Utilities

Showing posts for utilities

30 March 2026

The Iran Conflict and the Geopolitics of Safe Havens

The paradox of geopolitical shock in the Gulf It is a well-established fact that geopolitical crises affect real estate markets differently[1]. Short-lived crises, in particular, may have fleeting effects on equity markets,[2] and even subside before real estate markets, which operate on longer adjustment cycles and are measured in months rather than minutes, have time to respond. This was certainly […]
24 March 2026

Accounting for Tomorrow: Integrated Reporting by Gulf Developers

What has driven Gulf sustainability reporting? There is no doubt that both the quantity and quality of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting in the Gulf has risen dramatically over the past decade. What has driven this change? The first and arguably the most important factor has been the explicit inclusion of ESG in national Government plans such as Saudi […]
6 March 2026

Property Taxation: Shaping Economies and Supporting Real Estate Markets

When carefully designed, real estate taxation can be more than a tool for Governments to raise revenue; taxes can be used to influence real estate development and to achieve wider economic and social goals. At the same time, the owners of real estate work with tax lawyers, accountants and advisers to reduce their exposure to such taxes.   What is […]
26 August 2025

Unlocking the Kingdom: Housing Markets and Foreign Ownership Rules

To date, certain countries have attracted the lion’s share of overseas investment into their residential markets: Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the UAE and the United States. These countries are all characterised by remarkably lenient regulations for foreign nationals wishing to buy real estate in their domestic markets. In the UK, for example, there are virtually no restrictions at all, neither geographic, nor residency, not sectoral, nor value. Controls exist only to confirm identity and to prevent money laundering.1 The USA, Australia and Canada are somewhat more restrictive – Canada even imposed a freeze on overseas purchases of residential real estate altogether in 2023.2
14 August 2025

Dubai Office Market Performance H1 2025

Dubai’s investment landscape continued to flourish in the first half of 2025, reinforcing its status as the UAE’s leading economic hub. The Emirate attracted 526 greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) projects, representing 86% of the national total and securing USD 3.03 billion in capital inflows. This growth was further supported by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), which recorded a 32% year-on-year increase in new business registrations, with 1,081 companies established. The Dubai office market also delivered an outstanding performance in H1’2025, reaching its highest sales activity in recent years. Approximately 1,900 transactions were completed, reflecting a 21.6% increase year-on-year. Meanwhile, the total value of office sales surged to AED 5.4 billion, marking an 83.9% rise compared to H1’2024.
7 July 2025

Build It and They Will Come – Myth and Reality

A straightforward idea Provide the infrastructure, then construct the buildings, and both owners and tenants will appear almost as as if by magic to occupy them. Whatever its origin, this seemingly straightforward idea has come to be associated with supply-driven real estate policies. They have been enacted now for many decades, not only in the Gulf but worldwide. But is […]
25 June 2025

Tokenisation of Real Estate: Past Dreams, Present Achievements and a Measured Outlook for the Future

A long history The need for tradeable, liquid real estate assets has long been widely recognised. There have been a range of attempted solutions to the problem. Probably the most well-known attempt was the securitisation market. From tentative origins in medieval Europe, securitised real estate – and especially mortgages – rose to become instrumental in the Global Financial Crisis when […]
4 June 2025

Plant and Machinery Valuation: The Basics

Accurate valuation of plant and machinery is essential for businesses, impacting financial reporting, investment decisions, and asset management. Given Dubai’s dynamic economy and rapid technological advancements, several factors influence valuation outcomes.  
3 June 2025

Dubai Office Market Performance Q1 2025

Dubai’s office market maintained strong momentum in Q1 2025, driven by solid economic fundamentals and rising investor confidence. The Dubai International Chamber reported a 39.0% year-on-year increase in new foreign company registrations, including 11 multinational corporations and 42 SMEs. At the same time, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce supported the international expansion of 28 local firms. This dual dynamic further reinforced Dubai’s position as a global business hub.
27 May 2025

Dubai Residential Market Performance Q1 2025

The UAE’s GDP is forecasted to grow by 4.7% in 2025, while Dubai is expected to see a 3.3% increase. This sustained economic expansion, supported by population growth and continued investor confidence, reinforces the UAE's and Dubai’s positions as competitive global hubs. In the real estate sector, Dubai’s residential market recorded over 42,000 sales transactions in Q1 2025, reflecting a 10.0% quarterly decline due to a slowdown in new project launches and seasonal factors. However, year-on-year performance remained strong, with transaction volumes rising by 23.1% and total sales value reaching AED 114.4 billion, a 29.6% increase. Apartment sales led the market, while demand for villas and townhouses also grew, reflecting end-users’ preference for larger living spaces.
13 May 2025

Building the Future: The Role of Special Zones in Achieving Oman’s Vision 2040

Oman’s Vision 2040 outlines an ambitious national roadmap for modernisation, economic diversification and global competitiveness. At the heart of this transformation are Special Zones – strategic hubs designed to attract foreign investment, boost trade, and stimulate industrial growth.
2 April 2025

Dubai Metro Blue Line: Transforming Real Estate and Connectivity

The Dubai Metro has played a pivotal role in the city’s development since its launch in 2009. The addition of the Blue Line underscores the government’s commitment to seamless public transport solutions, aligning with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. With a goal to have 55% of residents within 800 metres of mass transit stations, the Blue Line will serve as a critical component of this vision, fostering sustainable growth and accessibility.

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