BIPEX 2007 on track to open on 28 November 2007

Being held under the patronage of H.E. Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Minister of the Prime Minister's Court, Kingdom of Bahrain, the exhibition will be held at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre from Wednesday, 28 November till Friday, 30 November 2007.

Commenting on the initiative and the overall objectives of BIPEX 2007, Mr. Mohammed Khalil Alsayed, President, Bahrain Society of Engineers said:

'The Middle East has been witnessing robust growth in its non-oil sectors, with the real estate sector making a significant contribution to these impressive statistics. Investments in the real estate and infrastructure projects in the Gulf region alone are conservatively estimated at over $750bn. This sector has greatly benefited from the consistently high oil prices and repatriation of wealth to the region, which has created large investible surpluses in the oil-producing economies of the Gulf. Because of the conducive investment climate and liberal policies in these countries, these surplus funds are being invested in large real estate and infrastructure projects.'

'The Kingdom of Bahrain is no exception to this trend. It was the first country in the region to offer complete freehold benefits to property owners and is currently witnessing a significant northward movement in real estate and infrastructure development activity. BIPEX was conceptualised as we realized the need for an information conduit for property buyers, developers, financiers and real estate agents. Through BIPEX 2007 we aim to continue bringing together regional and international investors and real estate developers under one roof, showcasing a full spectrum of services required to make investing in real estate easy and putting the spotlight on the various development in the Kingdom,' Mr. Mohammed added.

Having attracted around 10,000 footfalls and exhibited real estate sector assets worth approx. $10bn in 2006, this year BIPEX 2007 will highlight the fast-changing international real estate scenario with particular focus on the Middle East, targeting investors, exhibitors and consultants alike.

According to Mr. Jameel Khalaf Al-Alawi, Director of Conferences, Bahrain Society of Engineers: 'Over the last four years, the BIPEX has acted as a catalyst in accelerating the region's growth and has also served as a window for real estate activity in the region. It is focused on highlighting projects and promoting greater interaction between prospective developers, financiers and end-users. BIPEX is among the leading exhibitions where buyers and sellers from around the globe meet to maximize on the available investment opportunities. Furthermore, it gives us immense delight to announce that our entire exhibition area has already being sold out,' Mr. Al-Alawi added.

Key sponsors for BIPEX 2007 include Ithmaar Development Bank Al-Argan Bahrain, Riffa Views, Al Areen Holding Company, Tabreed Bahrain, Marina West, BAZ Real Estate, Taiba Real Estate, Gulf Holding Company, Top Real Estate and Abraj Al Lulu.

In addition to the above mentioned, the exhibitors at BIPEX 2007 include 4u Properties, 4Ever Properties Real Estate, Amwaj Gateway, AAA Homes WLL, ACW Holdings, Ahli United Bank, Al Khaleej Development Co., Al Masaha Real Estate, Al Murahaba Real Estate, Al Safar Properties Int'l., Amar City Real Estate Properties, Asia Star Properties Int'l., Awan Group of Companies, Bank of Bahrain & Kuwait, Bahrain National Insurance, Bahrain Credit, Bahrain Real Estate Association, Basic System Bahrain, Cooperation Investment House, Crown Dilmun Development, Cozy Home, Dar Al Kawthar Real Estate, Deluxe Realty Estate, Energy Management Services, ERA Sky, Granata Group, Gulf Int'l. Investment, Landmark Bahrain Co. WLL, Landmark Properties WLL, Mashaer Company, Nili Properties, Olive VFM, Orchid Developers, Reef Real Estate Finance Co., SSG Stone Group, Sakana Holistic Housing Solutions, Sinclair Deville, Tabarak Group Company, Tadawal Real Estate, The Home Store, Wits Holcim Awards.

Spread over a total area of 6,000 sq. mt., BIPEX 2007 will be held at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre and is supported by the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

BIPEX 2007 will be open on all three days from 10 am to 9 pm. Admission is free for trade visitors invited guests and the general public.