Dubai has won the bid to host the 69th edition of the World Real Estate Congress, a mega event which will make its debut in the Middle East region in 2018.

The successful bid was led by Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city’s official convention bureau and a division of Dubai Tourism, in partnership with the Dubai Real Estate Institute (DREI), the education arm of the Dubai Land Department (DLD), for the annual congress that will bring the world’s real estate industry leaders to the city.

The annual event organised by the International Real Estate Federation (Fiabci) is expected to attract more than 1,000 real estate professionals from over 60 nations to explore the ‘Future of Cities’.

Jointly led by DBE and DREI, and supported by host venue Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, among other local industry partners, the successful bid to host another influential world congress underpins the emirate’s strong international reputation as a vibrant and diverse destination for business events.

The announcement also boosts the city’s growth as a leading global hub for investment, and contributes towards its maturing real estate market, the organiser said.

Issam Kazim, the chief executive officer of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said: “Dubai’s being chosen as the first Middle East country to be a venue for the congress, is a testament to the city’s ambition both as a dynamic real estate market as well as an established destination for staging high-profile conferences.”

“Our successful bid reflects the country’s acclaimed top ranking as a global investment haven and the emirate’s strengths in attracting and hosting international business events of the highest calibre,” stated Kazim.

The Fiabci World Real Estate Congress connects real estate professionals from around the world to discuss themes and trends that are driving the real estate market. It also provides a unique platform for sharing best practices in addressing evolving needs, sharing information and conducting international business. Delegates and Fiabci members represent all industry sectors, including commercial, residential, luxury, retail and industrial.

 This year, the congress was held at Panama City, Panama from May 21 to 26 under the theme ‘Connecting Development for a Better World,’ which focused on topics including affordable housing, real estate opportunities through globalisation, smart cities and international property ethics.