According to data from DTZ, the value of UK commercial property held by Middle Eastern investors has almost trebled in five years (£3.34bn in 2001) and now stands at £8.9bn. The average lot size for Middle Eastern investors is £59m.

Nick Edmondes, partner at Trowers and Hamlins which advises many Gulf-based funds, says: “Middle Eastern investors have come from being relatively small players in the UK property market five years ago to serious deal makers today.

“Middle Eastern investors are still building up their UK commercial property assets despite capital values already being high. They are confident that there is more capital growth to come and the prospects for rental growth in the city are good.”

According to Trowers and Hamlins, in the last year Middle Eastern investors have become the principal backers of several of the largest developments in Central London.

Two major skyscrapers planned for the City - the 288 metre Helter Skelter and the 242 metre Heron Tower - have recently secured backing from Middle East investors and are due to begin construction shortly. One Hyde Park, a £1.5bn residential scheme, at which an apartment was recently sold for £84 million, is being financed by the Foreign Minister of Qatar.