Reports published by Cushman and Wakefield, an information partner of REIDIN.com, have revealed that there is tightness in the availability of units in prime locations, with retailers increasing focus on AAA locations and their efforts to scale down presence in less profitable areas expected to result in downward adjustment in rents in secondary streets. Occupier demand is also expected to continue being selective and thus preventing global rental growth from spiking unless a period of recovery ensues.

"The upward movement in the rental rates within Dubai's retail property sector is reflective of the correction phase that is sweeping the UAE's real estate sector, which validates the high value of maintaining presence within one of the world's most sought-after retail destinations," said Ahmet Kayhan, CEO, REIDIN.com. "Amidst the wide expanse of investment opportunity within the retail real estate markets - whether in Dubai or in other emerging destinations, we offer 'RETAILFocus', which provides relevant information that can help save the resources, time and money of users seeking valuable information."

Dubai's global repute as a premier leisure and shopping hub has created a significant impact on the local retail scene, with further statistics provided by Colliers International, REIDIN.com's information partner revealing that premium retail destinations such as Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Festival City and Burjuman have emerged as the most expensive in the UAE. Among the establishments that offer the most extensive gross leasable area (GLA) across the emirates are Dubai Mall (344,000 sq. m.), The Walk (1500 sq. m), Oasis Mall (60,000 sq. m.), Mirdiff City Centre (183,000 sq. m.), and Dubai Marina Mall (77,000 sq. m).

"In a market as active as Dubai, accurate and relevant information is key to ensuring that investments result in returns and targets are met. We are continuously working to further enhance the functions of 'RETAILFocus' and well as expand its coverage to more global markets. We are also keenly partnering with government agencies and other organisations to extend the scope of our information gathering," concluded Kayhan.

REIDIN.com has pioneered the concept of providing extensive and interlinked databases of shopping centre and retailer profiles, Gross Leasable Area (GLA), footfall statistics, price data, news, research, upcoming retail projects, owners, developers, and property manager profiles, all of which are supported by analysis and advanced comparison tools, and a powerful search engine. Backed by a repository of hard-to-get data and information the retail property market in developing economies, coupled with the tools to analyse and make calculated decisions, 'RETAILFocus', delivers an up-to-date market insights, along with retail real estate news and research reports.

Global Arab Network