Conference findings on the future of the real estate industry in Abu Dhabi

The one day conference held in Abu Dhabi yesterday attracted 200 professionals from the real estate and construction industry who gathered to debate issues surrounding sustainable development in the UAE and globally. The audience was addressed by three keynote speakers, joined by a panel of international and local experts. The sessions concluded with short discussion forums to allow for a share of views.

Speakers included ALDAR Properties Chief Investment Officer, John Shaw who spoke about Urban Planning and Sustainable Development. He explained, "ALDAR are in the privileged position of developing some of Abu Dhabi's most strategic sites. We aim to do this in a way which adds value to the immediate and wider community."

"At the same time, we will show that careful planning and attention to detail will deliver high quality products which address key needs and overcome the difficulties associated with re-development of sensitive sites," he concluded.

ALDAR Properties has announced a substantial number of projects since its creation in April 2005 and currently have over 30 million square metres of land valuing over AED 40 billion. These have added value to Abu Dhabi's economy and have addressed gaps within the local and international markets. Abu Dhabi is an emerging global player and ALDAR is fulfilling its role by contributing to the solid foundations of the emirate.

The forum created an opportunity for lively debate and concluded with a wishlist for future activity within the city, emirate and UAE as a whole. Action points agreed included:

• The aim to create sustainable community based developments which add value and offer the best long-term investor returns through the creation of jobs, housing and services.

• The establishment of a comprehensive Abu Dhabi enviro-development program in association with the Government and international organizations to include; cooperation on global warming and comprehensive environmental assessments to ensure there is no risk of long term damage.

• To provide the funding for innovative research through institutions such as Higher Colleges of Technology to reduce dependence on air-conditioning and undertake further environmental research and measurements.

• To ensure that infrastructure is kept significantly ahead of development and to analyze total life cycle cost, not just design and build.