The World Economic Forum (WEF) on the Middle East formally starts today, with high-level business and political leaders gathering at the Dead Sea in Jordan to tackle the impact of the global economic crises on the region.

According to a report in Emirates Business, Ajman is planning to have a sales price index for freehold areas within the emirate by the end of 2009 followed by a rent index later. Ajman Real Estate Regulatory Agency (ARRA) was established in January this year to regulate the emirate's property sector.

Renewal of freshly introduced multiple-entry visas for property owners is possible as soon as they leave the country, contrary to report that, they should leave UAE for at least a month for the same.

In a special report published by the Financial Times on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Dubai has for the first time been classified as the top destination city in the world surpassing the likes of London and Shanghai.

The UAE construction sector continues to flourish despite the global financial crisis with over 200 infrastructure and real estate projects to be completed in the first half of 2009, which is more than the total for the whole of 2008.

One of the UAE's largest banks, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), will lend for infrastructure projects in UAE capital city despite the global economic meltdown, ADCB's CEO, Eirvin Knox said.

The UAE Central Bank has slashed its benchmark repurchase rate by 50 basis points, to one percent in a bid to stimulate lending in the country. After the cut, the domestic rates are much closer to the US rates.

As part of its strategic plans to expand operations to Abu Dhabi, Imdaad - the Dubai World company that delivers integrated facility management services will take part in the Working Building Middle East Conference to be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre on November 17-18, 2008.

The Country Brand Index identifies the United Arab Emirates (UAE), China and Croatia, respectively, as the top three 'rising stars' in the tourism arena.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) awards the contract for the 9.5km of the Al Sufouh Tram project in the first phase to a consortium of Alstom and Besix.

Marina West, Bahrain's $700 million beachfront residential real estate development on the West coast, has announced that "Tower 8" will be released for sale during Dhahran International Exhibitions Center in the Eastern Province to be held from October 20-23, 2008 and in Bahrain during BIPEX from October 23-25, 2008.

Hamptons International, one of the leading residential agents and a subsidiary of Emaar Properties, Dubai-based real estate developer, has announced an exclusive partnership agreement with Dhofar Tourism Company

To keep its premises eco-friendly and contribute towards a cleaner Dubai, Dubai Investments Park (DIP), the largest residential community in the Middle East, has signed an agreement with Union Paper Mills for the collection and recycling of waste material in the Park.

The UAE Government is poised for a strong presence at GITEX Technology Week 2008, with six UAE ministries showcasing their electronic platforms, applications and e-services.

The much-anticipated GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK, the region's largest ICT exhibition, will open today at 1.00 pm to welcome businesses and trade visitors from all over the world, with leading companies looking to expand their presence in the Middle East.