The Urban Land Institute (ULI), the international, non-profit research and educational organisation catering to land use and real estate development professionals, will host a series of Middle East real-estate events over the next several months.

The events will reflect its expanding reach in rapidly developing markets throughout the region. The move follows the establishment of the ULI Middle East Centre, the framework agreement of which was finalised this week.

The centre, which was initiated by and incorporated in the UAE capital is under the patronage of chairman of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) and Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), the asset development arm of ADTA, Shaikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan.

The series of regional ULI events started with a ‘Fundamentals of Real Estate Modelling’ workshop in Dubai earlier this month and will be followed by a two day programme on ‘Construction Fundamentals’ at the Dusit Dubai Hotel on December 3 and 4.

“These workshops have been designed specifically for real estate development professionals at all levels, in both the public and private sectors as well as for senior executives who want to expand their construction expertise and perspective,” said ULI president, Europe, William Kistler.

The final agreement for the ULI Middle East chapter was signed by president , ULI Worldwide, Richard Rosan and chairman of the ULI Middle East Centre and CEO of TDIC Lee Tabler.

“Over the past year, the Middle East has been responsible for some of the world’s largest real estate projects and development is now one of the fastest growing sectors in the region,” said Tabler.

The UAE capital will also host a dedicated Urban Development Centre, including a ULI Centre For Real Estate Education, within three years which will offer a broad range of courses in real estate development, valuation, contract management, urban and regional development, investment and economics.

The Urban Development Centre and ULI’s Centre For Real Estate Education will be housed within the new TDIC headquarters being built adjacent to Maqta Bridge – the gateway to Abu Dhabi city. It will also house the ULI Middle East Centre which currently boasts over 200 members.- TradeArabia News Service