Dubai still offers lucrative rental returns: Arif Mubarak.

• Position: Dubai Asset Management CEO Arif Mubarak on expanding rental portfolio in Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Interview

Dubai Asset Management, a subsidiary of Dubai Holding, is looking to expand its portfolio both organically and inorganically with focus on Dubai as the emirate still offers lucrative returns on rentals, a senior official said.

"We are definitely growing our portfolio in different ways as we are an investment institutional-driven organisation. Our growth is driven by market demand and supply and our customer base comprises of both corporate and individuals. We own, manage and operating one of the largest rental portfolios in Dubai," said Arif Mubarak, chief executive officer, Dubai Asset Management.

Dubai Asset Management owns and manages 10 communities in different categories including upscale villas, medium affordable housing, staff accommodation and corporate housing. Around 100,000 residents live in those communities.

"We have one of the largest occupancy rates in Dubai at around 95 per cent across our portfolio with a better than market average stay of tenant. Market average stay is 3.5 years while our customers stay average is 4.5 years," said Mubarak.

Dubai Asset Management recently announced its foray into the short-term rental market also through a partnership with HiGuests.

Mubarak revealed that expanding outside Dubai is an option but the firm is not focusing on that because he still sees Dubai as a lucrative market in terms of rental returns.

According to real estate consultancy CBRE, Dubai offer one of the best rental returns and is ranked among the world's top-10 cities where...