Cityscape to kick start inspired regional development

The forum will also stimulate innovative project financing for decades to come, according to the International Institute for Research (IIR), organiser of the Cityscape Property Investment Commercial Architecture and Development Conference.

IIR says the event will provide a window on how Middle East cities will develop as they strive to cope with rapidly rising populations and demand for more housing and infrastructure.

'The conference will enhance and support the vision for residential and commercial property growth in the Middle East,' said Neil Hickman, Cityscape Project Manager, IIR.

'Leading industry professionals will focus on the importance of creating the right environment for the long-term goals of attracting international property development investment and delivering sustainable solutions in the future.

'It will be an arena for discussing best practice and new and innovative property development ideas, as well as acting as a knowledge base that will educate and develop individuals within the industry.'

The senior-level forum will take place at the Grand Hyatt Dubai's conference centre, from October 18-20. It will bring together leading architects, international and regional property investment and development experts and urban planners from the US, Europe, Middle East and Far East.

Key issues to be examined include trends in regional and global property management; the impact of freehold on regional property investment; strategic planning of cities, including sustainable urban environments; transitional and emerging investment markets; integrating facility and property management and innovations in property development financing.

Among UAE speakers already confirmed are Saeed Al Muntafiq, Director General, Dubai Development and Investment Authority (DDIA); Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, Nakheel; Essam Al Tamimi, Managing Partner, Al Tamimi and Co and Dr Karim El Sohl, CEO, The National Investor.

International speakers will include: Sheikh Mohamed O Al Amoudi, Founder and Owner, Al Amoudi Group, Saudi Arabia; Esam Y Janahi, CEO, Gulf Finance House, Bahrain; James Wilson, Hotels and Resorts Advisor, IFA, Kuwait; Abdel-Rahman Solh, Director of Contracts and Corporate Marketing, Solidere, Lebanon; Stan Eichelbaum, President, Marketing Developments, US, John Shandwick, Managing Director, Encore Management, Switzerland, and George Ferguson, President Elect, the Royal British Institute of Architects.

The conference will be held alongside Cityscape 2003, the Middle East's only dedicated exhibition for the international commercial architecture, property design and development sectors. The conference and exhibition are officially supported by the DDIA.

'Cityscape will shed light on revolutions in urban development and the challenges facing Middle East planners as they struggle with rapid economic growth and demographic expansion. It will also highlight the tremendous investment opportunities available within the numerous high profile residential projects to be showcased,' said Hickman.