Cityscape Abu Dhabi, the Middle East’s leading real estate development and investment event has opened today at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre; H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice-Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council toured the exhibition halls today.
Under the patronage of H.H General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and taking place from 22-25 April, the four-day event is the annual barometer for the Abu Dhabi and wider GCC real estate market, where thousands of investors gather to learn about the latest market trends and updates of many of Abu Dhabi’s master developments.
An anticipated highlight this year includes the latest developments of the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council’s (UPC) emirate-wide urban development strategy, Vision 2030, and the Emirati Housing initiative, where 7,500 new homes for Emirati families across all three regions of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Gharbia will be showcased.
His Excellency Falah Al Ahbabi, General Manager of UPC said: “With Abu Dhabi’s 2030 Urban Vision taking shape across the Emirate, we are keen to acknowledge and update stakeholders on how the UPC is implementing its various plans and initiatives.”
“By updating the public on the Emirate-wide urban development strategy we move further forward with establishing Abu Dhabi as the region’s catalyst for a truly sustainable, modern, vibrant, cosmopolitan and world-class Arab Capital for the 21st Century.”
Some of the other key developers taking part this year at Cityscape Abu Dhabi include Tamouh Investments, Sorouh, Aabar Properties, Mubadala, and the Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), which will provide updates about the progress of its most prestigious developments, with a major emphasis on Saadiyat.
The premier island destination will be featured in a totally new setting showcasing the actual experience and lifestyle of the island growing community. The master developer of major tourism destinations in Abu Dhabi will also showcase Abu Dhabi city projects such as Eastern Mangroves complex and will start registering bookings for its residential component in preparation of the actual launch.
“TDIC is looking forward to showcasing its most prestigious projects at this year’s Cityscape Abu Dhabi,” said Ahmed Al Fahim, TDIC Executive Director for Marketing, Communications, Sales and Leasing. We particularly look forward to highlighting our highly sought-after residential communities, and visitors to our stand will have a unique opportunity to learn more about these.”
Meanwhile Aldar Properties, another headline exhibitor has revealed its latest plans this year at Cityscape Abu Dhabi, including the announcement of Al Muneera and Al Zeina as the first beachfront residential developments in Abu Dhabi now available for purchase by national and international buyers. Prices for the two waterfront Al Raha Beach communities will start at just under AED700,000 for a one bedroom apartment.
A regular feature and highlight of Cityscape Abu Dhabi is the Middle East Real Estate Summit, where a panel of more than 35 industry leading speakers currently active in the Middle East will share their collective experience and tackle the major challenges facing the regional real estate sector.
Among the highlights of the two-day conference include the latest analyses, trends and economic indicators of the Middle East real estate market from Farouk Soussa, Chief Economist for the Middle East at Citi, UAE; and new deployment strategies of building a balanced, profitable real estate portfolio in regional markets by Faisal Khan, Principal at Abraaj Capital, UAE.
Tariq Ramada, Chairman of Tharaa Holding, UAE, and Joseph Bonner, Chief Investment Officer at Mubadala Pramerica, UAE, will also highlight how to develop increasingly sophisticated deal structures to increase real estate market activity and regional growth.
Also returning is the Cityscape Awards for Real Estate – MENA on Monday 23 April, rewarding the latest cutting-edge projects shaping modern city skylines across the Middle East and Africa.
The Awards come in eight categories and will be contested among 21 shortlisted organisations. Among the more notable shortlisted nominees include ADNEC for the Best Sustainable Development Award; Aldar and Mubadala for the Commercial, Office & Retail Project Award; and Sorouh Real Estate for the Mixed Use Project Award.
The Investor Round Tables, another event feature will take place from 22-24 April, where C-level investors and developers discuss partnership opportunities and strategy.
Chris Speller, Group Director for Cityscape Abu Dhabi said: “The sixth edition of Cityscape Abu Dhabi promises to be the most highly anticipated yet, with major announcements and development updates showing that Abu Dhabi’s real estate market is regaining momentum.
“The exhibition will be buzzing as leading developers take centre stage to provide updates of their headline projects, while the Middle East Real Estate Summit presents a unique business platform dedicated to addressing the challenges currently facing the regional real estate market.”
Cityscape Abu Dhabi has firmly established itself as the region’s leading real estate development and investment event, which last year attracted more than 25,000 visitors from 78 countries looking to learn of the latest developments and real estate market trends.
The Foundation Partner of Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2012 is the Department of Municipal Affairs, with Ubiquitous Telecom Technology supporting the event as the Silver Conference Partner.
