Title
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Souq.com and Realopedia Form Firstof-its-kind Alliance With Dubai Properties
Laura Choueri CEO and Founder Realopedia
The synergy allows millions of customers easy online access to Dubai Properties’ wide portfolio of residential and commercial properties. Dubai Properties, a member of Dubai Holding and one of the largest fully integrated real estate and community development businesses in Dubai, has partnered with Realopedia, the global real estate marketplace that has also signed an advertisement agreement with regional e-commerce giant Souq.com. The agreement was signed by Ronaldo Mouchawar, CEO and CoFounder of Souq.com, and Laura Choueri, CEO and Founder from Realopedia. The first-of-its-kind strategic agreement for the region’s real estate and e-commerce sectors enables Dubai Properties to offer its extensive inventory of freehold and leasehold units to potential customers. Marwan Al Kindi, Executive Director-Sales Operations, Dubai Properties, said: “Dubai Properties is delighted to enter this unique partnership with Realopedia through Souq.com as a game changer in the realty market. The agreement will ultimately not only help us engage better with our existing customers, but also facilitate access to new and potential clients across the Souq.com and Realopedia websites as the real estate sector matures.” Souq.com is facilitating real estate marketplace growth in the region through arrangement with Realopedia. Offering prime visibility to Dubai Properties as its first-adopter premium partner over the next 12 months, the portal will redirect interested and serious customers to Dubai Properties for further enquiries. The partnership will evolve to create further synergies for real estate and technology that will empower customers with more access and information. For its part, the Realopedia website brings to the alliance its expertise as the leading global e-marketplace dedicated to real estate that offers worldwide connectivity and reach, enabling industry professionals to build and expand their global networks. Working closely with the Miami Association of Realtors for a number of years has earned Realopedia the endorsement of Teresa King Kinney, CEO, Miami Association of Realtors, the largest local REALTOR® Association in the United States.
Ronaldo Mouchawar CEO and Co-Founder Souq.com
Furthermore, closer to home, Mahmoud Al Burai, CEO, Dubai Real Estate Institute – Dubai Land Department, believes that Realopedia is the perfect innovative platform to attract capital and investors, and be the face to the international investors. Ronaldo Mouchawar, Souq.com CEO and Co-Founder commented, “We have been successful in building an integrated marketplace for brands across varied industries to grow their business. We’re excited to partner with Dubai Properties and Realopedia, whereby utilising our reach, we will be able to help expand the real estate marketplace connectivity and empower millions of customers in the region.”
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Marwan Al Kindi Executive Director-Sales Operations Dubai Properties
Laura Choueri, CEO and Founder, Realopedia, said: “Launching an alliance with Souq.com and Dubai Properties is in line with our commitment to the real estate community to penetrate the Middle East and global markets faster, going from local to global to create the biggest real estate e-marketplace.”
What benefits can this First-of-itskind Alliance do for your Real Estate Business? MARKET PENETRATION This unique alliance is in line with Realopedia’s commitment to accelerate market penetration, going from local to global. With Souq.com recording 57 million visits a month, 413 million views a month, and 20 million unique customers a month, the potential volume of traffic that will be driven to the Realopedia real estate marketplace is substantial.
GLOBAL CONNECTIVITY The alliance will be able to strengthen the real estate marketplace connectivity and reach, empowering millions of real estate professionals to build and expand their networks and give investors and customers access to regulated and licensed real estate professionals and developers.
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION The real estate industry is changing rapidly. Innovations are changing the way real estate is being viewed, bought and sold globally. The alliance embraces the importance of digital transformation to drive new revenues and growth. It provides a perfect innovative platform to attract capital and investors.
IMPROVED CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE In a recent study conducted by Google and the National Association of Realtors in the United States, estimates that 90% of home buyers use the internet when house hunting - with 53% choosing to start their search online. The alliance provides an innovative platform which is convenient and effective for customers to search for properties that match their requirements, and improves their overall customer experience.
