Qataris emerged the largest buyers of the property in neighbouring Dubai, UAE, with a per capita investment of Dh9.37 million ($2.55 million) for the period between January 1 and November 15 last year, said a report ahead of a real estate event.

The International Property Show, one of the fastest growing real-estate exhibitions in the region, is being organised by Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions from March 30 to April 1 at Dubai World Trade Centre.

“These figures once again reinforce Dubai’s status as the Gulf’s major real estate investment hub and how events like the International Property Show are helping in maximising investment from neighbouring regions and the world,” remarked Josine Heijmans, the exhibition director, Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions, citing statistics compiled by Dubai Land Department.

“The strong Gulf investment in the UAE property market has been attributed to their high confidence in the growth continuity of this sector,” she noted.

“Gulf investors from all GCC states understand the importance of being part of a steadily growing Dubai property sector; they are great believers in the Dubai property sector’s long-term potential, and they feel ‘the candles are still burning’ as far as this sector is concerned,” added Heijmans.

She said the Gulf investors were attracted by Dubai’s predominant position backed by periodic launch of high-profile mega projects.
"New laws and legislations introduced in Dubai are also a factor that encourages them to boost their investments," she added.

This year the show organisers are paying extra attention to entice Gulf exhibitors and visitors by facilitating direct retail buying on the exhibition floor.

Heijmans anticipates high footfall from potential Gulf buyers, as many are showing interest in owning apartments as secondary homes in Dubai.

"Dubai has become a destination that Gulf nationals visit several times a year, thus highlighting the need for a holiday apartment in the neighboring Emirate. Add to that, several investors already own residential and commercial units and look to expand their business investments in Dubai," she noted.

“We invite investors, developers, financiers, architects and consultants in property investment, development and construction to visit the International Property Show 2015 and keep abreast of the latest market trends as well as meet decision makers from the real-estate industry,” added Heijmans.

The International Property Show is a one-of-a-kind event that allows end-users to directly buy property units on the exhibition floor by offering the biggest retail platform for visitors during the three day show.-TradeArabia News Service