Cityscape Abu Dhabi returns with clear message from developers: now is the time to invest
Record investment deals on the show floor of Cityscape Abu Dhabi in 2016 have resulted in more than 90% of show floor space already sold for this year’s event, the organisers have announced today.
With sales permitted directly from exhibitor stands for the third year running, in accordance with the rules and regulations administered by the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC), a host of new property developers have confirmed their participation at the three day event, amid numerous reports that the UAE real estate market will witness positive sentiment in 2017.
Aabar Investments PJS, Abu Dhabi Capital Group, Hydra Properties LLC, Tiger Properties and Ras Al Khaimah Properties will all have a major presence for the first time at the 11th edition of the UAE capital’s largest property showcase, which returns from 18-20 April at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.
They will be joining the major property powerhouses returning to the show, including Platinum Sponsor Manazel Real Estate, Aldar Properties, Eagle Hills Properties, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), Bloom Properties, Eshraq Properties, Wahat al Zaweya and Azizi Developers.
Dispelling concerns over the property market slowdown witnessed in 2016, and with the help of the new property law introduced last year which improved transparency and security when buying properties in the UAE, Bloom Properties reported that by the close of Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2016, 70% of units in its newly launched project, Faya, were sold from the stand; some 20% increase on the company’s forecasted sales ahead of its participation.
“The response from developers, financial institutions and other major organisations taking part in Cityscape Abu Dhabi this year has been the strongest we have experienced in recent years, and there is a definite sense of optimism for 2017 among our participants,” said Carlo Schembri, Exhibition Manager at Informa Exhibitions, the show’s organisers.
“We expect to see a number of new launches revealed on the opening day as well as new phases of existing projects released for sale throughout the three day show. The event will give visitors the only overview of the full Abu Dhabi market, with a chance to find out what is offering the best return for investment.”
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Cityscape Abu Dhabi will span more than 18,000 square metres of dedicated exhibition space this year, providing an unrivalled platform for local and international developers to launch and showcase projects across the residential, leisure, retail and hospitality sectors.
The show will see the return of the Cityscape Abu Dhabi Conference featuring a range of unique topics and speakers providing valuable insight into the capital’s real estate market. The agenda will explore emerging trends that are redefining investment opportunities in the UAE capital, with a particular focus on upcoming iconic hospitality, entertainment, retail and leisure projects.
Keynote presentations will be delivered by David Dudley, International Director and Head of Abu Dhabi Office, JLL, and Omar Al Busaidy, Abu Dhabi Experience Development Unit Head, Tourism and Culture Authority Abu Dhabi.
A panel session called ‘Destination Abu Dhabi: establishing an attractive hub for local and international real estate investors’ will explore tourism, culture and hospitality opportunities in Abu Dhabi and is expected to be a big draw for conference delegates with confirmed speakers from Aldar Properties and the Tourism and Culture Authority Abu Dhabi.
The programme will conclude with another high level discussion on how free zones are fostering the investment environment, with confirmed speakers including senior leadership from Masdar Free Zone, TwoFour54 and Bloom Properties.
The free to attend Cityscape Talks will offer live content direct from the show floor, covering a range of themes for visitors, including how to maximise real estate investment, discussing market trends, important information before finalising a purchase and networking with potential business contacts, while the industry sessions will focus on key themes for real estate brokers, architects, engineers and other professionals.
Cityscape Abu Dhabi has established itself as the UAE capital’s largest and most influential property investment and development event over the past 11 years. With hundreds of developments from Abu Dhabi and overseas being showcased, the event brings together investors, developers, government officials and real estate professionals.