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Articles from 2022 In November


LMD unveils Egypt’s first global design district

Article-LMD unveils Egypt’s first global design district

With a total investment of EGP 12 billion, LMD, a renowned Egyptian real estate development business, announced the opening of Cairo Design District, the country's first design district.

As Egypt's first innovation and design district, the Cairo Design District is modelled after internationally known Design Districts with an emphasis on global design, such as Dubai, London, Miami, and Milan. It is intended to function as a worldwide creative neighbourhood. A spectacular 199,000 m2 space will house a variety of artwork from a wide range of disciplines throughout the district. These disciplines include fine arts, fashion design, architecture, and interior design.

CAIRO DESIGN DISTRICT’S PRIME LOCATION

The district makes up part of the ground-breaking One Ninety project. The One Ninety Project is one of the most notable real estate developments in Egypt with the Cairo Design District being in a prime location at the intersection of 90 Street and the Ring Road in New Cairo. The district will provide meaningful benefits to the project because of the range of distinctive services it will provide to designers and creatives all around the world.

BROAD RANGE OF ARTISTIC OPPORTUNITIES ON OFFER

Cairo Design District is a place that welcomes all creatives, whether they are experienced or just starting to allow them to express their artistic prowess. The ability to participate in a variety of artistic events and workshops will also further enrich their talent and give them the chance to express their work on a local and international stage. Within two years, LMD hopes to start their first delivery in this beautiful neighbourhood.

Cairo Design District will also serve as a design centre for startups, advertising agencies, production companies, consulting firms, and up-and-coming artists, as well as a place for experienced designers to live and work. This will be accomplished by offering modern offices, starting at 100 m2, that is specifically created to make it simpler for artists to create and execute their works. But the design also provides artists with all the resources and equipment they need to publicise their work in a variety of artistic mediums, including fashion design, furniture design, and other types of art.

When presenting the Cairo Design District, LMD considered the fact that this area offers several international hotels, like the Aloft hotels, for the first time in Egypt. This will help the area become a fully integrated worldwide destination that draws people from all over the world.

Mohammed bin Rashid approves master plan for Dubai’s countryside

Article-Mohammed bin Rashid approves master plan for Dubai’s countryside

The Dubai Countryside and Rural Areas Development Master Plan, covering a region of 2,216 km2, has received the approval of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, according to Wam.

The plan aims to maintain the natural beauty of places like Lehbab, Margham, Al Marmoom, Al Lisaili, Al Faqaa, and Al Aweer while also offering locals and tourists a range of services and facilities to aid greater health and well-being.

THE PROJECT’S 20-YEAR TIMELINE

In keeping with the Dubai Urban Strategy 2040, the Dubai Countryside and Rural Areas Development Master Plan will function as a comprehensive strategy for the next 20 years. The Plan contains development projects and activities to meet the requirements of people, in keeping with Sheikh Mohammed's aim of making Dubai the best city in the world to live in.

The Master Plan will give each district in Dubai a unique character, encourage farmers by allowing them to sell their local produce, and turn Dubai's rural and suburban districts into popular places of interest. The Plan intends to enhance public parks and traffic solutions to facilitate mobility as well as increase the effectiveness of public services and amenities for locals and tourists. It also aims to provide environmentally friendly transit systems with direct bus services from the major stations to these locations and dedicated bike and scooter lanes.

THE SAIH AL SALAM SCENIC ROUTE (ROUTE 1) PROJECT

The Saih Al Salam Scenic Route (Route 1) project, a 100km-long route for cars and cyclists, was also authorised by Sheikh Mohammed. The project will contain facilities to offer a comprehensive tourism experience and will adhere to the Scenic Route concept. It strives to expand the range of activities, services, and events that support desert tourism. Additionally, the project will provide locals with attractive investment opportunities, assist community initiatives that promote tourism and inspire businesspeople to protect the area's natural beauty and unique characteristics. These will all have positive impacts on Dubai’s ability to meet the targets set out by the Dubai Vision 2040.

The Route 1 project also consists of several additional initiatives and projects. These range from services and facilities for visitors along the route, tours to the historic villages of Al-Marmoom and Saruq-Al-Hadid, and other activities like camel and horseback riding, and desert walks.

Camps and glass dome lodges with panoramic windows will also be constructed, along with open lounges where guests may unwind next to the local lakes. As part of the project, vertical balloons will be offered so that people may observe the lakes from a higher perspective, appreciate the scenery, and take photos. To further enhance the visiting experience, kayak boats will also be accessible, along with lake-side gift stores and cafes.