Contents Real Estate Talk with Laura Choueri, CEO of Realopedia: Marwan Al Kindi, Executive Director - Sales and Sales Operations, Dubai Properties
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Knowledge Corner: How To Connect With Investors and Real Estate Professionals on Realopedia Education: Selling Real-Estate? Tips on How to Get the Best Price
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Featured City: PANAMA 12 Featured Developer: Union Properties • Dubai, UAE
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Featured Broker Company: High Mark Real Estate Brokers • Dubai, UAE
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Featured Corporate Affiliate: Middle East Council of Shopping Centres • Dubai, UAE 20 Featured Agent: Ginna Rojas • Florida, USA
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Message from the CEO In this issue of Realopedia Magazine, we are proud to showcase our new alliance with Dubai Properties, one of the largest fully integrated real estate and community development businesses in Dubai, and Souq.com, the e-commerce leader in the Middle East. The Realopedia/Souq/DP alliance joins retail with real estate, bringing Souq regional online expertise, and easy online access to Dubai Properties’ wide portfolio of residential and commercial properties to the Realopedia portal. This alliance provides an innovative platform on Realopedia to attract capital and investors, thereby driving in new revenues and growth. This unique partnership is in line with Realopedia’s commitment to penetrate new markets, going from local to global. With a changing real estate industry, the alliance will change the way real estate is viewed, bought and sold. Souq currently commands 78 per cent of all e-commerce traffic in the MENA region, and with DP’s extensive portfolio of clients featuring on the Souq. com and Realopedia websites, the potential volume of traffic to the Realopedia marketplace for transactions and growing your business will be phenomenal. With 53% of potential home buyers starting their search on the Internet and 90% of home buyers using the Internet when searching for a house, the Realopedia/ Souq/DP alliance will enable you, whether an agent, broker, developer or service provider, to strengthen your real estate marketplace connectivity and reach, empowering you to build and expand your business and real estate networks. By providing an innovative platform which is convenient and effective for you to search for properties and projects that match your requirements, Realopedia/ Souq/DP will improve your overall experience. Also in this issue, we speak with Marwan Al Kindi, Executive Director - Sales and Sales Operations of Dubai Properties to get his insights on Dubai Properties, how the company has evolved and the alliance with Realopedia. Our country focus this month is Panama, an exciting metropolis known as the “Hub of the Americas”. With its first world convenience and regional charm, a booming economy and highly-developed real estate sector, Panama is the ideal place to invest in Central America. Finally, we look forward to seeing many of you at Cityscape Global 2017 in Dubai in September. Happy reading!
Laura Choueri CEO & Founder
Real Estate Talk
with Laura Choueri, CEO of Realopedia
Marwan Al Kindi is the Executive Director for Sales and Sales Operations at Dubai Properties, the dedicated development arm and member of Dubai Holding, the global investment holding company. Marwan’s mandate includes overseeing the overall sales operations from lead generation, target setting, market and demographic analysis to relationship management with brokers, investors, and end-users. He is also the key point person spearheading real estate trade shows, exhibitions and other outreach activities. Prior to joining Dubai Properties, Marwan held prominent sales positions with leading UAE property and real estate developers, including Head of Sales at Emaar Properties PJSC. His career at Emaar has spanned key roles from being in charge of Business Development between 2006 and 2010, to Head of IT Customer Service Section, where he founded the division as a separate entity and established its systems and processes.
MARWAN AL KINDI Executive Director Sales and Sales Operations Dubai Properties
Tell us about Dubai Properties and how it has evolved? Dubai Properties, a leading Dubai-based real estate master developer and asset manager of renowned destinations across the emirate, is aligned to the leadership’s vision and overall development plans, proving to be a major contributor to realizing the vision of Dubai. A dynamic and forward-thinking organization, Dubai Properties is committed to creating and managing renowned developments that provide distinctive and enriching lifestyles. With over 15 years of experience in the real estate sector, Dubai Properties brings to the mix an in-depth understanding of the core residential needs of its tenants and investors, thus providing innovative real estate and lifestyle solutions. The origins of Dubai Properties was in the mandate to create Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), acclaimed as the world’s largest single-phase residential project, as well as the city’s foremost destination, combining high-rise community living with outdoor leisure, entertainment and luxury lifestyle offerings. Dubai Properties evolved in 2005 to become a subsidiary of Dubai Holding (DH), a global investment holding company with interests in 24 countries. Since then Dubai Properties has expanded its development foot print to encompass the expanse of a burgeoning Dubai, leaving its indelible mark on the skyline of the city, with iconic developments such as Executive Towers, The Villas, Culture Village, as well as master planning the trendy Business Bay area, which seamlessly intertwines hip residential and avant-garde commercial spaces, while offering experiential destinations in developments such as Bay Square & Bay Avenue. And as Dubai Properties’ development pipeline keeps pace with the rapidly transforming and maturing realty market and the leadership’s vision of transforming Dubai into a futuristic smart city – its growing portfolio includes Al Waha, Arabella, Arabella 2, Casadora, Layan, Mudon, Remraam, Serena, and Villanova in Dubailand , Manazel Al Khor and Dubai Wharf located at Culture Village, Bay Avenue, Bay Square, Bellevue Towers, and Vision Tower at Business Bay, 1/JBR at JBR and Ghoroob and Shorooq in Mirdif.
