Dubai: Dubai Land Department has launched the second phase of its Emirati Real Estate Business Incubator Programme, aiming to attract 25 additional UAE nationals seeking to establish locally owned real estate brokerage firms. The programme follows the completion of its first phase, which the department said drew strong interest from Emiratis looking to enter Dubai’s property sector and build brokerage businesses. Registration for the second phase will remain open until May 25. The initiative forms part of Dubai’s broader strategy to strengthen Emirati participation in the private sector and support the emirate’s transition toward a diversified, knowledge-based economy driven by entrepreneurship and local talent. New Emirati brokers The six-month programme will provide participants with training across legal, regulatory, operational, marketing and financial aspects of running real estate brokerage firms. The programme will also focus on the use of technology and artificial intelligence within the property sector, alongside professional standards and industry ethics. Dubai Land Department said the initiative is designed to help participants establish sustainable brokerage companies capable of contributing to the long-term growth and competitiveness of Dubai’s real estate market. The programme is being delivered in partnership with Dubai Silicon Oasis, New Economy Academy and Rochester Institute of Technology...

Flexibility and the ability to adapt to change were the qualities that helped Harbor Real Estate to weather the stormy conditions of the global downturn. Headed by Mohanad Alwadiya, who has played a major role in making the firm one of the top real estate players in Dubai, Harbor even managed to expand its business both during and after the crisis. The company continues to surge ahead even as the world is busy discussing the possibility of yet another financial downturn.  The beginning The history of Harbor Real Estate began in 2001 when a group of investors and entrepreneurs got together and decided to venture into real estate, long before the boom days of Dubai’s real estate sector. “Real estate has always been an option for investors looking for long-term capital appreciation,” says Mohanad. “When the boom started towards the end of 2006, investments picked up pace and so did development projects. The group of investors realised the need for an institutional real estate service provider that could offer transactional services such as marketing, sales and leasing and property management. Thus, Harbor Real Estate was born. I joined Harbor in November 2007.” Today the firm handles three groups of services...