The investments into the real estate sector in Dubai has crossed the Dh158 billion ($43 billion) mark in 2008 based on the number of sales, leasing, and mortgage transactions registered in Dubai, said an expert.

Reidin.com, a leading global online information services provider, disclosed this while presenting a paper on the global financial crisis and its effects on the real estate sector in the UAE and the Middle East region as a whole.

The company aims to offer investors, developers and industry professionals with the most comprehensive information on the real estate market,

Ahmet Kayhan, CEO, Reidin.com highlighted detailed information on the value, number of transactions, and investor activity in the last two years, at the ‘Urban Waterfronts Conference 2008’, which was held recently in Dubai.

The conference played a key role in creating benchmarks and provided a suitable networking venue to exchange ideas among various global waterfront communities, particularly those interested to invest in Dubai.

Recently published reports have shown that the global market value of waterfront development projects is expected to cross $500 billion in the next five years, with Dubai being one of the most active players.

Dubai's Palm Island trilogy - Palm Deira, Palm Jumeirah and Palm Jebel Ali - are currently among the most recognisable, most ambitious and most prestigious waterfront projects in the world, creating a range of new business opportunities for both regional and international investors, he said.

Leveraging Reidin.com’s extensive database and resources, Kayhan addressed the key trends and investor preferences at the conference and market demand and supply vis-à-vis the global financial crisis.

“With the global financial crisis notwithstanding, Dubai remains one of the most attractive destinations for investors from all over the world with over Dh158 billion invested since the beginning of 2008 till date, in comparison to total investments of Dh151 billion last year.

"Further, our statistics indicate that the top 10 investors who have channelled funds towards real estate in Dubai hail from India, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, UK, Oman, Iran, Canada, Bahrain and Kuwait," he added.-TradeArabia News Service