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Are all your projects showcased on Realopedia? What is the total inventory available for sale? Currently nine of our current projects are online on the Realopedia portal. These include, Arabella 3, Bella Casa at Serena, Bellevue Towers, Casa Dora at Serena, Dubai Wharf, Manazel Al Khor, Mudon Views, Villanova – Amaranta, and Villanova – La Quinta. Dubai Properties has a versatile portfolio which spans categories and varied price points, responding to a market demand. We constantly strive to create developments that appreciate in value and that are in line with market demand. We will be releasing further inventory in a phased manner, based on our keen understanding of the sector and market needs. Tell us about the tie up with Realopedia? Dubai Properties is delighted to enter this unique partnership with Realopedia. The agreement will ultimately not only help us engage better with our existing customers, but also facilitate access to new and potential clients across the Realopedia website. The tie up with Realopedia further cements Dubai Properties as a leading enterprise committed to the leadership’s vision of ensuring Dubai achieves its mandate of becoming a smart and empowered city. And how better to work towards this mandate than by embracing the strong awareness of the importance of digital transformation to drive new revenues and growth. According to a new report by PwC Middle East, companies that digitise their business models and products and services could generate $16.9 billion (Dh62 billion) in additional revenue every year until 2021, and $17.3 billion in annual cost and efficiency gains. Towards this we decided to partner with Realopedia, the first online real estate marketplace in the Middle East. How does the alliance reflect the market trend? Over the years, a significant number of property seekers, in addition to relying on brokers, have moved to online real estate portals in their bid to secure that perfect investment. The property portal sector is shifting rapidly as innovations change the way real estate is viewed, bought and sold globally. New technologies are fast eliminating information barriers, with the online space geared to offer visitors effective ways to search for properties that match their requirements. Property buying today involves easy access to information, with websites employing virtual and augmented reality tools, the latest price trends, informative discussion forums, chatbots and many other helpful features. At this point the regulatory framework is still being developed to facilitate a 360-degree property transaction approach – in the meantime, we are confident that this platform will generate a significant amount of leads, as well as aid is in reaching a wider audience looking for world-class infrastructure and superior build quality in both the residential and commercial space. What according to you is the future of online property portals? The e-commerce property landscape in Dubai has recently witnessed a significant shift. The strategic partnership between Dubai Properties, and Realopedia, a global real estate marketplace will offer an extensive inventory of freehold and leasehold units to potential customers. Dubai Properties is committed to delivering innovative customer solutions in line with the broader Dubai Holding strategy. The e-commerce market in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries is expected to grow to $20 billion (Dh73.4 billion) by 2020 from $5.3 billion in 2015, as online shopping grows in the region, according to a report by global consultancy AT Kearney. The UAE and Saudi Arabia together represent nearly 75 per cent of total e-commerce transactions in the region. Dubai Properties is leveraging the tremendous potential offered by online channels in a bid to strengthen our brand awareness and continue to engage with our partners and end consumers.
One on One with the CEO
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Knowledge Corner How To Connect With Investors and Real Estate Professionals on Realopedia
Entering into the $217 trillion global real estate market is a task that is made easier with a network of valuable real estate connections. Whether it is selling a development project, finding investors for a new real estate venture, or helping buyers connect with sellers, making connections with the top real estate professionals is key. Fortunately for investors, brokers and agents, developers, corporate affiliates, associations, and consumers, Realopedia provides the online portal needed to build strong real estate relationships in both the domestic and international markets. Reach And Connect With real estate Professionals Via A Cost Effective Portal The beauty of a global real estate portal is that there are several ways that you can connect with real estate professionals. 1. Join Realopedia, the Global real estate Marketplace. Whether you are listing a property or searching for developers, the global marketplace is the place to go to find projects and property, or connect with a corporate affiliate. If you are an agent or broker, and want to connect and expand your network, connect in the Property Marketplace, the portal makes it easy for any member of the real estate industry to connect with the other professionals in an effort to expand their global business. Within the property marketplace, agents and brokers will be able to build, expand, and connect like never before. Through these connections, properties can more easily be shared with a wider audience. In fact, the Developers Preferred Agent Program (DPAP) makes it easier for agents to represent developers on any international project. Suddenly, marketing to the world just became as simple as signing on to Realopedia.
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2. Create Real Connections With Real Industry Leaders. Media presentations are an excellent way to reach and connect with real estate professionals. Whether you choose to participate in a webinar, share a podcast, or connect with audiences via Realopedia’s extended social media reach, there are countless ways that you can leverage the features of the Realopedia global portal to expand your real estate network. By using Realopedia as a gateway, you can connect with industry professionals from a multitude of domestic and global marketplaces. Once you have established these connections, you can build-upon the relationships to subsequently reach new heights within the real estate global community. The Bottom Line: : Connections and Knowledge are Key to Global Real Estate Success Realopedia is proud to offer a trusted global real estate marketplace and portal that brings together likeminded industry professionals and helps them to form valuable connections. Any member of the Realopedia community can benefit from strong business relationships that create the foundation needed for successfully completing real estate transactions on a global scale. Through the right connections, you can and will grow your real Estate business both in local and global markets.
