January 10, 2025 — The Governing Council of the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) voted at IREM’s annual Global Summit to approve the creation of its first chapter in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 
Muhammad JawadUrRehman, CPM, MRICS was at the Global Summit to present the UAE’s ambitious chapter plan to the IREM Governing Council. He also led a session on the SHA Island residences, situated on a private island between Dubai and Abu Dhabi — the world’s first healthy living island.
The UAE, a country situated along the Persian Gulf, has a population of 9.97 million and has been one of IREM’s newest international markets offering education and certification training to local property management professionals. The UAE is made up of seven emirates. While the emirate of Abu Dhabi serves as the capital, the emirate of Dubai is the center of international business and the country’s most populated area.
2024 IREM President Libby Ekre, CPM commented:
We’re thrilled to announce the creation of our first IREM chapter in the UAE. IREM has been building relationships with our partners there since 2018, and our founding members in the area were instrumental in expanding our offerings and elevating awareness of IREM locally. With a chapter in Dubai, IREM will be able to provide even more programs to professional property managers in this exciting region.
Muhammad Jawad stated:
This is a monumental moment for the real estate management profession in the UAE. The approval of the UAE Chapter not only strengthens our regional network, but also brings global best practices closer to local professionals. Our focus will be on fostering education, innovation, and ethical leadership across the industry.
Marked by innovation and fast development, the UAE has some of the most creative real estate in the world, such as indoor skiing, an underwater restaurant, and indoor scuba diving. IREM is proud to continue expanding its offerings to the UAE through this chapter to elevate property management practices and professionals in the UAE.
