'Cityscape Abu Dhabi has a promising future'

Cityscape Dubai has enjoyed phenomenal success over the last four years. Extensive regional research revealed the need for an additional event within the region.

With over $270 billion (Dh991.52 billion) in new construction projects planned in the city, we decided that Abu Dhabi was the perfect destination.

The Dubai and Abu Dhabi events will complement each other and aim to further exploit the mega-projects and outstanding growth potential of the region's property development and investment markets.

Abu Dhabi with its population of over one million inhabitants is by far the wealthiest of the seven emirates that form the UAE, and last year it had the highest per capita income in the world at $46,147 (Dh169,465).

A string of high-profile announcements for development projects in the UAE has given unprecedented momentum to the real estate sector in Abu Dhabi.

Having rolled out a number of projects on a grand scale over the past two years, in more recent times, the UAE capital has captured the headlines with projects notable for their ambition and style.

Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2007 is a much-needed platform for property developers and cities from around the world to source investment from the Middle East and international investors seeking investment opportunities in what is clearly one of the most vibrant property development markets in the world.

Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2007 is also the best place to source both architectural design solutions and engineering consultancy.

In all, Cityscape Abu Dhabi is showcasing more than 200 exhibitors from over 50 countries, covering a total of 25,000 square metres.

In addition, two parallel conferences will run alongside the exhibition, one of which will focus on waterfront developments and the other on real estate finance.

Another highlight of the three-day programme is the Cityscape Real Estate Awards - rewarding excellence in real estate investment and development, which complements the hugely successful Cityscape Architectural Review Awards held last year in Dubai.

I am delighted that General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces has agreed to become patron of Cityscape Abu Dhabi.

Reserving over 2,000 square metres, local industry heavyweights such as Al Qudra Real Estate, Reem Developers, Sorouh Real Estate, Tamouh Investments, TDIC and Aldar Properties, who are developing projects worth over $60 billion (Dh220 billion), have all demonstrated solid support for the show.

I would like to quote Ahmad Humaid Al Mazrouie, Director General, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) who said, "Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2007 is yet another milestone in Abu Dhabi's property development plans.

"Currently Abu Dhabi attracts $4 billion (Dh14.69 billion) annually in foreign direct investment (FDI) and showcasing major construction projects from around the region through events such as this will significantly increase the flow of FDI, not only to Abu Dhabi but throughout the Middle East."

I believe Cityscape Abu Dhabi has a promising future. We at the Institute for International Research (IIR), which is the undisputable regional market leader in the conference and training sector, aim to complement and grow Cityscape Abu Dhabi with the development and growth strategies of the capital city.