Cityscape Dubai - the world's largest real estate exhibition of its kind - opened by Sheikh Hamdan.

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4 Dec 2006

Cityscape Dubai 2006, organised by IIR Middle East, opens today at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DIEC) and runs to 6 December.

This year's three-day event is not only the largest Cityscape event, it is now recognised as the biggest event of its kind in the world, clearly demonstrating the stamina and strength of the Middle East's trillion US dollar property industry.

With growth last year of 130 per cent, the industry showpiece now covers 55,000 square metres hosting over 500 exhibitors from 55 different countries. In all over 35,000 visitors from 90 countries are expected at Cityscape Dubai 2006, representing prominent investors, lenders, owners and developers, not to mention industry experts in the fields of architecture and design.

Rohan Marwaha, Cityscape Group Director, stated, 'With the region's petrodollar economies returning massive budget surpluses and numerous world class developments either already under construction or fresh off the drawing board, it is the most eagerly anticipated property event of the year. Cityscape Dubai 2006 will undoubtedly make a positive contribution towards further growth in this dynamic industry'.

Running along side the exhibition will be a cutting edge three-day conference that will address many of the current industry issues and hot topics. The conference has attracted 75 acclaimed international speakers who will share their experiences during 25 key sessions, covering the latest developments and projects, and international best practice.

Befitting its prominence on the world stage, delivering the opening keynote at this year's Cityscape Dubai Conference will be none other than Donald Trump Jr. who will impress on delegates the importance of attracting high net-worth investors. Joining him on the programme will be his sister, Ivanka and a host of other regional and international experts. New this year is a series of industry specific presentations covering residential real estate, retail dimensions, hotels, commercial and office space and the marketing aspects of real estate. Two dedicated sessions will also focus on China and India and the real estate prospects for two of the fastest growing economies in the world.

Running concurrently with the conference once again will be the World Architecture Congress, a high profile gathering of international leaders in architecture and design. Launched during last year's event, the forum will address subjects concerning urbanisation, housing, community and culture. The highlight of the congress will undoubtedly be the Cityscape Architectural Review Awards. Recognising and promoting excellence throughout the industry and already an industry must-attend black tie social event, the awards drew over 250 entries and speculation is rife over who will scoop this year's coveted prizes.

The industry has also shown solid support for the event, with regional heavyweights, vying for awareness and recognition of their new projects. Emaar Properties, Nakheel, Tanmiyat Group, Aldar Properties, City of Arabia and Dar Al Arkan have signed up as platinum sponsors, with Al Tijaria, Tameer and Saraya Holdings taking gold sponsor status and Real Capita, Sviluppolazio and Mawared going for silver.