Along with events and art displays, the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route 1 Project will also offer an outdoor cinematic experience through the Open Cinema project. A caravan park with the necessary facilities and infrastructure is already in place to accommodate caravans and additional visitors.

IMPLEMENTATION OF VARIOUS SPORTING INITIATIVES

A range of sporting initiatives are also included in the project. Other sporting activities included in the project are skydiving, hot air ballooning, safari excursions, and a club for remote-controlled cars and planes. The first dedicated path for desert vehicles and bikes is also included. This is acting to connect tourist destinations and entertainment hubs alongside the pre-existing cycling track at Al Qudra and Saih Al Salam.

Along with other facilities, the project will include a dessert station for activities like sand surfing and desert driving so that tourists may have a unique experience while maintaining the greatest levels of safety. To provide tourists, the opportunity to observe the landscape from above, the project will also provide helicopter trips.

Ultimately, these projects collectively strive to enhance the happiness and quality of life among Dubai’s residents. But they also serve as a strong mechanism to boost the emirate’s tourism sector by creating a highly attractive and activity-rich environment.

Samana offering short-term rental opportunities via new division

Article-Samana offering short-term rental opportunities via new division

The Samana Group, located in Dubai, has established a new division, Samana Holidays. The new division will allow owners of property with Samana's real estate unit, Samana Developers, to rent out their properties for short-term rentals. This will therefore help to enhance investor returns. 

Samana Holidays will focus on 500 units within its initial phase. These units will be converted into serviced apartments that will make ideal holiday homes. According to a statement from the firm, these flats will concentrate on short-term rentals to accommodate tourists, visitors, and holidaymakers. But at present, they also provide an ideal stopover for fans of the currently ongoing 2022 FIFA World Cup.

This comes at a time when Dubai’s rental growth is achieving record highs. So, it is an ideal opportunity for Samana Group to leverage.

SAMANA HOLIDAYS OFFER STRONG BENEFITS

During the next seven months (by Q2 2023), income from these units is anticipated to amount to AED38 million ($10.3 million). So, this new venture represents an efficient way to optimise the property's return on investment. Therefore, providing an attractive benefit to Samana Developers' end-users and buyers.

The resort-like layouts and characteristics of Samana Developers’ projects are also highly attractive. This design makes the properties ideal for renting out to tourists. So, switching the units from long-term to short-term rentals is also an appealing option for both the property owners and visitors.

AGREEMENT WITH AIRBNB AND ITS BENEFITS

As part of this expansion strategy, Samana Holidays also has a long-term agreement in place with Airbnb. With this agreement in place, the availability of short-term rentals will increase the property owners’ rental revenue from 8% to 15%. So, as soon as their accommodation is booked on Airbnb, rental returns will increase by 7%.

To benefit from this opportunity, homeowners sign a single agreement with Samana Holidays. Their property will be converted into fully furnished units and will appear live on Airbnb in the following 5 days, providing tourists with more options. According to Samana Developers CEO, Imran Farooq, this documental procedure will be straightforward and completed in only 10 minutes.

Samana Holidays’ handles the remainder of the process. This includes furnishing the property, locating customers, settling rental agreements, getting tenants on board, and apartment upkeep.

ATTRACTIVE FACILITIES AND THE OVERALL STRONG APPEAL

Ultimately, the serviced apartments will strongly appeal to tourists by offering considerably lower nightly rates when compared to hotel rates in Dubai. The projects equally provide resort-like living that is ideal for Airbnb. This experience contains not only leisure decks, swimming pools for adults and children, private pools, and distinctive water features. But also included, are indoor and outdoor gyms, steam room and sauna facilities, an open cinema, a juice bar, green areas, and 24-hour security.

Photo Credit: Samana Developers

Aldar & Nobu to launch luxury hotel and residencies in Abu Dhabi

Article-Aldar & Nobu to launch luxury hotel and residencies in Abu Dhabi

UAE real estate developer, Aldar Properties, and premium hospitality brand, Nobu Hospitality, are partnering on an exciting new Nobu-branded project in Abu Dhabi. The partnership involves the launch of a Nobu-branded residence and a luxury five-star hotel. This comes with a fine dining experience to solidify Aldar’s Mamsha Al Saadiyat development on Saadiyat island.

FACILITIES AT THE NOBU HOTEL AND RESIDENCIES

The 5-star hotel, to be built by Aldar, will include 165 luxury guest rooms and suites. This also includes the breathtaking Nobu Villa situated on the roof.

