A study carried out by the University of Wollongong, Dubai (UOWD) has found that a serious shortage of skilled construction professionals is threatening the Gulf's booming real estate market.

The study claims companies are struggling to recruit enough qualified construction professionals  to fill top construction jobs despite offering high salaries and attractive benefit packages.

According to recruitment consultancy Macdonald & Company salaries in the Gulf real estate sector rose by as much as 22 per cent during 2007 and more than 90% of construction professional employees receive additional peaks, including health insurance, annual travel expenses and flights, and performance-related bonus.

"In such a scenario, there is need for trained and focused construction professionals who will direct and execute projects to global standards," commented Lejla Vrazalic, chairman of UOWD's College of Undergraduate Studies.