Demand for high calibre professionals within the real estate sector in the Middle East region is set to increase in 2010, according to Macdonald & Company, a leading specialist property recruitment consultancy.

The demand comes even as developers focus on delivery and owners and investors concentrate on maximising real estate asset value, said Macdonald in its latest 'Middle East Salary Survey 2010' report.

The survey, which aims to provide employers and workers with latest information on salary and other employment trends, will be launched at the ‘Cityscape Dubai 2010,’ which runs from October 4 to 7 in Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

This year’s study will focus on the changes in salaries and benefits over the past 12 months, how demand for talent is steadily increasing, and how the workforce is being redistributed across the region, the company said.

Designed to give both employers and employees a transparent overview of the current employment market scenario within the Middle East real estate sector, the survey is being conducted in cooperation with two longstanding partners - the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and Cityscapeintelligence.com (CI).

“The general sentiment within the real estate sector is gradually improving and property developers are now focussing on delivery and offering more realistic affordable and middle income housing products,” said Ben Waddilove, MRICS - director, Macdonald & Company Property Middle East.

'We are also noticing increasing demand for high calibre individuals from our blue chip clients especially to augment existing teams, and those who have an excellent financial acumen, cost saving and asset management capabilities are much sought after,' he noted.

'Overall we would expect salaries to even out this year to reflect this gradual recovery and we anticipate a general indication that the region still remains attractive from a career and family/lifestyle perspective together with tax advantages and political stability,' he added.

'Receiving impressive online response, the 2010 survey is also available in the Arabic language, in line with the company’s commitment to give the study a truly regional profile,' said Waddilove.

'Real estate professionals are encouraged to fill out the survey online at www.macdonaldandcompany.ae and www.cityscapeintelligence.com before it closes on September 17,' he added.

In addition to increased focus on delivery, developers are also implementing more advanced asset management strategies to maximise value from their portfolios. The introduction of the Strata Law and the establishment of new Home Owners Associations will also at least clarify future maintenance liabilities.

The launch of the salary survey report is important in promoting transparency as there is now significant activity throughout the region, with placements being made in Syria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Egypt and Libya, the company said in the statement.

'The predicted mass exodus from Dubai last summer did not occur and there remains a healthy mix of professional expats employed in the region. Furthermore, FM side of our business is seeing natural growth as developments are completed and demand still exists for technically skilled individuals with a strong delivery record,' Waddilove explained.

The ‘Middle East Salary Survey 2010’ can provide valuable information that can help employers and employees make informed decisions on employment issues,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service