Slowdown fails to dampen enthusiasm for Cityscape Abu Dhabi

According to the organisers IIR Middle East, available exhibition space at Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2009 - which takes place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from 19 - 22 April - is already more than 85% sold and the event has the support and sponsorship of some of the region's biggest real estate players.

Indeed a Jones Lang LaSalle MENA Investor Sentiment Survey published in the final quarter of 2008 recognised Abu Dhabi as the GCC market where real estate market conditions are expected to improve the most over the next 12-24 months. 'It is apparent that this market is seeing major growth as revenues from the oil sector are being invested in urban infrastructure and real estate projects within the emirate.'

Mark Goodchild, Exhibition Director for Cityscape Abu Dhabi, said:

"The UAE capital of Abu Dhabi is currently one of the most talked about real estate markets in the world. While the global property development industry is currently facing certain challenges, Cityscape Abu Dhabi provides a timely opportunity to reassess where the longer-term returns for real estate investment lies."

Cityscape Abu Dhabi will bring together regional and international investors, architects, designers, developers, government authorities, key decision makers and senior executives involved in the design and construction of both public and private real estate developments.

Running alongside the exhibition is the Real Estate Finance and Investment Conference, featuring more than 100 speakers from the world's leading finance, investment and real estate companies. The conference will be an exciting forum for in-depth discussion on the current market challenges and for formulating cutting-edge strategies during these turbulent times.

Real estate development and architecture companies who are at the forefront of the industry are to be recognised at the Cityscape Middle East Real Estate Awards, sponsored by Etisalat, RAK Ceramics, Gaggenau and 2ig. Entries will be judged on their contribution to world architecture culture, invention and imagination, respect for people, the planet, context, environmental awareness and appropriateness throughout the Middle East & North Africa region.

Support for Cityscape Abu Dhabi covers a wide industry base. Headline sponsor is Mubadala Real Estate & Hospitality. Platinum sponsors are Aldar Properties, Sorouh Real Estate, Al Qudra Real Estate, The Land Holding, Qatari Diar and Burooj Properties. The Investment sponsor is Abu Dhabi Investment House. Associate sponsor is the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipal Affairs. Gold sponsors include Tameer Holding Investment and Al Maabar International Investments.