Academic City masterplan – Dubai

Project Name: Academic City Masterplan

Client Name: Private Client

Location: Dubai

Assets Covered: Residential, Retail and Education- Related Real Estate Assets

Project Size: 1.6 million sq m

Project Value: Confidential

Executive Summary:

The client is considering developing a mixed-use project on 1.6 million sq m of land in Academic City, Dubai. The development is envisioned to have develop-to-sell residential assets covering 70% to 80% of the land and the rest is to be allocated for develop-to-lease assets related to education, retail, and other components. The client sought to assess the concept’s viability for informed investment decisions.

Our Solution/Recommendations

Cavendish Maxwell was appointed to undertake market research, followed by development recommendations and the highest and best use assessment for the intended mix of residential, retail, and education-related real estate assets. Where we conducted the following activities:

• Conducted a visit to the identified land plot and assessed the overall competitive advantages of the site.
• Analysed demand-supply trends, provided recommendations on sectors conducive for development, and identified relevant aspects of competitors’ value propositions and required dynamics.
• Articulated development recommendations and proposed a development programme that factored in market research, site analysis, and market positioning for the envisaged components of the development.
• Estimated the likely revenue-earning potential of the project and developed financial projections, including profit and loss and cash flow statements.
• Assessed the overall financial viability through indicators such as IRR, Payback Period, and NPV.

Completion Date: April 2023