Knowledge Corner
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Education Selling Real-Estate? Tips on How to Get the Best Price
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When selling real-estate, you want to get the highest value in the shortest period. You also want the transaction to be hurdle-free. The following tips can assist you in achieving your goals. 1. Deal only with RERA registered brokers: Registered brokers are licensed professionals who have gone through the appropriate training. An experienced broker will guide you through the sale process starting with providing advice on the realistic market value through marketing the property and ending with the transfer procedure at the Registration Trustee Office. Brokerage commission in Dubai is in accordance with the agreement between the client and the broker. 2% of the sale price is an accepted common practice for a real-estate sale transaction. 2. Choose the right brokerage firm: Take some time to research the market. Choose a firm that specializes in your neighbourhood, consider factors like size, market share and reputation. 3. Retrieve Documents: Before you start make sure you have the necessary documents. You will need: a. A proof of ownership: This is a Title Deed for a completed property or Oqood for under-construction or off-plan units b. Details of any applicable mortgage on the property c. Tenancy contract if the unit is rented out d. If the unit is part of a community or a building with common areas, you will need a copy of The Owners’ Association Disclosure Statement. This you can get from the community management or the developer e. Passport copies of unit’s owners as per the Title Deed or Oqood f. Don’t forget a power of attorney if required 4. Know your property: Make a list of any pertinent information regarding your property. Details of upgrades, maintenance work done, utility bills and other expenses such as garden up-keep. Potential buyers may ask questions and it will help your broker to have this information on hand. 5. Repair and clean: Before you place your property on the market, make sure it is in the best shape possible. Things as simple as a loose door knob will give a bad first impression to a potential buyer. Fix any broken items, give the unit a fresh coat of paint, repair that dripping tap. However, don’t over-upgrade; you probably may not get your money back. 6. Keep the décor neutral: Stay away from striking colors. Present buyers with a blank canvas where they can envisage their own style. Depersonalize. The more personal stuff in your home, the less potential buyers can imagine themselves living there. Reduce the number of family photos and personal collections. 7. Make your property stand out: Does your property have a WOW factor? If not then create one. Some upgrades help sell properties, others increase value. Upgrades to kitchens and bathrooms, closet organisers and landscaped gardens or colorful planters on balconies are features that give your property a competitive edge in the market. 8. Price it right: Price is unmistakably one of the most important factors in your marketing mix. Wrongly priced, a property will lag in the market and it doesn’t look good when the price is later dropped. Ask for a comparative Market Analysis from your broker and listen to his/her advice. 9. Sign Form A with your broker: This is the listing contract between seller and brokerage firm. It has a validity of no longer than 90 days and may be exclusive or non-exclusive. Exclusivity allows the broker to rest assured that his time and effort in marketing the property will be rewarded. If you choose the right brokerage firm, your property will be adequately marketed and you will not need to list with more than one firm.
Education
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Doing business in Dubai: The Real Estate Way
Featured City
PANAMA
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The Central American country of Panama has it all, with first world convenience, regional charm, and a laidback lifestyle. From metropolis to tranquil beaches, Panama has the most advanced and modern infrastructure in the region. Known as the “Hub of the Americas” because of the world-famous Panama Canal, a 48-mile waterway that connects the Pacific Ocean with the Atlantic Ocean, Panama City is a bustling, vibrant and exciting metropolis with the influence of a multitude of nationalities, giving Panama City its cosmopolitan flavor. Economy and Infrastructure The economy of Panama is the second largest and fastest growing economy in Central America and boasts the largest per capita consumption in Central America. Dependent on a highly-developed services sector, which represents more than 75% of gross domestic product (GDP), the Panama Canal and use of the U.S. dollar have provided for a globally-oriented services economy. The Panama Canal is essential to global trade and accounts for almost 10% of the country’s GDP. The expansion of the Panama Canal, which began in 2007, has been a major source of economic activity for the country. Additionally, other large infrastructure projects such as the building of a metro line in Panama City, a new metrobus system, an improved highway network and improvements to Tocumen International Airport have all had an impact on Panama’s economic growth. Panama also boasts a thriving, modern banking and financial services sector due to its adherence to international regulation standards, the free flow of capital, a currency pegged to the US dollar, and a stable political environment. With its ongoing infrastructure projects and global trade due to the Panama Canal, Panama should remain one of the fastest growing economies in the region. The economy is expected to expand by 5.4% in 2017 and 5.6% in 2018.
