The Urban Land Institute (ULI), the international, non-profit research and educational organisation catering to land use and real estate development professionals, will host a series of Middle East real-estate events over the next several months reflecting its expanding outreach in rapidly developing markets throughout the region. The move follows the establishment of the ULI Middle East Centre, the framework agreement of which was finalised this week.
The centre, which was initiated by and incorporated in the UAE capital is under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) and Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), the asset development arm of ADTA.
The series of regional ULI events started with a ‘Fundamentals of Real Estate Modelling’ workshop in Dubai earlier this month and will be followed by a two day programme on ‘Construction Fundamentals’ at the Dusit Dubai Hotel from 3-4 December.
“These workshops have been designed specifically for real estate development professionals at all levels, in both the public and private sectors as well as for senior executives who want to expand their construction expertise and perspective,” said William Kistler, ULI President Europe.
“This is a very timely initiative as we solidify our partnership with the Middle East and will provide a strong foundation in all essential real estate elements.”
The final agreement for the ULI Middle East chapter was signed by Richard Rosan, President, ULI Worldwide and Lee Tabler, Chairman of the ULI Middle East Centre and CEO of TDIC.
“Over the past year, the Middle East has been responsible for some of the world’s largest real estate projects and development is now one of the fastest growing sectors in the region,” said Tabler.
“The ULI Middle East Centre will assist and support events which are aimed at facilitating the open exchange of ideas, information and experience among local, national and international industry leaders and policy makers.”
The UAE capital will also host a dedicated Urban Development Centre, including a ULI Centre For Real Estate Education, within three years which will offer a broad range of courses in real estate development, valuation, contract management, urban and regional development, investment and economics.
The Urban Development Centre and ULI’s Centre For Real Estate Education will be housed within the new TDIC headquarters being built adjacent to Maqta Bridge – the gateway to Abu Dhabi city. It will also house the ULI Middle East Centre which currently boasts over 200 members.
About the Urban Land Institute:
The Urban Land Institute (www.uli.org) is a nonprofit education and research institute supported by its members. Its mission is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in sustaining and creating thriving communities worldwide. Established in 1936, the Institute has more than 38,000 members representing all aspects of land use and development disciplines.
About Tourism Development & Investment Company:
Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) is a public joint stock company established under Law No: 12 of 2005 as decreed by the Abu Dhabi Ruler and UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. TDIC is an independent organisation empowered to manage the tourism investment zones of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), which directs and implements strategy for the expansion of the emirate's tourism sector. TDIC will develop the real estate assets that support ADTA's mission of assisting UAE economic diversification through tourism development.
TDIC, launched with an initial paid-up capital of AED100 million (US $27.5 million) with its shareholding fully owned by ADTA, operates along strictly commercial lines with its projects being self-sustaining and economically feasible. Its activities include creating development and tourism related concepts for specific sites and locations, disposing of, or repositioning, government-owned tourism related assets, entering into joint ventures with investment partners for assets such as hotels or residential products, as well as serving as the master developer for large scale projects.
