Dubai Land Department (DLD) organised the Middle East Association Managers Conference (MEAMCON) 2018 through the Dubai Real Estate Institute (DREI), and the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA).

The conference was attended by high-level delegations representing a number of countries in the world. DLD highlighted the progress it made over the past few years in supporting the operations of its Owners Associations in the Emirate, helping them perform their tasks and provide various facilities and services to ensure their comfort and happiness.

During her opening speech at the conference, Hend Obaid Al Marri, CEO of DREI, said: “The organisation of MEAMCON 2018 comes in line with the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai the smartest and happiest city in the world. DLD provides an educational and safe real estate environment through DREI, its educational arm, and RERA, its regulatory arm, and ensures the happiness of its customers and partners through the sustainability and transparency of Dubai's real estate market, especially with the emerging of modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, internet of things, blockchain, and virtual reality. DREI adds value to the sector by offering high quality programmes in collaboration with internationally recognised universities, publishing insightful research, and enhancing communication among all stakeholders."

During the conference, the Community Association Institute in the USA honoured DLD, DREI, and RERA for their consistent strategic partnerships that aim to real estate awareness and education in the real estate market, in recognition of their vital roles in organising this event and its success, as well as their tireless efforts in ensuring an educational and safe real estate environment that protects investors' rights.

RERA participated in a panel discussion on the regulation of the real estate market and the happiness of Owners Associations. Another panel discussion was held on the methods used by Owners Associations in selecting service providers, with the participation of representatives from Dubai Properties, Deyaar, Emaar, and Merali’s, which concluded with a series of recommendations that could be adopted for reliable partnerships between Owners Associations and supply companies. The conference also included another panel discussion on the problems that Facilities Management Companies could face, with the participation of representatives from Emrill, Fixis, Cofely Besix, and JLL.

Five other panel discussions were organised during the conference, including a discussion titled ‘Wellness in the workplace, and how to balance your life,’ as well as surveys on knowing the conditions of buildings and the ideal ways to manage complexes. Participants expressed their interest in ensuring the society’s happiness during the third panel discussion, focussing on health, safety, and environment. The closing panel discussion was about the skills that a development company must acquire to properly manage facilities and services.

At the end of the conference, participants agreed on the importance of the event, especially in terms of providing information, guidance, and recommendations to Owners Associations’ staff members, as they represent a relatively recent movement at the regional level. The conference helped bring a global perspective to this activity, with additional expertise from international leaders and speakers who showcased their long practical experience.