Cityscape Abu Dhabi, premier realty event

Given the estimated $270 billion worth of real estate development projects in the UAE capital city, this event carries the highest level of support.

Organiser Rohan Marwaha commented: 'We are honoured that His Highness Sheikh Mohamed has agreed to patronise Cityscape Abu Dhabi. This clearly emphasises the importance of the property market to the Abu Dhabi government, underscores their proactive and enthusiastic support for the industry and the integral role Cityscape Abu Dhabi plays bringing regional and international industry professionals together.

'Abu Dhabi holds enormous potential for both investors and developers. Clearly it has the financial stability to induce confidence from even the most cautious investors.

'In 2005 Abu Dhabi had the highest per capita income in the world at $46,147 and currently pumps 3.5 million barrels of oil per day generating in excess of $90 billion annually, with proven reserves for another 150 years.'

Waterfront theme

Granted the location of the city on the Persian Gulf, it is hardly surprising that waterfront properties have become a prime focus for developers who appreciate the additional value placed on such property worldwide.

But Abu Dhabi is placing a special emphasis on respecting its environment and unspoiled coastline, home to many uninhabited islands and fragile eco-systems.

The Waterfront Development Conference @ Cityscape Abu Dhabi brings together international leaders in waterfront development planning, design and construction to discuss the key issues affecting developers and investors. Speakers include the wealth of regional experience now available from projects like The World in Dubai, Oman's The Wave and The Pearl Qatar.

Cityscape Abu Dhabi also features a dedicated real estate finance conference which focuses on the opportunities presented by Abu Dhabi's continued development.

Financial expertise

The conference brings together more than fifty industry experts and will address Islamic real estate investment highlighting the growth of the Shari'ah compliant real estate sector and share with case studies on Sukuks in real estate and the associated risks in real estate financing.

And it will examine how private equity, REITs and IPOs are now becoming the new gateway to real estate investment in the Middle East. Here speakers from Morgan Stanley, Credit Suisse and Citigroup underline just how seriously the international financial community takes the world's newest property market in Abu Dhabi.

In addition to HH Sheikh Mohamed's patronage, regional industry backing has been unequivocal with TDIC, Aldar Properties, Sorouh, Tamouh Investments, Aqaba Development Corporation, ESCAN signed up as platinum sponsors, with ZonesCorp and Dubai-based Amlak Finance taking the gold sponsorship package.