Dubai could scrap 27 building projects, according to the head of its real estate regulator.??

Marwan bin Ghalita, the head of the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (Rera), told news website Emirates Business 24-7 that a decision would be made by the end of the month. “The decision has not been made. There are projects all over Dubai – third -party projects (sub developers).”

Elsewhere, local media reports that Dubai developer Emaar Properties says it is to recruit 1,600 new employees despite being hit hard by the financial crisis as thousands lose their jobs in the emirate.

The firm, which incurred a net loss of more than $481m in the final quarter of last year, said it sought to complete the recruiting process within three months, adding that new staff were required in its retail, hospitality and entertainment divisions.