The glamorous hotel, scheduled to open in 2026, will provide tourists and guests access to Mamsha Beach and its vibrant seaside promenade. Along with four dining options, including the first Nobu restaurant in Abu Dhabi, the building will also have a health and fitness centre, swimming pools, and sizable event and conference facilities.

Also, the proposed development, located next to the hotel, will feature the second Nobu Residencies in the world and the first in the Middle East. This will provide luxurious multi-bedroom residencies with expansive sea views. A world-class level of service, bespoke amenities, and exclusive social events will make the Nobu Residencies one of the most highly desirable locations in the area. Some of the many facilities include a cinema room, swimming pools, exclusive lounges, and indoor and outdoor play areas. These in addition to a world-class gym and a raised garden that overlooks the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi offer a standout experience for all residents.

LUXURY BRAND PARTNERSHIP

Alongside the partnership between Aldar and Nobu, partnerships between luxury brands and real estate developers are overall becoming increasingly popular in the UAE and wider MENA region. A recent partnership between Binghatti and Jacob & Co, but also a collaboration between Dar Al Arkan and Pagani are other examples of this. So, the Nobu residencies and hotel is in a strong position to capitalise on this rising trend.

SAADIYAT ISLAND: AN ATTRACTIVE LOCATION

The Nobu hotel and luxury residencies are also located in a prime real estate area, Saadiyat Island. This island is a prominent tourist, commercial, residential, and cultural hub. The world's largest concentration of cultural attractions is available on the island. This includes the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Natural History Museum, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, and the Zayed National Museum. But also, Saadiyat island is blessed by majestic free-roaming gazelles, white-sand beaches, and the critically endangered Hawksbill turtles.

Saadiyat island’s expansive length of pristine white beaches and protected coastline also provide visitors and locals with a relaxing experience. There is even the opportunity to play a round of golf on the prestigious waterside golf course. 

Photo Credit: Nobu Hotels

Omniyat reveals Orla, its new ultra-luxury residences

Article-Omniyat reveals Orla, its new ultra-luxury residences

Omniyat, a prominent luxury property developer, has unveiled Orla, Dorchester Collection, Dubai, its latest architectural creation.

At the pinnacle of Palm Jumeirah's crescent, Orla provides a personalized lifestyle immersed in beauty and refinement within a beachside environment. The development is designed by Foster + Partners and managed by the iconic hospitality brand Dorchester Collection.

The magnificent development is on a 29,000-metre squared site in a fantastic location.  This comes with a 270-degree panoramic view that stretches from Dubai's skyline to the Arabian Gulf's turquoise waters. 

Orla, Dorchester Collection, Dubai offers 86 luxurious two- to four-bedroom homes. This is in addition to three spectacular sky palaces and one of the largest mansions in Palm Jumeirah. All of these exhibit remarkable elegance and sophistication. Each house even features large patios and double-height ceilings (up to 6 m) as appealing features.

DORCHESTER COLLECTION STRATEGY

Mahdi Amjad, Omniyat's founder and executive chairman, explains that the company's development strategy focuses on building leading projects via collaborations with industry giants. Orla, Dorchester Collection, Dubai, epitomizes this by being a one-of-a-kind distinctive property that will aim to establish new benchmarks for ultra-luxury prime real estate.

Orla is the fourth Omniyat complex in Dubai managed by Dorchester Collection. It is planned to attract sophisticated clients who accept nothing less than high-end amenities with a luxury experience.

The new development was unveiled as part of a remarkable launch ceremony aboard one of Europe's largest super yachts. The VIP event was attended by key officials from Omniyat and featured a performance by Elissa, one of the most well-known Arab singers.

Dorchester Collection CEO Christopher Cowdray expresses his excitement about expanding their cooperation with Omniyat through further property developments. Orla is the fourth project Dorchester Collection is collaborating on with Omniyat to offer a distinctive hospitality service.

WORLD-CLASS AMENITIES

Orla, Dorchester Collection, Dubai also has uber-luxury amenities. A resident-exclusive 300 square metre beach club and a vast temperature-controlled infinity pool are among the amenities. There is also a private cinema, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, as well as cigar lounges, and a library. That is not to forget a business centre with two conference rooms, a boardroom, and a multi-functional events area that are also available. So, this stand-out development goes the extra mile to provide the finest of living environments.

