Demand for high calibre professionals within the real estate sector in the Middle East region is set to increase in 2010, according to Macdonald & Company, a leading specialist property recruitment consultancy, as developers focus on delivery and owners and investors concentrate on maximising real estate asset value. In order to provide employers and workers with the latest information on salary and other employment trends, the company is set to launch the fourth 'Middle East Salary Survey 2010' at 'Cityscape Dubai 2010', which runs from October 04 to 07, 2010 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. This year's study will focus on the changes in salaries and benefits over the past 12 months, how demand for talent is steadily increasing, and how the workforce is being redistributed across the region.
Designed to give both employers and employees a transparent overview of the current employment market scenario within the Middle East real estate sector, the survey is being conducted in cooperation with two longstanding partners - the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and Cityscapeintelligence.com (CI). Receiving impressive online response, the 2010 survey is also available in the Arabic language, in line with the company's commitment to give the study a truly regional profile. Real estate professionals are encouraged to fill out the survey online at www.macdonaldandcompany.ae and www.cityscapeintelligence.com before it closes on September 17, 2010.
"The general sentiment within the real estate sector is gradually improving and property developers are now focussing on delivery and offering more realistic affordable and middle income housing products," said Ben Waddilove, MRICS - Director, Macdonald & Company Property Middle East. "We are also noticing increasing demand for high calibre individuals from our blue chip clients especially to augment existing teams, and those who have an excellent financial acumen, cost saving and asset management capabilities are much sought after. Overall we would expect salaries to even out this year to reflect this gradual recovery and we anticipate a general indication that the region still remains attractive from a career and family/lifestyle perspective together with tax advantages and political stability."
In addition to increased focus on delivery, developers are also implementing more advanced asset management strategies to maximise value from their portfolios. The introduction of the Strata Law and the establishment of new Home Owners Associations will also at least clarify future maintenance liabilities. The launch of the latest 'Middle East Salary Survey' is important in promoting transparency as there is now significant activity throughout the region, with placements being made in Syria, Qatar, KSA, Yemen, Egypt and Libya.
"The predicted mass exodus from Dubai in the summer of 2009 did not occur and there remains a healthy mix of genuine professional expats employed in the region. Furthermore, the Facilities Management side of our business is also seeing natural growth as developments are completed and good demand still exists for those technically skilled individuals that have a strong delivery record. The 'Middle East Salary Survey 2010' can provide valuable information that can help employers and employees make informed decisions on employment issues," concluded Waddilove.
During the exhibition, consultants from Macdonald and Company will be available to offer professional career advice to any potential candidates. Clients will also be welcome to discuss any aspect of recruitment, salary benchmarking, organisational structure or job descriptions. Visitors can also collect a copy of the 'Middle East Salary Survey 2010'. Leveraging Cityscape's exhaustive database of real estate professionals and companies across the region, the results of the survey will also be published on Cityscapeintelligence.com and the Cityscape Magazine.
