Cityscape Abu Dhabi records 26% increase in pre-registered visitors 23.03.2014: ...five weeks ahead of big opening Investors set sights on fresh real estate opportunities as year-on-year growth

...five weeks ahead of big opening



Investors set sights on fresh real estate opportunities as year-on-year growth at three-day show underlines buoyant local property market




photo caption:   Five weeks to go: pre-registered visitors at Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2014 are up 26 per cent up versus the same time last year, and the largest number since 2010.


A significant increase in pre-registered visitor numbers at Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2014 some five weeks ahead of the show’s grand opening has underscored the positive sentiment that now pervades the UAE capital’s property market.


Figures from Informa Exhibitions, organisers of the three-day event, confirm that pre-registered visitors for Abu Dhabi’s most prominent real estate showcase are 26 per cent up versus the same time last year, signifying the largest number since 2010.


Taking place from 22-24 April at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Cityscape Abu Dhabi is in its 8th edition, hosting more than 120 exhibitors from countries far and wide, including Egypt, Turkey, Oman, Kuwait, India, Russia, UK, USA and Qatar. 


Showcasing their latest developments and property launches, they will be eager to network with thousands of institutional investors, government authorities, architects, and senior-level professionals involved in real estate developments across the Middle East.


With sales of residential properties across Abu Dhabi increasing by an average of 25 per cent in 2013, Informa Exhibitions also said that 16 per cent of pre-registered visitors at Cityscape Abu Dhabi are looking for residential property investment opportunities, up 20 per cent year-on-year.


A further eight per cent are looking to buy their own home, an increase of 24 per cent from 2013, reflecting a more long-term outlook where end-users are increasingly coming into the market.


“For the first time since 2009, Cityscape Abu Dhabi is growing again,” said Wouter Molman, Director of Cityscape Group at Informa Exhibitions.  “The year-on-year growth in pre-registered visitors so far at the show is a strong indicator of how the Abu Dhabi real estate market has been performing over the last 12 months.


“Cityscape Abu Dhabi attracted more than 15,000 participants in 2013 and early indications are that we will see a double digit increase of visitors this year to match the growth of the show, which itself will grow by between 10-20 per cent.”


Held under the patronage of H.H. General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Cityscape Abu Dhabi returns in 2014 attracting major Abu Dhabi based exhibitors including the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council, Arabtec, Masdar, Al Maabar, Baniyas, Tamouh, Eshraq, Manazel, Mubadala and Wahat Al Zaweya.


Other exhibitors participating in 2014 include Headline Sponsor Ejadah Asset Management Group, Official Broker Flash Properties, and Official Mortgage Provider Abu Dhabi Finance.


Platinum Sponsor Emirates Steel is also participating at Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2014, as the UAE’s only integrated steel manufacturing plant looks to capitalise on the buoyant construction projects now ongoing in Abu Dhabi and the wider region.


“Emirates Steel sold three million tonnes of product in 2013, of which 1.9 million tonnes were sold in the domestic UAE market,” commented Mohammed Al Afari, Vice President of Marketing at Emirates Steel.  “Cityscape Abu Dhabi is growing every year in a market poised for exceptional growth this decade.  We expect that the show will provide us with an excellent venue to showcase our expertise in steel and enhance our access to lucrative regional markets.”


An important highlight of Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2014 is the ‘Abu Dhabi Market Overview’ Conference on the opening day (22 April), hosted in collaboration with JLL and supported by Masdar City.


The half-day conference will put a spotlight on Abu Dhabi’s latest project development updates from the emirate’s largest developers, while a dedicated panel discussion with industry experts will outline the way forward for the emirate’s property market. 


A VIP Networking Reception in association RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) on 23 April will also provide a platform for influential decision makers, international investors, developers, architects, designers and consultants to meet, exchange ideas and share development updates in a relaxed and informal setting.




- Gareth Wright, Total Communications Dubai - also photo