ABU DHABI - Cityscape Abu Dhabi, the emirate’s leading property investment and development event, opens on Tuesday, against the backdrop of a resoundingly positive exhibitor sentiment triggered by the Abu Dhabi government’s recent US$13.6 billion economic stimulus package and new visa and business incentives.
More than 60 national, regional and international developers and suppliers are taking part in the show, the 13th in the annual series which runs at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) until April 18, with many exhibitors unveiling major new project launches.
"Throughout the build-up to the show we have heard strong optimism from exhibitors who believe recent government moves within the emirate and at a national level will be significant spurs to the Abu Dhabi’s real estate eco-system," said Chris Speller, Cityscape Group Director at Informa Exhibitions, which organises the event.
Some 15,000 plus buyers and investors are expected at Cityscape Abu Dhabi, which is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, with the projects spanning the entire spectrum of purchasing power, from premium luxury to more affordable options to meet buyer preferences.
Among the exhibitor line-up are: Aldar, Azizi, ZonesCorp the show’s Platinum Sponsors, Imkan Properties, Arada, Bloom Holding, Binghatti, Wahat Al Zaweya Investment & Real Estate Development LLC and Baniyas Investment & Development.
Meanwhile, the exclusive, invite-only, Abu Dhabi Cityscape Conference, which will run tomorrow, and its associated free-to-attend Talks series, running April 17 and 18, will probe emerging real estate industry trends and how the sector’s role in the economic equation is changing.
"The programme will be delivered by some of the industry’s most highly-respected business analysts, strategists and government authorities," explained Speller. "They will provide insights into the most talked about topics in real estate today – both domestically and in the overseas markets - enabling attendees to learn about regional and foreign growth strategies, opportunities and hot spots and stay one step ahead of the game." The conference will also feature a dedicated ‘Daring to Disrupt’ segment, drilling down into the PropTech revolution and how AI, Blockchain are transforming many players in property management, construction, maintenance, land registration and legal services into high-tech ventures.
The Cityscape Talks platform includes seminars from experts who will outline how to maximise investments and identify market trends.
For the first time, an architecture and design programme will run parallel to the Conference, which will ‘will give a platform to architects and planners to tackle major built environment issues, including sustainability.
This dialogue is modelled as a 360-degree overview of design for the future exploring its impact on wellness, happiness and a sustainable built environment, how architects are responding to, and working with, technological developments, the business case for sustainable design, inclusive design.
The programme will also take a behind-the-scenes look at the design and construction of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, conceptualised by the Pritzker-prize-winning, French starchitect Jean Nouvel.
Design dialogue participants include: Jourdan Younis, Director, Alpin Limited; Kourosh Salehi, Design Director, LWK & Partners; Brian Cole, Director, BuroHappold Engineering; Dr. Ali Amiri, Head of Department for Sustainability, Ramboll Middle East; Goffredo Puccetti, Assistant Professor of Practice, New York University Abu Dhabi.
"This dialogue is essential engagement for all involved in the design sector whether young graduates starting out or more experienced professionals wanting to stay abreast of evolutions within the sector," added Speller.
"In essence Cityscape Abu Dhabi goers can take advantage of three days of exceptional learning and knowledge-sharing. Issues to be explored span the entire real estate and development delivery chain from initial design, throughout build, sales and marketing, legalities and completion while getting invaluable insights from some of the region’s brightest minds." The Conference is supported by ADCP, Platinum Plus Conference Sponsor, Provis, Platinum Conference, and Gold Conference Sponsors Eltizam and LWK+Partners.
© Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2019.
