Dubai, UAE, 14th October 2009: Fine & Country UAE, the prestige property network, today announced its continued expansion with the addition of its seventh independent agency member, Dubai-based World Street Real Estate. The announcement comes as Fine & Country celebrates the first anniversary of its entry into the UAE market, strengthening the geographic reach of its international network of more than 350 independent estate agencies across eight countries, including UK, South Africa, USA, Qatar and Mauritius

Fine & Country UAE is responsible for introducing the first licensed network model to the region's property sector; offering premier real estate agents centrally co-ordinated marketing and business strategy support through an internationally recognised brand that enables licensees to leverage resources to expand the scope of their business. With an international property brand that is successfully established in the UK, South Africa, and despite the downturn and significant period of uncertainty in the local markets, the model is gaining traction with a growing number of regional real estate agents. The network has been responsible for championing the idea of specialization in the UAE market, with its members providing key insight into specific and desirable locations – including the Green Communities, Emirates Living and Dubai Marina.

Cecilia Reinaldo, Managing Director, Fine & Country Middle East, said: "In the twelve months since our launch, the UAE market has been through its toughest period ever, yet despite that, Fine & Country has steadily been securing new partners and is now a regional real estate force to be reckoned with. With the addition of World Street Real Estate, we now have seven branded offices in the UAE and Qatar, with combined weight and strength in numbers.

“When we launched Fine & Country in the UAE, the licensing model was something new for the region, but it's been embraced by a growing number of agents who understand the benefits of joining forces with of a group of specialist local agents as part of an international prestige network. It is an offering that has given us an edge in a difficult market. Now, we're seeing further consolidation, increased regulation, a levelling of prices, and a growing market maturity - which is good for the Fine & Country network, and good for the region's real estate sector over the long term.”

The latest licensee – World Street Real Estate – is celebrating its entry to the Fine & Country network with an open day this Sunday, 18 October from 12 noon, at its offices in Garhood Star Building, Office 108 -As part of Fine & Country's commitment to being a good corporate citizen and giving back to the communities in which it operates, visitors to the open day are encouraged to make donations to the 'Stand Up Take Action' campaign, an initiative from HRH Sheikha Haya Bint Al Hussain. World Street Real Estate's offices will serve as a collection point for canned goods and dried food stuffs like rice, flour and sugar - with at least a year until expiration dates - for distribution to needy families as part of this worthwhile campaign. For more information on ‘Stand
Up Take Action’ visit www.standup.ae.
Fine & Country UAE provides independent real estate agents with the opportunity to join its network via a licensing agreement. This allows agents to become members of an internationally recognized brand with associated reputational advantages, and offers a simple and easy solution for independent operators to gain a heightened presence in an uncertain time in the property market and in a tightening regulatory environment. www.fineandcountry.ae

Cecilia Reinaldo
Managing Director
Tel: 00971 4 4270202
Fax: 00971 4 4270203
Mobile No. +971 50 8553856
www.fineandcountry.ae

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