The Dubai Land Department has partnered with the Arab League to organise the first 'Arab International Sustainable Real Estate Conference' in Dubai next month.

The first-of-its-kind conference will be held on May 1 and 2 in conjunction with the 3rd edition of the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed and hosted by the Ministry of Economy, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center and in parallel with the International Property Show 2013 held on April 30 to May 2 in Dubai.

The summit is being sponsored by Diamond Developers while Falcon City of Wonders is a strategic partner.

Sultan Butti bin Mejren, the director general of the Land Department said “the importance of the conference lies in the professional debates by dozens of experts participating in the conference, which will focus on the three dimensions of sustainability (ecological, social and economic).”

Bin Mejren pointed out that the Land Department has taken it upon itself to address issues related to sustainability in the real estate sector and to come forth with leading initiatives as the department considers sustainability as one of its priorities.

He said the conference will highlight important issues on how to relate the property market with modern sustainability requirements, and how to develop strategies inspired by past experiences to meet with current challenges.
 
The top official hailed the Arab League’s efforts and its constructive co-operation with Land Department to achieve the objectives of this conference.

“Organising the first edition of this conference in Dubai is based on the league’s belief in Dubai and its ability to meet the requirements of real estate sustainability and its role in promoting such concepts in Arab real estate markets,” he added.

Dr Refat Al Faouri, the director general of the Arab Administrative Development Organisation (Arado), working under the umbrella of the Arab League, said that the Land Department is the first official entity in the Arab world to address the challenges of real estate sustainability in a professional and impressive manner.

“The property sector in the Arab world lacks sustainability practices, which are common practices in the international markets,” stated Al Faouri.

“Hosting this conference in Dubai reflects its position as a centre for promoting sustainability concepts and will help in educating professionals working in this sector,” he said.

"The conference will not only be limited to theories but will showcase leading practices of real estate sustainability in the UAE, particularly in Dubai.," he added.

On her part, Majida Ali Rashid, the chairwoman of the Land Department’s Real Estate Investment Management and Promotion Centre, said the conference is the result of rapid interaction and response to the national initiative launched by Sheikh Mohammed under the slogan "A green economy for sustainable development.”

She stressed that the sessions at the conference will explore the best ways to achieve global leadership in real estate sustainability.

Majida said a group of experts and specialists from the UAE, Arab World and abroad will take part in the event.

Expressing confidence in the success of the Dubai Sustainable City project, Faris Saeed, the CEO of Diamond Developers, said: “Dubai opens the door for creative concepts and successful models and experiences.”

Salem Al Moosa, the chairman and CEO of UAE’s Falcon City of Wonders – the strategic partner of the conference, said, "We are excited to be a part of this conference and our co-operation with the Dubai Land Department is part of our drive to support the general interests of the government, private sector and investors as well."
 
Dawood Al Shezawi, CEO of Strategic Marketing and Exhibitions, said the hosting of the conference in Dubai comes in line with the leading role played by the UAE in terms of preserving the environment.

"The sustainability in general and in real estate in particular has become an urgent necessity, and that international practices and Dubai was effectively engaged in this drive through initiatives and legislations to achieve the common international objectives to reduce waste of resources and adopt environment-friendly lifestyles," explained Al Shezawi.
 
“The conference will review best practices and address challenges facing property development. It is a platform for all relevant parties to exchange real estate expertise and build partnerships in sustainable development in accordance with the best international practices and regulations,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service