The Government of the United Arab Emirates in partnership with the World Bank, the Global Land Tool Network, UN-Habitat, the Arab League and the Arab Union of Surveyors heldthe first Arab Land Conference that will be hosted by the Dubai Land Department and held in Dubai, UAE, from 26-28 /February/2018.
The objective of the conference was to exchange knowledge, promote regional cooperation and develop capacities and innovation in land governance and real estate reforms to promote the social and economic development in the Arab region.
The conference was held under the patronage of Dubai Government and the Arab League. It was attended by Ministers, high level government officials, professionals, academia, private sector, donor agencies and civil society representatives.
Key Topics and presentations of the conference were focused towards Arab region:
- Access to land for sustainable business and investment
- Interlink between housing policy and land management
- Education, research and capacity development on land policy, management, and administration
- Protection of land and property rights of displaced people and refugees to facilitate reconstruction
- Women, land and property rights
- New technologies to support land and real estate registration systems, property valuation and taxation policies
Background: The Arab region is undergoing a decade of profound change, where noticeable progress in some countries is clouded by difficulties in others. Individual Arab countries have distinctive needs, priorities, problems and economic, political, and social contexts. While there are apparent national differences, regional commonalities and trends can be observed. There is an increasing realisation that the way land is regulated, used and managed is a key element of sustainable social and economic development and realization of human rights and the aspiration of the citizens of the region, making it a key cornerstone for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The Arab Land Conference will be a platform to discuss country experiences, latest research, interventions, and innovations in the land sector.