Building assets

With the successful completion of its first three executive education programmes, Dubai Real Estate Institute (DREI) has taken the distance out of distance learning.

With professors being brought in from established universities, they have ensured that every module of each course is taught by an expert in the field.

Partnered with the likes of the New York Law School and the University of Reading, England, students are guaranteed an international standard of education.

"With a system like this we get a good mix out of some of the best universities in the world," said Mohammad Al Shihhi, managing director of DREI.

Real estate is a multifaceted industry with multiple dimensions - from construction to finance to investment.

"We are looking to change the common misconception that real estate is just about buildings. Take for example a mall. A mall is also a property - from renting the shops to marketing the space it's an entity. The industry requires the use of many skills," said Al Shihhi.

Considering the rapid growth of the real estate sector in Dubai, programmes such as these will go a long way to improving the level of formal education professionals receive.

Programmes and requirements
Academic Programmes Requirements
Graduate Diploma in Real Estate

Bachelors degree
Masters in Real Estate Development

Bachelors degree.

Non academic programmes
Executive training programme: No academic requirements but applicants have to prove that they are employed.

How it works
"All our courses are conducted in an executive way. We understand that our students are professionals and do not have that much time to come in and take classes," said Mohammad Al Shihhi, managing director of Dubai Real Estate Institute.

The graduate Diploma in Real Estate runs for five months, with one week of teaching per month. Students are given the rest of the month to study and are tested before the start of the next week of teaching. The masters in Real Estate Development runs for a year and a half and works the same way.

How to apply
Students can apply:

• Online on www.drei.ae
• Email DREI at admissions@drei.ae
• In person at the campus offices