H.E. Mohammad Al Gergawi, minister of state for cabinet affairs of the Federal Government of the United Arab Emirates and executive chairman of Dubai Holding, has inaugurated the sixth edition of Cityscape Dubai, claimed to be the world’s biggest B2B real estate show.
Cityscape Dubai 2007, which takes place at Dubai International Exhibition Centre on October 16-18, 2007, is booked by more than 1,000 exhibitors showcasing a variety of real estate projects over 70,000 square metres of exhibition space. The three-day event is expected to attract 45,000 regional and international investors, property developers, governmental and development authorities, leading architects, designers, consultants and industry professionals from more than 120 countries – a 28 per cent increase on last year’s attendance, and double the number of participants in 2005.
“The progress of Cityscape as an event underscores the growth of Middle Eastern companies as formidable players in the global real estate industry,” said Gergawi after touring the exhibition.
“In 2002, the Middle East attracted the best talent among global real estate service providers and we were the buyers. In 2007, we are not just a marketplace. Our project management expertise and real estate asset creation skills are being sought after by countries across the world. We now house the world’s biggest property exhibition and also are home to some of the world’s most prominent master developers.”
According to Gergawi, the Middle East property market has taken “great strides” since Cityscape was first held in 2002, and now stands out as a leading property market for investors from around the world. In particular, he pointed to the support inward investment has received from the creation of regulatory bodies that ensure greater clarity in real estate laws.
“The Real Estate Regulatory Authority in Dubai, Sultani Decree No 12/2006 in Oman and the Dubai Land Department’s Escrow Law 8 have made the sector even more safe and friendly for investors, developers and end-users,” he said.
Rohan Marwaha, group director of Cityscape for organisers IIR Middle East, said Cityscape Dubai’s rapid growth over the last five years underscored the achievements of Middle East companies on the world stage.
Cityscape Dubai has attracted wide industry support, including platinum sponsors Emaar Properties, Tanmiyat Investment Group, Aldar Properties, Dar Al Arkan, Nakheel, and Qatari Diar; gold sponsors Tameer Holdings and Saraya Holdings; and silver sponsor Aqaba Development Corporation.
The success of Cityscape Dubai has contributed to the launch of sister events around the world, including Cityscape Abu Dhabi, Cityscape Asia and Cityscape China. The latest editions are Cityscape India in November and Cityscape South America, which is planned for December.
