Global Property Recession - UAE unaffected

In the wake of a looming global recession, property markets worldwide are experiencing major shake-ups that are certain to have far-reaching consequences. As they grapple with rising inflation, oil and food prices, the UK, the US and the Asian real estate markets are increasingly showing signs of a meltdown. But the Middle East, especially the UAE seems to have bucked the prevailing trend. The UAE economy attained an overall growth of 7.4 per cent in 2007 over 2006. Oil revenues averaging US$ 69.1 billion constituted 35 per cent of the UAE GDP in 2007, but it was the non-oil sectors, mainly real estate and construction that made a major impact, accounting for 65 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product
As the UAE economy develops, its real estate sector has blossomed into an attractive investment market, offering solid returns. Dubai is currently one of the world's top ten expensive commercial property markets, according to a report by CB Richard Ellis.

In the study, Dubai debuted at number 10 with an occupancy cost of US$128.49. With a near-doubling of occupancy costs, Moscow has climbed four places to second at US$232.37. Ranked 13th worldwide, Midtown Manhattan is still the priciest market in North America at US$103.43.