DUBAI, Oct 21 (Reuters) - Dubai-based Property Finder

said on Tuesday it had received $250 million in debt financing

from investment manager Ares Management ( ARES ) as the

classifieds firm raises funds to accelerate growth in the

region.

"This transaction allows us to accelerate our growth in the

region through investments in product innovation, AI-driven

solutions, marketing & branding and strategic partnerships,"

Michael Lahyani, Property Finder's founder and CEO said in a

statement.

Founded nearly two decades ago, Property Finder is one of

the Middle East's leading real estate classifieds platforms,

competing with rivals such as Dubizzle and Bayut.

Last year, Francisco Partners provided $90 million in debt

financing to the company, while last month Permira and

Blackstone acquired a $525 million minority stake, in a

sign of continued investor appetite in Dubai's real estate

market.