Another factor weighing against the provision of dedicated student units has been the large amount of residential units on the market, with many students renting in residential communities. Of the 5,200 beds currently classed as student accommodation, most are in Dubai International Academic City. The remaining 15 per cent are in purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), according to CBRE. Purpose-built student accommodation makes up just 15 per cent of the 5,200 beds on offer in the Dubai market at the end of last year. “Should we be presented with similar opportunities with the same or other best-in-class operators in attractive locations, we would consider further investment in student accommodation,” he said.

Source: The North Africa Journal April 13, 2020 03:56 UTC