Cityscape India capitalises on global brand dominance

The inaugural Cityscape India - which takes place at the Bombay Exhibition Centre from 19-21 November 2007 - will be building on the phenomenal success of Cityscape Dubai 2007, which concluded recently having smashed all previous records. More than 1,000 exhibitors showcased a dazzling variety of real estate projects over 70,000 square metres of exhibition space.

The Dubai event attracted over 52,000 investors, property developers, government and development authorities, architects, designers, consultants and industry professionals from more than 120 countries.

IIR Middle East, organisers of the Cityscape series, believes the Mumbai event has the potential to emulate Dubai's exponential growth. 'Industry professionals who have witnessed the remarkable development of the Cityscape brand since 2002 are naturally drawing parallels between the growth in both the Indian and the Middle Eastern property markets,' said Rohan Marwaha, Group Director of Cityscape.

'Cityscape Dubai is now firmly established as the world's biggest business-to-business real estate event and has extended its international reach. The brand value of Cityscape is clearly evident, last year we successfully launched shows in Singapore and Shanghai, next year we open in New York and this year we're inaugurating events in Brazil and of course India.'

As an example of Cityscape's brand 'globalisation', Dubai-based international master developer, Limitless, is participating at Mumbai. In a joint venture with DLF, they are planning to build India's biggest new urban community - a $12bn, 4,000 hectare mixed-use project near Bangalore.

In addition, companies from New Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and naturally Mumbai, are set to converge at the show, adding substance to the national appeal of Cityscape India. Industry majors such as Shipra, Taneja, Shristi and Lodha will be on show at the event. (I've kept the company brand names only to reduce the word count and accentuate their importance)

It is estimated that the value of the Indian real estate market will climb towards $50bn by 2010. With a population of 1.2bn, growing annually by 1.4% and economic growth of around 9% a year, demand for both residential and commercial space is expected to reach 70m square feet within three years.

Cityscape India will provide an international platform to enhance residential, retail and commercial property growth and highlight unparalleled investment opportunities. The event brings together investors, real estate developers, architects and designers, governmental authorities and senior professionals involved in the design and construction of public and private real estate developments.

The Cityscape India Conference will also address topical issues concerning the Indian real estate community and allow professionals to share international best practice. Top international industry figures such as American Donald Trump Jr., will line-up with renowned Indian experts Ashish Raheja, Managing Director, K. Raheja Universal and Anand Jain, Chairman, Reliance SEZ.

Cityscape India has already drawn solid home-grown and international support from leading industry players. Jordan-based Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, Dheeraj & East Coast, from Dubai and major Indian developer Shipra Group, have all confirmed platinum sponsorship deals. Tanmiyat and Damac of the United Arab Emirates have confirmed gold sponsorship while global property service company GVA Intercapitalis and India developer Shristi have taken silver.