Photo Credit: Omniyat

Kooheji reveals new 435-unit mixed-use project in Bahrain Bay

Article-Kooheji reveals new 435-unit mixed-use project in Bahrain Bay

On the back of expo Cityscape Bahrain, Kooheji Development, one of Bahrain's top real estate firms, has unveiled its new mixed-use project, Onyx SkyView.

High architectural standards are to be implemented within the design that will stand as a unique landscape feature in the Manama skyline with panoramic sea views.

The Onyx SkyView project is the most recent addition to Kooheji's Development portfolio. The project's construction will begin this month and will be completed in phases by December 2027.

ONYX SKYVIEW’S ARCHITECTURAL COMPOSITION

The core development tower, which spans 100,000 square meters, features 435 ultra-luxury homes. The tower also features 40 offices, and 7 retail units within a great location in Bahrain Bay, just across from the historic Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain.

The development has 53 levels of attached offices, stores, and living quarters that rise to an imposing 200 meters. It also has spacious grounds with numerous architectural courtyards of green outdoor spaces, and a range of amenities for residents. But also included are 8 elevators, 4 parking floors, 2 basement floors with a total of 700 parking spaces, and 10 floors of offices with four offices per floor.

Onyx SkyView is an engineering marvel with a distinctive architectural style, colour, and shape, according to Kohheji, who unveiled the project. The property also comprises three interlocking towers that have distinctive main entrances facing the Four Seasons hotel. But there are equally balconies that extend bayside views from the residential apartments, a modest office façade, and appealing retail locations on both sides of the towers.

The various architectural blocks of the skyscraper mirror the Kooheji brand's architectural style. This is reflected through the tower's exterior cladding which is in three different colours. 

AVAILABLE APARTMENTS

Onyx SkyView's 435 ultra-luxury apartments come in a variety of sizes including studio, 1, 2, and 3 bedrooms. They also come with elegant interior design options. These residencies are designed with space optimisation in mind along with being high-end and expertly designed.

Across the three residential floor types on 46 levels,  a restricted quantity of each residential unit type will exist. This includes 33 to 39 units of 3-bedroom apartments and 39 to 45 studio, 1 and 2 - bedroom units

Natural details, such as classic oak flooring, cool stone finishes, and paneled walls provide a high-end living environment. But also,  The availability of different floor plans responds to varied customer demands by being easy to adjust to reflect unique customer preferences.

Kooheji will also provide optional interior design packages. These will be expertly commissioned to provide an idyllic and highly customizable living experience.

EXTENSIVE SELECTION OF AMENITIES

The project has 3,800 square meters dedicated to resort-style indoor and outdoor amenities. These include zones for active and passive entertainment, such as an indoor multipurpose hall, VIP lounge, café, and movie. This is in addition to a play area, indoor and outdoor gyms, and an extensive array of water-based facilities like pools, dynamic splash pads, and an infinity pool to name a few.

The mixed-use complex also has the advantage of being adjacent to major commercial malls and key Bahrain Bay attractions. It is also within walking distance of the centre of Bahrain Bay.

Photo Credit: Muharraqi Studios 

Cash increasingly preferred to purchase Dubai real estate

Article-Cash increasingly preferred to purchase Dubai real estate

As financing becomes more expensive due to rising interest rates, an increasing number of affluent buyers are purchasing real estate in Dubai with cash.

The third quarter of this year saw an increase in villas and flats sold for cash payments to over 81%, up from 70% during the same period last year. This is according to the real estate consulting company, ValuStrat. At AED62 billion ($16.9 billion), the value of cash transactions almost doubled from AED35 billion over the same period.

However, ValuStrat also highlights that mortgage registrations in Dubai have decreased by 6.9% quarterly and 10.4% yearly. These transactions made up just 19% of Dubai's ready-property transactions during the third quarter of this year.

IMPACT OF RISING INTEREST RATES

In Dubai's real estate market, cash transactions are typical; nevertheless, the tendency may have been influenced by rising interest rates. To control inflation, the US Federal Reserve has announced the fourth straight seventy-five basis point increase in interest rates. Homebuyers, therefore, face greater borrowing rates because of this.

Since many prospective buyers would no longer be able to pay EMIs (equated monthly instalments), this also means that rising interest rates are predicted to reduce the entire market catchment.

The rise in cash purchasers in Dubai's real estate market may have been influenced by improved market sentiment and investor-friendly regulations. These regulations include enhanced transaction reporting requirements and tighter property advertising laws

This positive market sentiment along with various visa reforms are also luring foreign investors into Dubai’s real estate market. These visas include the Dubai Golden Visa Programme in addition to retirement, investment, and property-linked visa. Collectively these factors are strong contributors to the increase in cash investments.

