Gergawi to inaugurate Cityscape 2003

Cityscape 2003, incorporating a conference and exhibition, will bring together the world's leading architects, international and regional property investment and development experts and urban planners to address the key development challenges facing Middle East cities.

In a keynote address to the Cityscape conference, Salem bin Dasmal, Deputy Director General, DDIA, will provide an update on the latest real estate developments and trends in the Gulf Cooperation Council region and wider Middle East.

Among other critical issues to be examined at the conference will be the impact of freehold on property investment in the region; emerging property investment opportunities in the GCC, including Saudi Arabia; innovative financing solutions; real estate investment strategies and the key role of research in maximising property investment returns.

Among the high profile speakers lined up for the conference are Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman, Nakheel, UAE; Sheikh Mohamed O Al Amoudi, founder and owner, Al Amoudi Group, Saudi Arabia; Esam Y Janahi, CEO, Gulf Finance House, Bahrain; Ayman Qutub, CEO, Aqar Holding, Saudi Arabia; Dr Karim El Sohol, CEO, The National Investor, UAE; Thomas Cotton, Assistant General Manager, Saudi American Bank, Saudi Arabia; Suresh Kumar, General Manager Financial Services, Emirates Bank International, UAE; Sarmad Zak, CEO, Kingdom Hotel Investments Group, Saudi Arabia and Ayed Al Gahtani, Managing Director, Al Oula Development Company, Saudi Arabia.

Organised by the Institute for International Research (IIR), Cityscape 2003 will host an 'Executive Briefing on Rebuilding Iraq', bringing together pioneering international policymakers and business leaders with developers, investors, architects and construction professionals to address the challenges in regenerating what is forecast to become one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

Taking place on Tuesday, the one-day forum, organised in association with UAE-based Dewan Architects and Engineers, is intended to act as a catalyst for regional investment in Iraq's construction, hospitality and tourism, industry and healthcare sectors.

Cityscape 2003 will also feature the prestigious Architecture+Cityscape Awards, that will recognise and promote excellence in architecture.

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

"These events will meet the needs of the region's commercial, tourism and industrial sectors, as well as its people, by kick starting inspired development and innovative financing solutions for decades to come.

"There are many trade shows that focus on 'building fit out' but there is no other Middle East event, that combines a conference and exhibition, in the same venue, which focuses on the design and facilitation of future buildings," added Hickman.

The event's main sponsors are Aqar, Al Amoudia Group, Nakheel and Jumeirah Beach Resort. The event's other sponsors are Al-Oula Development Company, Rikaz, Assa Abloy and Tabreed.