New programme for realty professionals

Dubai: Dubai Real Estate Institute (DREI) announced its master's programme for property professionals in the industry at a recent media gathering.

Dr Salem Al Shafei, the managing director of the institute, said the programme will start in October and will be a year-and-a-half long.

"The programme is for people with some background knowledge of real estate," he said.

The degree will be on real estate management and will have four phases. Currently, the institute has 2,000 student, 500 of whom have already completed the first phase of the degree.

"If someone leaves after one year or after completing the first phase, we will issue them a certificate or diploma," Al Shafei said.

The institute will later offer a master's degree in real estate finance and investment. "We look at market needs in terms of topics and contents," Al Shafie said.

Speaking on the law requiring real estate companies and individuals to have a certificate to conduct business, Al Shafei said: "Many companies and individuals are going through the process of certification now."

He said that through the courses, students will get exposed to laws, regulations and forms related to Real Estate Regulatory Authority.

Al Shafie also said there is a dire need for mortgage brokers in the country as the market is expected to double to Dh64 billion in three years.

He added that training is required for property valuers, facility managers, strata managers and construction safety professionals.

The institute will also provide leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification for green building rating.

The programme is for people with some background knowledge of real estate."