The real estate market of Dubai is "well on the way to a strong recovery" and now is a good time to invest, reported the CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Group.

Robert Welanetz, CEO of the UAE-based developer of shopping malls and hotels across the MENA region, said in a statement that Dubai's position as a world-class business and investment hub will drive the real estate revival.

This is the positive message that will be delivered to real estate industry professionals gathering in Dubai in September for the Cityscape Global Conference. Welanetz will be one of the expert panelists appearing at the conference taking place at the Conrad Hotel on September 5 ahead of the three-day Cityscape Global exhibition opening the following day at Dubai World Trade Centre.

"We expect the 'soft' retail market will continue through the end of 2016 and will start to rebound in late 2017 driven by continued large scale investments in tourism and retail infrastructure in Dubai, plus increased diversification initiatives from the government," he said. "Expo 2020 Dubai is expected to impact the rate of job creation, which will positively impact both sales and retail markets in the long term across the UAE. Looking around the region, we also expect countries with the largest populations to witness growth, primarily to meet the needs of their maturing populations."

He added: "We strongly believe in the long term growth prospects of Dubai and the UAE. Dubai's real estate market is characterised by strong fundamentals, making it the most preferred investment destination in the Middle East. The slowdown provides ample opportunities to drive extra value in investments."

"Dubai's attraction stems from its ability to offer a world class business environment and infrastructure that is unmatched anywhere else in the Middle East," stated Welanetz. "The lifestyle available in Dubai through second home ownership is also a significant attraction for Middle East investors. Moreover, Dubai has become a world leader in pioneering new concepts and high end retail, hospitality and residential developments."

Arabian News reported that rents and prices have fallen between 10-15 percent since the market last peaked in mid-2014 and the market is now relatively stable, with little change in either rents and prices recorded in Q2. They predict that, providing there are no major external shocks, it is likely that the market will recover again from late 2016 or early 2017.