the government department emphasized the pivotal role that the study results will play in charting a comprehensive roadmap for the future development of Ajman’s real estate sector. Read More : The UAE Ranks as the Most Stable Economy Globally and 10th Best Country in Soft Power Yearly, the real estate and associated industries collectively contribute a substantial 30% to Ajman’s GDP, underscoring the sector’s importance to the emirate’s economic vitality. Ajman’s property market has been buoyed by the positive growth trajectory witnessed by its counterparts in neighboring emirates since 2021. Notably, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah have emerged as investment hotspots, witnessing significant year-on-year increases in capital inflows. Ras Al Khaimah, in particular, has experienced a rapid surge in property values alongside a surge in off-plan launches, signaling robust market dynamics. Read More : Confident Group Debuts in Dubai with Lancaster Luxury Residences The overarching goal for Ajman is clear: to leverage JLL’s expertise to develop a forward-looking strategy that capitalizes on the emirate’s strengths and addresses existing challenges. Saeed Humood Saeed, Director of the Ajman Competitiveness Office, expressed confidence that JLL’s research, slated for completion by the first half of this year, will provide invaluable insights into Ajman’s capabilities and lay the groundwork for strategic development initiatives. Read more : A Comprehensive Review of Sheikh Hamdan’s Visit to Al Khawaneej Housing Project In tandem with the uptick in real estate demand, Ajman has witnessed a notable surge in residential rentals, with rental contracts totaling Dh4 billion in the previous year alone—an impressive 39.92% increase over 2022 figures. Looking ahead, the completion of more apartment buildings is anticipated to meet the growing demand for affordable rental properties, particularly among local residents. The total value of real estate transactions in Ajman soared to Dh16.9 billion, reflecting a robust 43% annual growth—an encouraging sign of investor confidence in the emirate’s real estate market. Read more : Seville: Bloom Holding Unveils Fifth Phase of Bloom Living in Abu Dhabi Additionally, the JLL strategy will explore Ajman’s potential to position itself as a leader in the hospitality industry through targeted investment initiatives. With an eye on tourism prospects, this multifaceted approach aims to unlock new avenues for growth and diversification within Ajman’s economy, further cementing its status as a dynamic investment destination in the region. In conclusion, the collaboration between Ajman’s government and JLL underscores a proactive approach to revitalizing the emirate’s real estate sector, with the ultimate aim of fostering sustainable economic growth and prosperity.

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