Cityscape Abu Dhabi opens in under one week

With less than one week to go until doors open, Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2011 aims to aid the restoration of investor confidence and knowledge at the region's most premier exhibition for the real estate industry.

Taking place from 17-20 April 2011 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Cityscape Abu Dhabi will be the largest gathering of real estate professionals in the Middle East so far this year and is being held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Going into its fifth consecutive year, Cityscape Abu Dhabi offer developers an opportunity to connect with the investors and end users, further understanding their aspirations. Understanding the need for more transparent processes and a steady stream of up to date information for property professionals, the exhibition Introduces local, regional and international projects to a global audience. The highly anticipated exhibition will host exhibitors from the region and across the globe, including Mubadala Real Estate & Hospitality, Al Qudra, the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council, Aldar, Baniyas, Sorouh, TDIC, ICT, DMA and Burooj. 

Cityscape Abu Dhabi will welcome back a number of popular features as well as some brand new elements. Providing a platform for those involved within the market to network with those alike and potential business associates, Cityscape Abu Dhabi will offer a unique mix of face-to-face networking opportunities including the Investor Round Tables. These will offer an exclusive opportunity for leading institutional investors and developers to discuss hot sectors and partnership opportunities, as well as share strategy, within an intimate environment. There will be multiple Investor Round Tables running throughout the course of the exhibition, each with a specific focus on a key sector. 

One of the exhibition's new networking initiatives is the Business Matching Service which gives participants the opportunity to pre-arrange meetings with industry colleagues at Cityscape Abu Dhabi. Giving direct access to exhibitors and visitors before the doors open, in the free dedicated business-networking lounge in Hall 3, the Business Matching Service offers everyone the opportunity to target and connect with new prospective business partners. Additional networking events will include the annual exhibitor cocktail party which provides an outstanding opportunity for international and regional executives to meet and network in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.

A number of exhibitors have already announced their enthusiasm in using Cityscape Abu Dhabi as a platform to target their key markets. One such exhibitor, Reem Investments, an Abu Dhabi-based private company, has announced plans for a 42 luxury villa waterfront community at Najmat, the master developer's $8bn real estate project at Reem Island, Abu Dhabi. The 42 villas, comprising three, four and five bedrooms, will be available for lease directly from Reem Investments, which will spotlight the project at Cityscape Abu Dhabi. The villas are expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2012. 

Baniyas Investment and Development Company, the investment arm of the Bani Yas Sports Club, will showcase Bawabat Al Sharq Phase II premium Garden Homes and Apartments at Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2011. Speaking of their participation this year, Wael El Ashry, commercial vice president, commented, "We are very excited about our participation in Cityscape, in this year's event we have an impressive line up of new products, Cityscape for us is the best opportunity for understanding the market and interacting with our clients."

CB Richard Ellis, the world's leading commercial property and real estate services adviser, will be showcasing their portfolio of projects at the exhibition. Nicholas Maclean, managing director of CB Richard Ellis Middle East, said; "Abu Dhabi continues to innovate and has a number of exciting and interesting real estate and infrastructure developments in the pipeline, including the pioneering Capital Gate Tower and the Guggenheim Museum. Cityscape Abu Dhabi continues to be the premier outlet for showcasing these projects." 

Maclean and his team of real estate experts will be available during Cityscape Abu Dhabi to discuss future developments of the company, "At this year's event CB Richard Ellis will be showcasing the latest projects we are working on, including the management of the soon to be completed International Tower at Capital Centre, ADNEC, the first internationally recognised "grade A" development on Abu Dhabi island, as well as discussing the findings from our latest retail report, which highlights a very positive outlook for the UAE market."

Locally based exhibitor Abu Dhabi Commercial Properties (ADCP), a leading real estate services provider, will also be citing Cityscape Abu Dhabi as a prime platform. Noel Roberts, head of asset management, expressed, "We are delighted to be part of Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2011. We will be presenting AD-1 Tower @ Capital Centre, ADNEC, which is a fantastic new mixed use project developed by ADCP situated on a prime plot within ADNEC's Capital Centre master plan."

In celebration of the industry's innovators and achievers, the Cityscape Abu Dhabi Awards will take place at a lavish Gala Dinner on April 18, 2011 at Emirates Palace. Regarded as a testament to a company's commitment to excellence, whilst adding value to its long-term vision, these awards provide further recognition to companies who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence. The anticipation grows as the shortlisted nominees have been announced - these include Khatib & Alami, Majid Al Futaim and TECOM Investments for the Best Sustainable Development Award; Aldar Properties PJSC, Donner & Sorcinelli Architetti for Best Urban Design & Master Planning Award; plus many more projects which will be recognised through other such categories including Commercial, Office & Retail Project Award (Future & Built) and Residential Project Award (Built & Future). 

The exhibition will host the first Middle East Real Estate Summit taking place on the first three days of the exhibition. Bringing together regional and international experts, the Summit will be a meeting point for the Middle East's most forward-thinking leaders to tackle the current challenges facing the industry. One key focus during the Summit will be to discuss how the region can alleviate the demand for Affordable Housing, while still retaining profit, with speakers including Sundar Parthasarathy, Executive vice president & head of consumer at Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank; Philip Ward, CEO at Abu Dhabi Finance; and Richard Bowker, CEO at CBE Union Railway, providing insider insight.

Other high profile speakers at this year's Summit will include H.E Majed Ali Al Mansouri, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Department of Municipal Affairs; Peter Wilding, Executive Director of Mubadala Real Estate and Hospitality; Faisal Khan, Principle of Abraaj Capital; and Varun Sood, CEO of Home Finance at Tamweel; plus other members of the industry's elite. 

Chris Speller, group director of Cityscape Abu Dhabi said, "Following a challenging economic year in 2010, it is enlightening that investor confidence in the market is making a slow yet steady rise. Cityscape Abu Dhabi deems it vital to contribute to this growing understanding of the real estate sector within the region, and to restore positivity within the market. The exhibition will act as a premier platform for property professionals to discuss, network and retain further knowledge on what is a complex and uncertain market."

Cityscape Abu Dhabi will take place from 17-20 April at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). Headline Sponsor of Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2011 is Mubadala Real Estate & Hospitality Holding Company LLC, Foundation Partner is the Department of Municipal Affairs and Platinum Sponsors are Al Qudra Real Estate LLC, Aabar Properties.