Mohamed Alabbar, Founder and Chairman of Emaar Properties, yesterday unveiled plans for the region's first not-for-profit real estate educational institute to provide world class training for developing a talented pool of senior managers and professionals in the sector.

The centre of excellence, fully funded by Mr. Alabbar, will provide comprehensive training and educational programmes through an integrated approach that covers theoretical and practical training by drawing on real-world case studies.

Based on his personal contribution and leading role in making Dubai a global city, Mr. Alabbar seeks to put his knowledge and extensive experience to the service of the UAE, especially in the real estate sector, by mentoring a new generation of professionals. In addition to visiting professors from the world's most renowned universities, Alabbar will personally conduct lectures on a wide range of specialised topics.

Mr. Alabbar said, "Over the last two decades, the UAE property market has developed an international reputation for investment opportunities, with the sector now accounting for nearly 20 percent of the country's GDP. This institute is a token of my gratitude and appreciation to the UAE and its leadership for ensuring a remarkable growth environment that promotes private sector enterprise.

"It also complements the vision of Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum , who has been instrumental in driving the growth of the nation through ground-breaking policies that encourage investment and growth, especially in the private sector."

The institute will target real estate professionals from across the region, including those who work in property development companies and financial entities. It also places a special focus on entrepreneurs as well as professionals from regulatory and governmental entities active in real estate and infrastructure development.

In the first phase, the institute will offer short-term training courses covering a wide spectrum of real estate development practices including sectors such as residential and commercial real estate, retail and malls and hospitality projects.
Source: WAM