WHY CASH PAYMENTS PREVAIL IN DUBAI’S REAL ESTATE MARKET

Although, it is worth mentioning that mortgages as opposed to cash payments have always been a minority in Dubai’s property market. This is however a reflection of the city’s demographics. A reflection in the sense that resident expats make up approximately 90% of Dubai’s population. This is a result of the majority expat population typically preferring to raise money abroad rather than sign extended mortgage terms.

Another factor is that, rather than offering mortgage alternatives, many developers provide off-plan options. These off-plan options include generous payment schedules that extend past handover dates and are unaffected by rising interest rates.

Yet despite fewer mortgage agreements, the overall value of purchases funded with debt increased in Dubai by 41.7% quarterly and by 30.7% yearly.

KSA real estate activity restricted by limited stock, CBRE report

Article-KSA real estate activity restricted by limited stock, CBRE report

The third quarter of 2022 saw lower activity levels in Saudi Arabia's real estate industry due to a lack of supply. This is according to the recently published “Saudi Arabia Real Estate Market Review Q3 2022” from CBRE.

KSA’S OFFICE REAL ESTATE SECTOR

According to statistics for Saudi Arabia's office real estate sector, Riyadh continues to be the hub for activity. Within Riyadh, occupancy rates currently stand at 99.0% for Grade A stock and 98.7% for Grade B stock.  In the year to September 2022, average Grade A and Grade B rentals in Riyadh climbed by 5.9% and 3.5%, respectively. This is primarily due to limited supply levels within KSA’s capital city.

A rise in demand has been observed in Jeddah, where heightened demand has prevailed for serviced office options. This has resulted in average Grade A rentals rising by 8.2% since Q3 2021. Grade A rentals in Khobar and Dammam in the Eastern Province increased by 3.9% and 8.2%, respectively, throughout the same time frame.

KSA’S RESIDENTIAL MARKET

Comparing Q3 2022 to Q3 2021, residential transaction volumes in Saudi Arabia decreased by 15.5%.  The overall value of transactions also decreased, but by a lesser 0.8%. This quarter, there were a total of 37,743 residential transactions, with an overall transaction value of SAR 25.6 billion. Regionally, the Dammam Metropolitan Area (DMA) saw transaction volumes rise by 12.0% from the previous year to Q3 2022. This made the DMA, the only region to rise.

The overall number of transactions in Riyadh and Jeddah has also continued to decline, declining by 31.1% and 19.3%, respectively, over the same period. In the 12 months leading up to September 2022, the average apartment price in Saudi Arabia rose by 7.8%. Prices in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Khobar rose by 13.1%, 8.9%, 5.6%, and 3.7%, respectively.

KSA’S HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

When it comes to Saudi Arabia's hospitality industry, the second half of 2022 has witnessed a robust pace of recovery. This is supported by a rise in religious tourism, an expansion in the number of entertainment activities implemented nationwide, and a steep rise in conference attendance.

Therefore, from January to September 2022, the Kingdom's average daily rate (ADR) and average occupancy rate grew by 19.5% and 17.6%, respectively. Equally, its revenue generated per available room (RevPAR) soared by 74.9%.

In Riyadh, the average occupancy rate increased by 5% from the year up to September 2022. Riyadh also experienced noteworthy increases in ADR and RevPAR of 23.4% and 35.1%, respectively.

The hospitality industry in Jeddah has also done well, with year-to-date ADR and occupancy rate increases of 19.6% and 6.5 percentage points, respectively, until September 2022. The city’s RevPAR also increased by 35.2%.

The significant comeback of religious tourism has resulted in a rise in RevPARs of 266.6% and 214.6% in the holy towns of Makkah and Medina during the same period. However, it is important to note the low base these percentage improvements come from. Dammam and Khobar in the Eastern province have conversely shown a decline in performance from a year ago.

Ellington Properties to launch first gated community in Dubai

Article-Ellington Properties to launch first gated community in Dubai

With intentions to grow throughout the Middle East, Dubai-based boutique developer Ellington Properties will soon develop its first gated community in the UAE.

Ellington Properties have previously completed thirteen boutique homes and multi-family communities throughout prime real estate locations in Dubai. These may be found in areas like Jumeirah Village Circle, Mohammed Bin Rashid City, Downtown Dubai, and Palm Jumeirah.