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Population and Geography Panama has a population of approximately 4 million (2015 est.) and is divided into ten provinces. The capital city is Panama City, where most of the commercial activities take place, Colon City, home to the Colon Free Zone, and David, its third largest city, in the heart of the country’s agricultural region. And of course, there are beautiful beaches everywhere, with the Atlantic Ocean on one coast and the Pacific on the other. The climate is tropical, with a rainy season from May to January. The official language of Panama is Spanish, but many Panamanians are bilingual. Panama is not only the ideal retirement destination, having been ranked one of the top ten places globally to retire in 2017 by International Living, but it is an ideal investment destination as well.
Real Estate Investment The real estate sector is highly developed and has been growing steadily over the past ten years due to Panama’s promotion as a tourism and retirement destination. For real estate investment opportunities in Panama, visit www.realopedia.com. As with any real estate investment, it is important to be aware of official real estate procedures and local laws. Realopedia’s trusted real estate partner in Panama, the Panamanian Association of Real Estate Brokers and Developers (ACOBIR), brings together the most prestigious real estate brokers and developer companies in Panama and can be contacted at http://www.acobir.com.
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Panama Economy Data 2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
3,681,979.00
3,743,761.00
3,805,683.00
3,867,535.00
3,929,141.00
..
Population growth (annual %)
1.68
1.66
1.64
1.61
1.58
..
Urban population growth (annual %)
2.13
2.11
2.09
2.06
2.03
..
44,856,189,494.11
49,165,773,079.21
52,132,289,747.17
..
Population, total
GDP (current US$)
34,373,820,484.97 39,954,761,232.69
GDP growth (annual %)
11.81
9.23
6.62
6.05
5.78
..
GDP per capita (USD)
9,230
10,548
11,648
12,517
13,011
-
5.9
5.7
4
2.9
0.2
-
Industry, value added (% of GDP)
21.15
22.68
25.85
27.22
27.74
..
Services, etc., value added (% of GDP)
75.34
73.97
71.01
69.65
69.37
..
Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)
72.89
70.66
60.47
53.57
..
..
Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)
83.71
79.71
68.62
61.41
..
..
Time required to start a business (days)
8.00
7.00
6.00
6.00
6.00
6.00
Domestic credit provided by financial sector (% of GDP)
81.82
81.36
65.00
79.22
83.47
..
Inflation Rate (CPI, annual variation in %)
Sources: http://www.mondaq.com/x/518188/real+estate/A+Guide+To+Real+Estate+Investment+In+Panama http://www.focus-economics.com/regions/central-america http://www1.internationalliving.com/sem/country/panama/report/ppc.html#economy Panama Economy Data Sources: World Development Indicators - Last Updated: 06/01/2017 http://www.focus-economics.com/countries/panama www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/pm.html
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Featured Developer UNION PROPERTIES
About Union Properties PJSC, 30 Years of Urban Development Union Properties PJSC (UPP), one of the United Arab Emirates’ leading property investment developers, started as Union Property Private Limited in 1987 and floated as a public limited company in 1993. Over 30 Years of growth, innovation, motivation and attention to detail, UP has an outstanding reputation for professionalism and integrity throughout the UAE, serving public institutions, multinational corporations, the business community and the private sector. UP’s comprehensive range of services include Properties investment and development, project management, interior design and fit-out, property management, facilities management and MEP Contracting tailored to specific needs through its business associates and subsidiary companies. UP’s subsidiary companies include, The FITOUT, EMICOOL, ServeU, Thermo, GMAMCO and Dubai Autodrome. Union Properties established a unique rich portfolio through a variety of projects leading real estate ranging from commercial, residential and entertainment, and delivered the superior and comprehensive range of developments with a project portfolio of some of the iconic landmark and leisure developments within the country, acknowledged internationally; starting with the high rise tower to complex versatile hotels, and complex ‘Theme Park’ project ‘Control Tower’, ‘Green Community’, ‘Uptown Mirdiff ’, ‘Net Community’, ‘MotorCity’, ‘Limestone House’ and ‘Index Tower’. The success of UP is built upon six basic principles forming the company’s ethical code; quality, service, innovation, care, trust and diversity. Union Properties during this period of the establishment of bag rich of milestones engineering unique through a variety of projects leading real estate ranging from commercial, residential and entertainment, starting with the high rise tower to complex versatile hotels, and complex ‘Theme Park’ project ‘Control Tower’, ‘Green Community’, ‘Uptown Mirdiff’, ‘Net Community’, ‘MotorCity’, ‘Limestone House’ and ‘Index Tower’. The success of UP is built upon six basic principles forming the company’s ethical code; quality, service, innovation, care, trust and diversity.
