The purpose of the congress is to address a number of strategic and vital issues concerning water resources. Desalination is the process used to turn sea water into potable water. The UAE processes 8.4 million cubic meters of seawater each day and 95% of that is consumed locally. The UAE is the second largest provider of desalinated water in the world. This congress is set to promote the exchange of expertise in order to secure water resources and help prevent any water crisis around the world.

More than 1,800 attendees are expected, including governments, researchers, consultants, manufacturers, investors, and academic institutions. There will be roundtable discussions, lectures, technical sessions, as well as 27 workshops and interactive sessions that will discuss over 350 scientific papers. An exhibit will also be available that will showcase 70 companies from 20 different countries.

The Palm Jumeirah had the highest turnover by value: Dh58.1 million. Right behind Palm Jumeirah was Jebel Ali, Dh57.73. Al Barsha came in third at Dh51.61 million.

There were also Dh574.5 million in 61 mortgages registered. One was for Dh300 million in Jumeirah. The Trade Center area also had one for Dh84 million. 290 sales transactions were registered in freehold areas. Two hundred and seventy eight were for apartments and 12 were for villas. Thirty-six mortgages were also registered on apartments and villas.

Is this a sign that the economic crisis is dwindling? Many experts believe this is only a slight reprieve and that many sales and mortgage values will continue to drop in the next few months. However, apartment and office rents appear to have stabilized, but this is also a result of a greater supply.

The precursor for the layoffs seems to be the global financial crisis. With Dubai property values falling over 50 percent in the last year, Nakheel stated that they are evaluating its current projects, as well as its commitments. The company is also evaluating its costs.

Standard & Poor’s, a ratings agency, said another $10 billion is needed by Dubai. This funding is needed to help the area’s economic support fund, as well as to help government related companies

The job losses are expected to hit hard, especially since short term housing numbers are already on the rise. Many people are turning to these short term properties because of recent job loss or because their current jobs are uncertain.

With over 12,000 employees, Movenpick Hotels and Resorts is considered one of the best upscale hotel management companies. Over 90 hotels, some of which are still under construction, are represented by Movenpick. These hotels are located in 26 countries, with most located in the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Asia. By 2010, this international hotel group hopes to expand to over 100 hotels.

Movenpick Hotels & Resorts has positioned itself in the upscale hotel and resort segment. This group is owned by the Kingdom Group and Movenpick Holding. It is best known for its uncompromising quality and an extraordinary service quality.