Cityscape wraps-up in Abu Dhabi

The tone for the event was clearly outlined from the start, with Arabic culture, sustainable growth, FDI and environmental planning the distinguishing features of the industry showcase.

Under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Cityscape Abu Dhabi witnessed 17,000 participants over three days, a record for the 'new' Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). In addition 200 exhibitors from 50 different countries covered 25,000 square metres of exhibition space with more than US$ 400 billion worth of projects on show, many highlighting a contemporary if not futurist 'green' theme.

Mark Goodchild, Exhibition Manager, commented,

"This is a remarkable feat for a first time event, and underscores the importance that the Abu Dhabi stresses on their urban planning. Abu Dhabi has a clear strategy for the development of the capital and many of the projects on display provided synergy with that policy."

Following the inauguration by HH Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nayan, National Security Advisor, Abu Dhabi, a host of other VIPs paid personal and official visits to the event such as HH Sheikh Nahayan Mubarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Education and HH Sheikh Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, plus numerous government officials and other dignitaries.

Running alongside the exhibition were two parallel conferences, one which focused on 'Waterfront Developments' and the other on 'Real Estate Finance and Investment'. The highlight was undoubtedly the opening address by Falah Mohammed Al Ahbabi, Associate Director, Urban Planning, Executive Affairs Authority of Abu Dhabi, who described in detail the process behind Abu Dhabi's urban development plan which is due to unveiled within the coming months.

Stressing government concerns regarding the environmental impact of ill-considered development, he, stated, "Abu Dhabi will respect, be scaled to and shaped by the neutral environment of sensitive coastal and desert ecologies. Abu Dhabi needs to grow and grow it will, but our future will not be held hostage to uncontrolled expansion."

Complying with that criteria Japanese architect NIKKEN, the largest consultant in the world, was keen to promote environmentally conscious architecture by featuring its state-of-the-art concept project named 'The ECO Tower'. If realised the building will provide the most 'Green Architecture' in the UAE and could achieve up to a 50 per cent saving in energy consumption, through the use of the latest technology.

But it was not just about environmental issues, futurist 'Cybertect' James Law with his unique brand of design, was featuring his iPad project, a building that literally looks like a giant leaning iPod.

"The project features 231 'intelligent' apartments equipped with a host of advanced electronics which can change the view from any individual apartment, check on the resident's health and project the tenant's favourite works of art. We aim to expand our operations in the Middle East and the response we have witnessed here so far at Cityscape Abu Dhabi endorses that decision," said Law.

Also making a splash at Cityscape Abu Dhabi was GHESA Fountains, a specialist turnkey organisation in the design, project and installation of ornamental and cybernetic musical fountains and multimedia shows. Appearing for the first time live in the Middle East, CEO, Carlos Pissarra, commented, "Lots of people ask if it is a video projection...but it is not, nor is it lighting effect, it is simply the most advanced water technology available. It can write phrases in any language and draw any type of logo. I am very pleased with the response here I must have had over a thousand trade visitors to my stand."

In terms of 'home-grown' projects many of the major developers were participating. TDIC featured its prestigious US$ 27 billion Saadiyat Island development, ALDAR Properties showcased the US$ 18 billion Al Raha Beach project and the breathtaking Yas Island project which includes the Ferrari Theme Park and Race Track, estimated at a cool US$ 40 billion.

Sorouh exhibited their US$ 6 billion Al Shams Development with Tamouh Investments showing off the US$ 8 billion Al Reem Island Development. The US$ 9 billion Danet Abu Dhabi, Al Qudra Real Estate's landmark project and ADNEC's US$ 2 billion Capital Centre project, were both prominently displayed.