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Title
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Featured Broker Company HIGH MARK REAL ESTATE BROKERS
Get To Know Us Welcome to High Mark Real Estate Brokers. We’re a complete, luxury real estate property solutions agency based in Dubai. Operating at the very heart of United Arab Emirates’ vibrant property market, our success stems from a deep knowledge of the property scene in the UAE combined with our greatest resource – the expertise and dedication of our staff. Our aim is to offer clients the very best real estate service possible. We have assembled a global team who boast a wealth of experience and endeavor to use their skills, expertise and training to ensure that whether you’re buying, selling, renting or leasing in Dubai, you’ll receive the highest possible levels of service from us.
Featured Agent Zeina Khoury CEO Zeina spearheaded the creation of High Mark Real Estate Brokers at Senior Management level and is the driving force behind High Mark’s past and future achievements. She has over 10 years experience in the Real Estate industry and specialises in Palazzo Versace and D1 Tower. She is responsible for business development and strategic planning and has been instrumental in making High Mark the success it is today With natural drive, vision, an excellent flair for business she manages senior positions within Sales, Property Management, Leasing, Client Relations, Marketing, Human Resources and Front of House
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Desire | Pursue | Acquire
+971 50 1011626
ALWAYS READY TO ASSIST YOU
Sales
Leasing
Property Management
www.highmarkdubai.com Title
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Featured Corporate Affiliate
MECSC: tHE voiCE of tHE SHoPPinG CEntrE anD rEtail inDuStry in tHE MiDDlE EaSt & nortH afriCa if you wish to display your membership to our Regional and International associations. You will also be entitled to free listing for your Organization on our Malls Directory page and either Products and Services Directory. (Please be sure to select appropriate type of business/company when registering).
Education
MECSC members can participate in ICSC workshops held in the Middle East and globally which offer certificate programs at both the intermediate and advanced level. Focusing on marketing, management, leasing and other retail industry topic. The instructors are working experts who generously share their hard-earned knowledge.
Education and Professional Development initiatives
The Middle East Council of Shopping Centres (MECSC) is the regional trade body representing the Shopping Centre Industry in the Middle East & North Africa
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stablished in 1994, MECSC has grown over the years and has a strong and closely connected member base of over 1,000 industry professionals from all over the Middle East & North Africa representing shopping mall owners, developers, marketing managers, leasing managers and specialists, retailers, consultants, property managers, financiers, accountants, government officials and industry suppliers. Affiliated to the New York - based International Council of Shopping Centers (www.icsc.org), MECSC provides its members with unparalleled local and international business contacts and support through its network of international affiliates.
MECSC WEbSITE (www.mecsc.org)
OuR VISION
MEMbERSHIP bENEfITS
To represent, promote and develop the shopping centre industry in the Middle East and North Africa.
OuR MISSION To provide an effective forum for exchange of ideas and sharing of knowledge and be a catalyst in the development of the shopping centre and retail industry in the Middle East & North Africa.
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MECSC’s website is an invaluable tool for our members. An exclusive ‘Members Only’ area includes details of all Members and a Directory of Middle East retailers, shopping centres and retail industry professionals where members can list details of their organisation free of charge. As a Member, you are also entitled to list and detail your company at no cost on our Member, Shopping Centre, Retailer & Service Provider Directory. Members can also download both the MECSC and ICSC logos for use on their website, corporate stationery and business cards from our website.
industry recognition
Membership with our retail industry association is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to the industry you are in. Share a common forum with other industry members, gain industry recognition and elevate your professional stature in the industry. Once you have registered as a MECSC/ ICSC member you are entitled to use both the logos on your business cards and stationery
• Specialized workshops and seminars focusing on the important aspects of shopping centre management, marketing, leasing and development • Professional development programs leading to industry certifications • Globally recognized certifications and industry designations
OuR SERVICES Educational Programs & Professional Recognition Organising Meetings, Exhibitions & Conventions Providing Networking Opportunities through Specialized Events Organising International Study Tours Hosting Shopping Centre Tours & Site Visits Assistance in Research Dissemination of Industry Related Information Specialized Industry Publications
Specialized Conferences
ICSC conducts several multi-day national and regional conferences, bringing together industry executives and key decision makers to share their knowledge and experience on such critical issues as environmental concerns, construction, finance, security, law, research and financial management and accounting. MECSC members can partake in all ICSC programs.
