Cityscape 2005 already 70 per cent booked

In the wake of a phenomenally successful 2004 event, the decision to double the size of the exhibition area in 2005 has been vindicated by a surge in bookings from exhibitors across the region.

More than 10,000 industry professionals from 81 countries attended Cityscape 2004 at Dubai International Exhibition Centre last December - a 500 per cent increase on the previous year. With two additional halls at the venue being made available to exhibitors for this year's event, which runs from September 17-19, Cityscape 2005 promises to be bigger and better than ever. Emaar Properties has already signaled its support, signing on as a platinum sponsor.

"Cityscape has exceeded our expectations both in terms of annual growth and its growing importance as an international forum for industry professionals, showcasing property investment and development opportunities not only in the Middle East but internationally," said Franck Dailles, project director, Cityscape. "In the three years since the first Cityscape took place in 2002, it has rapidly become the premier event of its kind in the region."

"This year, we are offering a greater capacity to visitors. With 70 per cent of a bigger venue already sold out, we anticipate a full house within the next two to three months. Cityscape 2005 looks set to be another record-breaking event."

Commenting on Emaar's participation as a platinum sponsor, Robert Booth, Executive Director, Emaar Properties said: "The real estate market across the region is developing at such a rapid pace that there is need for an exhibition that brings industry professionals and investors together, keeping them abreast of the latest opportunities while offering an international forum for networking and discussion."

Cityscape has become a truly international summit for real estate decision makers, where industry movers come together to set the tone for the state of the international real estate market.

The three-day exhibition and conference, organised by IIR Middle East, attracts investors, property developers, architects and designers among others. A series of industry conferences will be held throughout, and the increasingly coveted Cityscape Architectural Review Awards will be distributed at an exclusive gala dinner event.

"Companies that took part in last year's show praised Cityscape as a well-diversified industry event with a very good visitor base," said Dailles. "Many exhibitors signed significant deals during the event, with others reporting strong interest and potential business leads. Cityscape 2005 promises many more such opportunities."

In addition to the GCC participation, Cityscape 2005 has already secured nine national pavilions including Canada, Australia, Malaysia, Turkey, Lebanon Germany, Egypt and the United Kingdom.