There has been an overwhelming response from leading regional property firms for the Gulf Real Estate Awards being organised by Dubai Land Department (DLD).

More than 150 companies are vying for the top honours which will be given to the winners on April 17 at a ceremony to be held in Safinah Ballroom at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

The high turnout from regional companies demonstrates the credibility, integrity and positive image of Dubai Land Department throughout the region.

The awards programme, which is aligned with DLD’s vision to establish Dubai as a destination for innovation, confidence and happiness, is expected to position the department as a real estate leader, specifically encouraging innovation in the sector and stimulating the adoption of best practices leading to sustainable growth across the GCC region.

DLD confirmed that it had received 150 nominations in 21 categories from four GCC countries – the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar.

Sultan Butti bin Mejren, the director-general of DLD, said, "This award was inspired by the directives of Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his vision to further innovation and establish Dubai as the capital of innovation in the real estate sector across the region."

Mahmoud Al Burai, the executive director of Dubai Real Estate Institute (DREI), the educational arm of Dubai Land Department and the company responsible for the organisation of the awards, said: "These awards are based on a number of criteria and key points, including planning, implementation, and results. Following the closure of nominations, the process of screening and evaluation was initiated by a specialised committee of leading experts in the real estate field."

"The awards programme helps to drive innovation in this sector and stimulate the creativity and excellence of real estate companies to compete and improve their services and projects to achieve sustainable growth," noted Al Burai.

Dubai Land Department has established a set of goals for the launch of the Gulf Real Estate Awards, which in particular aims to reward and recognise the GCC’s best real estate companies, he added.-TradeArabia News Service