The feature looks at the where the cash-rich GCC national investor is investing in property markets globally.
London continues to be a perennial favorite for the GCC national investor – what according to you are the factors driving this popularity?
The UK and the UAE have many historical ties dating back to the hundreds of years. In 2010, Queen Elizabeth visited His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the UAE to reaffirm the UAE-UK friendship treaty originally signed in 1971.
There are many overlaps between British and UAE cultures, which enable UAE nationals and British Nationals to travel to one-another’s countries and not feel too far from home. Education has always been a key driver and British schools, universities and military academies often welcome UAE nationals through their doors. Finally, the lifestyle offered in London continues to maintain its status as the world’s most visited city with ample restaurants, theatres and shopping opportunities to suit all tastes.
As an investment opportunity for real estate, London residential property has consistently out-performed other asset classes and is, on the whole, resilient to economic and political instability elsewhere in the world.
Outline top markets that are seeing a significant inflow from the GCC national Investor? What makes these attractive property hotspots?
In London, the central areas surrounding Hyde Park have always traditionally been favoured. These include Mayfair, Knightsbridge and Kensington. More recently, areas surrounding the River Thames have been of particular interest. Internationally, France, Spain and New York are important to the Gulf.
u What are some the emerging real estate markets that are keen to attract GCC national investors?