Seven projects are currently being built by the developer. These include Berkeley Place, Kensington Waters, and Ellington House.

INCREASING DEMAND IN DUBAI

The firm has noticed an increase in demand for its developments. Some of their properties have even sold out within days of launching. These properties include Ellington House in Dubai Hills Estate.

This demand is a definite sign that the Dubai market, and the UAE market in general, are excellent markets for real estate expansion and investment. 

ELLINGTON’S MIDDLE EAST EXPANSION GOALS

Ellington Properties is trying to expand its portfolio by launching new projects in Dubai. This comes in light of the attractiveness and continued growth of Dubai's prime real estate market

Ellington Properties is also committed to maintaining its high growth trajectory. To do this the company intended to increase its presence in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East too.

EFFECTIVELY MANAGING EXPENSES

The developer has also successfully handled expenses when it comes to the issue of rising commodity prices brought on by the Russia-Ukraine war. Even though many sectors worldwide are feeling the consequences of inflation brought on by a variety of circumstances, the developer is in a strong position to control increasing expenses. It has done so by enhancing its operational efficiencies. But it has also made the most of its resources while maintaining competitive agreements with its suppliers.

POTENTIAL TO LEVERAGE 3D-PRINTING

The developer is also investigating the use of 3d printing to aid in the construction of its high-end projects. Although it is not currently employing 3D printing technology, it is investigating and researching its applications. Dar Al Arkan recently completed the first 3D-printed villa in Saudi Arabia, but Ellington Properties have made it clear that they will only utilise the technology if it proves beneficial within its projects.

Masdar Green REIT boosts portfolio with AED934 million in purchase

Article-Masdar Green REIT boosts portfolio with AED934 million in purchase

Masdar Green REIT, the first Real Estate Investment Trust in the UAE to invest only in sustainable real estate, has purchased additional real estate worth AED934 million. This increases the value of the Masdar Green REIT portfolio to AED1.91 billion. Further assets are also being assessed for additional investments in the future.

This news was revealed during Abu Dhabi Finance Week by the fund's management, Masdar Capital Management Limited (MCML). It comes after the fund acquired a US$200 million green loan from First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) in January to support the REIT's expansion.

Masdar created the Masdar Green REIT as a platform for professional investors to participate in a portfolio of sustainably managed, income-producing real estate in Masdar City.

THE ACQUIRED PROPERTIES

Two LEED Platinum-rated buildings in Masdar City are among the fund's most recent purchases. These buildings are the headquarters of the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council and Etihad Airways' Eco Residences complex. Both buildings are part of Abu Dhabi's forward-thinking sustainable community and innovation hub. The Technology Innovation Institute's primary office was also purchased as a third property. This building is LEED Gold certified. According to the Abu Dhabi Estidama Pearl Building Grade System, all three properties have received a 3 Pearl rating.

According to Anthony Taylor, Senior Executive Officer of MCML, this second growth phase proved that sustainable urban development was both an alluring business opportunity and a responsible environmental choice.

The development and success of Masdar Green REIT demonstrates a proven path to achieving a net-zero and climate-resilient real estate environment. Since being established two years ago, the REIT’s assets have more than doubled. This not only demonstrates the immense potential that sustainable real estate developments have within the MENA region. But it also demonstrates Masdar City’s attractiveness amongst investors as a flourishing sustainable community and progressive innovation centre.

BACKGROUND OF THE MASDAR GREEN REIT

When it was introduced in December 2020, four commercial buildings at Masdar City made up the initial Masdar Green REIT portfolio. These buildings are collectively occupied by the likes of Siemens, Abu Dhabi Customs, and the International Renewable Energy Agency amongst other noteworthy organisations.

Together, the original properties total 58,063 square meters of net leasable space and were bought for AED 948 million. The portfolio had a value of AED980 million as of December 31, 2021. This represents an approximate gain of AED32 million.

The fund gives Masdar the chance to use its established real estate holdings to attract money from external sources. Equally, the fund guarantees the reliability and, most crucially, the sustainability of the Masdar City real estate holdings. Future investors will have access to a diverse portfolio through Masdar Green REIT after the additional purchases and the repayment of the green loan. The portfolio also has an attractive average remaining lease term of nearly six years and a high occupancy rate of 98%.

With a fresh portfolio and a proven record of accomplishment, Masdar Green REIT is about to embark on an exciting new phase. This will see it seek out professional investors for key equity participation as it expands its portfolio over the coming years with new, pre-selected sustainable assets in Masdar City and the broader UAE.