Business | Property
Premier realty exhibition begins
The second edition of Cityscape Abu Dhabi, an annual networking exhibition and conference, began here on Tuesday, featuring more than 300 exhibitors - both regional and international - including investors, property developers, leading architects and designers.
- By Himendra Mohan Kumar, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:41 May 14, 2008
- Image Credit: Ravindranath/Gulf News
- Visitors tour the CityScape Exhibition on the opening day at Abu Dhabi Exhibition Centre on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi: The second edition of Cityscape Abu Dhabi, an annual networking exhibition and conference, began here on Tuesday, featuring more than 300 exhibitors - both regional and international - including investors, property developers, leading architects and designers.
Projects in Abu Dhabi were valued at more than $327 billion during last year's Cityscape, according to figures released by the event organisers - IIR Middle East.
A substantial increase in project value is expected this year as scores of new major developments have been announced.
The forum, which showcases the very best in real estate, architecture, urban planning and design globally, is likely to be attended by more than 25,000 participants from as many as 100 different countries.
General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, inaugurated the exhibition.
Shaikh Sultan Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) and Chairman of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre (Adnec), was also present, as were several high-ranking government officials and senior company executives.
Major local exhibitors include Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council, Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority, Al Qudra Real Estate, Al Rayan Investment Company, Aldar Properties, Burooj Properties, Dubai Lifestyle City, Dubai Pearl, Dubai Sports City, Dubai World Central, Emirates Green Building Council, etisalat, Hydra Properties, Manazel Real Estate Company, Masdar Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, Mubadala Development Company, National Bank of Abu Dhabi, Omniyat Properties, Pearl Properties, Rak Properties, Rakaa Properties, Reem Developers, Schon Properties, Sharjah Investment Centre, Sorouh, SS Lootah International, Tameer Holding Investment, Tamouh and Tamweel.
Good response
A senior Aldar executive said the company has had a tremendous response from potential investors on the opening day.
"We are showcasing three of our proposed mixed-use developments - Al Khubeira, Al Dana Towers and Al Zeina and we are absolutely thrilled with what we have seen," Ousama Ghannoum said.
Gurjit Singh, Sorouh's chief property development officer, said the company is showcasing three of its proposed projects in Abu Dhabi, all under mixed use - Lulu, Al Ghadeer and The Gate.
"The projects are cumulatively valued in excess of Dh15 billion. The exhibition allows us to create high brand awareness and by what we have seen by way of enquiries so far, it's quite heartening," Singh said.
"The exhibition is a huge consumer-to-business market place."
Banu Tas, general manager of Deerfields Town Square, said they are meeting retailers at the exhibition in a bid to rent out retail space for their proposed shopping centre.
Deerfields Town Square is a proposed Dh1 billion mixed-use development adjacent to the Dubai highway near the Abu Dhabi international airport.
"We are getting good response from retailers. We will sign leasing agreements ranging from two to 10 years with retailers after we shortlist them," Tas said. "We are not selling anything here, just raising awareness about our project, and about our company MBI."
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