Exhibitions
Trade exhibitions at conventions and conferences throughout the year give you the opportunity to improve your bottom line. Meet vendors of products and services who offer everything from maintenance equipment to state of the art interactive technology and management software.
think Global
MECSC members become affiliate members of ICSC. The ICSC (with 70,000+ members in over 100 Countries) provides MECSC members with unparalleled international business contacts and support. MECSC represents 45 countries.
MECSC EVENTS RECon MENA 2017
Our annual convention, RECon MENA 2017 on 29 to 31 October brings together developers, owners, managers, retailers, lenders and industry suppliers from all over the region for education and joint marketing purposes. MECSC members are also informed of and can attend, at special member rate, ICSC conventions and seminars worldwide.
Deal Making Sessions
RECon Middle East & North Africa, the industry’s only focused trade exhibition and conference brings together decision makers from shopping centres, retailers and product and service suppliers all under one roof for deal making and tapping into business opportunities. Do a year’s worth of business in three days at RECon MENA. • Leasing opportunities for Retail Developments • Showcasing new/existing retail concepts for retail brands • Building awareness of products and services available for the retail and shopping centre industry • Exclusive deal making initiatives and international events to tap into regional and global business opportunities.
RESOuRCES AND PublICATIONS
JTR School for Retail Real Estate Professions
The ICSC/MECSC Schools for Professional Development (Levels 1 & 2) are 5-day programs as part of the requirements leading to an ICSC Certification. The programs cover a comprehensive, concentrated, rigorous course taught by prominent shopping centre industry experts from the USA, Europe and the Middle East who serve as faculty. It is designed to ensure that participants will learn how to develop, lease, market and operate a shopping centre successfully. JTR will be held on April 16 to 20 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, DiFC, Dubai, uAE.
Next Generation Networking (NextGen)
The NextGen networking event brings industry professionals together in an environment to facilitate business development, knowledgesharing and networking. • March 7: NextGen Networking Abu Dhabi, UAE • March 15: NextGen Networking Riyadh, Saudi Arabia • April 18: NextGen Networking Dubai, UAE • September 12: NextGen Networking Kuwait • September 26: NextGen Networking Oman • September 19: NextGen Networking Jordan • Egypt • Doha, Qatar • Lebanon
CONTACT uS
join MECSC now!!!
David Macadam
online Members Directory:
Chief Executive Officer david@mecsc.org
Connect with other members from the industry
Malls Directory (online and print):
Important information on retail developments in the MENA region at a click of a button
online Product & Service Directory:
lea Venezuela
Khaye Comanda
Mariz Matocdo
Christian baldonanza
Director lea@mecsc.org
Associate Director khaye@mecsc.org
A comprehensive listing of product and service suppliers
online e-newsletter:
Monthly compilation of news and features from the industry
online research resource:
Marketing Officer customercare@ mecsc.org
Industry reports, country profiles and market overviews
retail People Magazine (online and print):
Quarterly issue with a wide range of specialized industry publications authored by industry experts
MECSC Mobile application
Networking, Schedules, attendees, Social Media and much more at the palm of your hand
MECSC website
Platform to present their brand, products, services.
Justin Espiritu
Publishing and Database Management Coordinator publishing@mecsc. org
Membership/Database Accounting Executive connect@mecsc.org
JC Gayoma
Membership Executive membership@ mecsc.org
the Middle East Council of Shopping Centres
Office 803, Burjuman Business Tower P.O. Box 43972, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 4 3597909 l Fax: +971 4 3558818 l Website: www.mecsc.org
When you want to raise your personal profile, locally, regionally and globally. When you want others to assist you to facilitate your business. When you want to rub shoulders with others who have succeeded in the retail industry. When you want to build meaningful relationships to further your business career.
tHEn join tHE MECSC. Connect with us at membership@mecsc.org You will always be delighted when you see your career take off. < Join uS now >
Featured Agent GINNA ROJAS Engel & Völkers Sunny Isles Beach Specialties: Pre Construction, Investors and Commercial Language: Spanish and English Born in Bogota Colombia, Ginna finished her high school and went to Toronto in 1998 to study English at ILAC (International Language Academy of Canada). She then moved to New Haven, Connecticut and after four years she graduated with a degree in Business Administration. In 2004 she moved to Miami along with her Canadian boyfriend, now a loving husband who enjoys traveling around the world with her. Ginna and her husband fell in love with the Miami culture and the proximity to each of their countries and chose to stay. Growing up with a father who loved to invest in Real Estate, she developed the knowledge, skill, and moral values to serve her clients successfully, with honesty and professionalism. In her experience as a Realtor® since 2006, her excitement for the industry continues to grow. She has volunteered, studied and lived overseas on many occasions. She is currently a licensed Real Estate Broker Associate, Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS), e-PRO Certified and is also a certified Million Dollar Guild whose members are specialists with expertise and abilities in helping buy or sell the world’s most exclusive residential homes and estates. Ginna Rojas brings more than 9 years of experience and proven track record of success to customers from all over the world. She chose to join Engel & Völkers in 2013 for its position as a global leader in the real estate market. She shares the firm’s core values of passion, competence, and exclusivity and is now connected to a network of more than 7,500 advisers providing premium client services throughout 39 countries worldwide. Diligent from start to finish; she always strives to achieve consistently outstanding results. Ginna has a true passion for real estate and her list of credentials and career achievements from selling real estate is a testament to her desire to be the best. Ginna has earned a Ruby Status at the Engel & Völkers elite awards club for the past 3 years.
