London-based Lewis Charles Securities has decided to open an Abu Dhabi-focused real estate fund as it looks to tap into the increasing property values of the Middle East.

Stavros Loizou, chief executive at Lewis Charles, said the fund would invest in commercial and residential property in Abu Dhabi "to take advantage of a solid economy", adding that "aside from the 100 years plus of oil remaining in Abu Dhabi's oil fields, its economic diversification process has only serve to make it a more important location."