A scientific study called on local real estate developers to turn to building housing with precast concrete instead of traditional construction methods, which it emphasized are no longer able to meet the required needs of housing units. The study, prepared by Engineer Abdulaziz bin Ibrahim Al-Harabi from King Saud University, College of Architecture and Planning, said that the use of manufactured building systems will reduce the cost of housing projects, as the cost of a housing unit is related to the number of manufactured housing units. The study, titled “Evaluation of Precast Residential Building Systems in Saudi Arabia,” concluded with a set of results, the most important of which are: First, the application of precast residential building systems has contributed to solving the issues of building residential complexes in a quick time and at a lower cost; second, the demand for precast residential building systems has recently increased steadily and spread in Saudi Arabia, and there is still an urgent need to establish new factories; third, some engineering offices lack specialists in precast residential building systems and their design and installation method, which requires modification to the designs provided by the factory. According to the author of the study, the research issue lies in the fact that precast residential building systems in the country are unfamiliar to many citizens and decision-makers from officials, as they face difficulty in recognizing them and choosing the appropriate system for housing projects. By overcoming these difficulties, there will be a demand for the use of these systems, which will be the effective management in providing large numbers of housing, and solving any issue resulting from the shortage in the housing sector
The study recommended the need to provide data and information on precast residential buildings that can be relied upon in conducting studies by specialists in universities and scientific research centers, and estimating the current and potential demand for precast residential buildings in the Kingdom. Establishing and encouraging technical training programs to provide skilled Saudi workers, and developing the study programs of technical colleges and vocational institutes to cover this need. It also recommended providing awareness programs for consulting offices to introduce precast building systems by manufacturers. Supporting the programs of engineering, architecture and planning faculties with courses on precast building systems to prepare qualified engineers and architects in using these systems in the projects they design. Adopting precast building systems in the Saudi Building Code to ensure that the requirements of building systems do not conflict with precast systems. Establishing laboratories and building research centers that develop structural systems and building materials of various types and evaluate them on experimental scientific bases. Utilizing the experiences of advanced countries in manufacturing and installation methods, while adopting modern techniques and methods that suit the needs and environments of the Kingdom. Continuous evaluation of manufactured building systems in terms of structural system, thermal insulation, external form, and extensions of various engineering systems. Continuous marketing of manufactured and mass-produced building units is an important and influential factor in success. The researcher stated that the study followed the theoretical method that explores the historical background of precast residential building systems in some countries of the world, the factors that led to the use of these systems, and the role of standardization in developing them during the manufacturing and installation processes of repeated units. He also followed the survey method to collect information while visiting factories concerned with these systems to see the manufacturing process, and visiting the sites of residential complexes to follow up the transportation and installation processes. In addition, a brief questionnaire was distributed to specialists in the field of manufactured building systems to elicit their opinions about the appropriate system. Aabar Properties develops projects worth 5 billion dirhams

Aabar Properties develops projects worth 5 billion dirhams

Aabar Properties, the real estate arm of Aabar Investments, is developing 10 projects in Abu Dhabi worth an estimated AED 5 billion, with delivery expected in 2012.

The company is currently considering establishing a subsidiary financing company to serve those wishing to own its real estate units.
The company is implementing two real estate projects in Al Raha Beach, one of which consists of a residential complex consisting of four mid-rise towers containing 435 residential apartments, including 30 villas directly connected to the promenade, while the company is moving to develop a hotel in Al Raha Beach where negotiations are currently underway to establish it as the most modern and prestigious hotel resort in the entire world, along with an office building.

The company is also developing four projects in Saraya Al Asema on the Abu Dhabi Corniche, awaiting departmental approvals to begin work on the sites immediately.
In Rawda Abu Dhabi, five buildings are being developed, three residential and two office buildings.
On Reem Island, Aabar Properties has begun work on its first building, a 26-story residential tower located on the marina at Abu Dhabi Star, as well as projects outside the UAE that the company has commenced.

Business deals worth 50 million riyals during the Saudi International Furniture and Decoration Exhibition
The value of the deals made during the Saudi International Furniture and Decoration Exhibition held at the Forums and Events Center of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jeddah amounted to 50 million riyals.
The executive director of Al Harthy, the organizer of the exhibitions, explained that the Saudi market in the field of furniture and decoration is one of the most consumer markets in the Middle East and is witnessing high growth rates.
He pointed out that the exhibition witnessed the visits of many families, businessmen and investors to view the exhibits of major participating companies from various countries.
It is noteworthy that the size of the furniture market in the Kingdom last year exceeded the barrier of 4 billion riyals, and the volume of output of furniture factories and workshops constitutes more than 50% through 66 factories whose annual sales reach about 1.339 billion riyals.

Dubai ranks ninth.

Dubai ranks ninth among the most expensive office markets in the world
Dubai ranked ninth among the ten most expensive office markets in the world, according to a study by CB Richard Ellis Group, a global research and consulting firm.

Dubai ranked ninth among the ten most expensive office markets in the world. The study showed that office rents in Dubai amounted to $108.92 per square foot per year, adding that Abu Dhabi ranked 19th with office rents at $72.71 per square foot.

The study showed that Dubai's office rents amounted to $108.92 per square foot per year, adding that Abu Dhabi ranked 19th with office rents at $72.71 per square foot. <The EMEA region saw an annual decline of 6.2%, led by Moscow with 26.5%, followed by Dublin (24.6%) and Abu Dhabi (23.7%). Forty-four of the 57 markets in this category.