Jan. 14 (Bloomberg) -- Dubai, the Gulf emirate that just inaugurated the world’s tallest building, said it is ready to host the United Nations headquarters if the organization decides to relocate from New York City.
Dubai is the “ideal choice,” the government’s official press office said in an e-mailed statement today, because of its geographic location and efficient transport network.
The city is closer to some of the UN’s biggest trouble spots in Somalia and Yemen and to Israel and Palestine as well as Iran and Pakistan.
Dubai’s property sector, where construction of homes and offices outpaced demand causing prices to drop by half, could benefit from the influx of at least 6,000 UN staff, who will require office and residential space. Total office space in Dubai will double to about 6 million square meters by the end of 2011, Colliers International estimates, even as 40 percent of the sheikhdom’s current offices stand empty.
The UN headquarters is currently undergoing a $1.9 billion makeover to its New York-based headquarters which has led to the temporary relocation of its staff. Renovations are due for completion in 2013. The current location, on Manhattan’s East River, has long been subject to criticism as many diplomats struggle to obtain U.S. visas and New York residents suffer from the inconveniences of traffic gridlock caused by visiting dignitaries.
“The emirate welcomes channels of dialogue with the directors of the international organization to show them what Dubai can offer,” Dubai’s government said in the statement.
Last month, Dubai received a $10 billion lifeline from Abu Dhabi, the capital and richest member of the federation. Dubai borrowed at least $80 billion until 2008 to turn itself into a financial and tourism hub.
