Ali El Battay
Assistant Professor
Arabian Gulf University
Bahrain

Biography
Dr. Ali Elbattay got his PhD (Environmental SAR specialization) from INRS-ete (Canada) in 2006. He joined as researcherlecturer the Faculty of Geoinformation Science and Engineering Universiti Teknologi Malaysia in 2007. In 2011, He joined Arabian Gulf University as Assistant Professor (Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics) at College of Graduate Studies. His research interests are in Theoretical aspects of Proactive Remote Sensing and Geospatial applications for LCLU, Environmental/hydrological monitoring and modeling.

Abstract
Using Geospatial Techniques to Compare Real Estate Potential of two residential Manmade Islands; Reef Island and Amwaj Islands in the Kingdom of Bahrain

Since more than a decade, kingdom of Bahrain, as many other GCC countries adopted a policy of land reclamation as manmade artificial islands. Many of these artificial islands are intended mainly for high standing and luxurious residential purpose with significant components of recreational and touristic facilities. Amwaj Island and Reef Island are two examples of successful manmade islands in Bahrain where investors and home buyers find it difficult to choose. Both projects started less than ten years ago (2004) and are in different stages of development. This study focused on the use of geospatial techniques to produce a comprehensive comparison between both developments (at the level of the whole island not individual buildings). A series of high resolution optical images (RapidEye) was used to extract main features in both islands (temporal percentage of achievement, road density, building crowdiness, beach ratio and quality convenience, waterfront dwelling ratio, etc). Thermal bands from Landsat 7 were used to extract water surface temperature during March, July and September 2012. A complete Real Estate Database where more than three thousand records along with field work data were combined to statistically perform a Real Estate Trend Analysis. Results obtained was then compiled and presented via GIS technique to produce various maps to help future investors/home buyer in their decision making process. Results show that Reef Island is developing more as a mega compound where Amwaj Island tends towards becoming a mini- city. Both Islands have a sale density of around 100 unit/km2 while Amwaj Island has more offers for rent 600 unit/km2 versus 250 at Reef Island. For beaches and recreation it turns that Amwaj Island has more variety of beaches with bathymetry allowing a gradiant of temperature more suitable for many period of the year. Even though, this study has focuses on the island as a whole, which gives the contextual environment to perform a determination of the real value of their properties. Geospatial techniques are a crucial element for a more holistic business intelligence model for the vibrant real estate market in the island state of Bahrain.