DUBAI
The Sustainable City by Diamond Developers has been named the “happiest community” in Dubai at the first Gulf Real Estate Awards instituted by the Dubai Land Department.
The best master-development laurels went to Damac Properties for its Akoya cluster and the top prize for residential luxury went to Al Barari.
The best project in the hotel category was picked up by Enshaa and its Palazzo Versace in Culture Village. And the top pick in the retail category was the Al Mouj in Muscat.
Sustainable City, located within Dubailand. And Diamond Developers also won for being the most “green” among projects. Saudi Arabia’s Dar Wa Emaar’s was rated as having the most affordable housing development.
The awards — announced earlier this year — are the first from a government department in the UAE. And the scope of the awards also extended to Gulf-based developers. More than 150 submissions were received.
“We would like to assure all our partners that the awards will continue to evolve year after year in line with Dubai’s growing status, and confirming the emirate as a centre of global real estate innovation. We can guarantee this through our adoption of the highest standards during the planning and implementation of all stages of the programme, from receiving the nominations and undertaking the screening process, to selecting the winners and announcing the results,” said Sultan Butti Bin Mejren, Director-General of Dubai Land Department.
Dubai Real Estate Institute, the educational arm of Land Department, had signed an agreement with Awards International at Cityscape Global last year for the awards programme.
There were wins for Hopkins Architects for its commercial offices submission and for Luxury Owner Association Management for being the best owners association manager. In all there were 20 categories.
According to Mark Hamill, Managing Director for Awards International UAE, “It’s important professionals have one standout event giving all companies, big and small, an equal chance of recognition. Having a fully transparent awards process makes this event special — knowing you’ve beaten the best on merit alone does wonders for individuals and companies.”
Kaizen Asset Management was rated as being the best employer in the real estate space, while the most “innovative” marketing campaign was led by SPF Realty.
The best mortgage provider award went to National Bonds Corporation and the outstanding architecture was won by Bin Ghatti Developers.