Join Realopedia today & network with real estate professionals. Feature your profile, listings, projects in the Realopedia Online Magazine. Email marketing@realopedia.com for more information.
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18101 Collins Avenue # 1809 Sunny Isles Beach, Florida Property Type: Condo/ Townhouse Year Built: 2006 Square Footage: 2435 MLS® #: A10190171 Bedrooms: 3 Full Baths: 3
Spectacular residence with breathtaking views! Offering 2,435 sq.ft of living area. Panoramic views from every room. Enjoy 3 beds + DEN with 3.5 baths, 10’ ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, two spacious terraces, Italian kitchen cabinets, SS appliances, granite counter tops, walk-in closets and more. Enjoy 1,000 feet of beach front access, private elevators, amazing spa, Jacuzzi, full service valet and more. Easy to show.
1300 Brickell Bay Dr # 2702 Miami, Florida Property Type: Condo/ Townhouse Year Built: 2014 Square Footage: 1012 MLS® #: A10275772 Bedrooms: 2 Full Baths: 2
Offered with “2” valet parking spaces! Beautiful 2 beds 2 bathrooms. Marble polished floors with finished closets, ELECTRIC blinds in the bedrooms and master bath. Balcony offers city views. Enjoy gorgeous pools , lounge, HD screening room with10-ft screen theater-style seating, 50 ft. long lap pool with poolside cabanas, sauna, spa and more! “BONUS” 2 valet parking spaces included. Maintenance includes internet, cable and water! Easy to show. 1300 S Miami Avenue # 1408 Miami, Florida Property Type: Condo/ Townhouse Year Built: 2016 Square Footage: 734 MLS® #: A10273606 Bedrooms: 1 Full Baths: 1
Investor wanted! Unit is rented for $2,200 until March, 2018. Maintenance is $471 great tenant paying with direct deposit and seller says sell! Be the first to live in incredible SLS Brickell. Amazing building and beautiful residence with 762 sq feet one bedroom + small den and 1.5 bathrooms! Unit is finished with beautiful porcelain floors, ELECTRIC SHADES, new paint and finished closet. Enjoy amazing state of the art fitness center, sky roof pool deck, steam rooms of Ciel Spa and the culinary adventure.
Featured Agent
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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Global Real Estate Marketplaceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;
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The Global Real Estate Marketplace Realopedia Webinars Join Realopedia webinars and learn how to grow your business globally. Connect with real estate professionals, developers & corporate affiliates. Join the Circle of Trust.
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Why Join? Agents & Brokers: Gain Global Visibility & register for Free. Upload your listings and showcase your properties to a global audience of investors and customers. Reach developers & sell projects online, increase your sales through the Developers Preferred Agent Program. Real Estate Developers: Showcase your projects on Realopedia to a global audience. Build a marketing resource library and be part of the Developers Preferred Agents Program. Sell your projects through a global trusted network of real estate professionals. Corporate Affiliates: Promote your business and services, & network with real estate professionals. Register your company for Free on Realopedia. Build a Referral Network: Reach out and network with agents, connect and build referrals globally, share your listings and investment opportunities. Get more leads: Realopedia can help you generate more leads from investors/ customers searching for properties on the website. Choose your advertising package on Realopedia. Grow Your Global Network: Do you support the real estate industry? Are you an Association? MLS? Legal? Bank? Interiors? An Agent? Developer? Broker or Corporate Affiliate? Register for Fee and be part of the Global Directory for the real estate industry.
BE LOCAL THINK GLOBAL Join Realopedia, The Global Real Estate Marketplace and learn how to grow your business globally. For more information email marketing@realopedia.com
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Careers at Realopedia Do you want to be part of a growing global platform? Do you want to be part of a professional and dynamic team? Do you want to be an Ambassador or Sales Representative in your market? If you have the real estate industry experience and a strong network then the Realopedia Team would like to hear from you. Send us your CV with photo to careers@realopedia.com
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