Spotlight on Innovative Future for Middle East Real Estate as Cityscape Global Opens for Business

Dubai, UAE, September 7, 2016:   The 15th edition of Cityscape Global officially opened its doors in Dubai today, with bright prospects forecast for the real estate industry in the Middle East, built on a combination of innovation and a modern interpretation of traditional design.

As the first rush of visitors entered the exhibition halls at Dubai World Trade Centre to examine a huge range of developments from across the region and overseas, experts had already provided fascinating insights into what the immediate future holds for the property market.

While the shape of things to come in real estate is based on new and emerging technology, architects and designers assembling at Cityscape Global have already been told that, in order to ensure a sustainable future for the property market, they must revive ancient knowledge and make use of timeless traditional methods.

This was one of the powerful messages delivered at the Cityscape Conference, themed ‘Discovering the Future of Real Estate,’ which preceded the exhibition yesterday (Monday) and attracted 1,200 delegates to the Conrad Hotel Dubai.

In presenting a view of the UAE’s skyline 20 years from now, Jane Duncan, President of the Royal Institute of British Architects, stressed the importance that can be played by incorporating traditional techniques into design of modern property.

Duncan said today’s architects should embrace and revive design and construction methods which helped Dubai’s development from fishing port to commercial hub by keeping buildings cool using shade, wind and thermally driven ventilation, as well as naturally insulating, reflective materials.

The Cityscape Conference featured three dedicated sessions: Market Overview, Architecture and Real Estate Brokers with other prominent speakers including Ahmed Al Ansari, Acting CEO, Dubai South, Lara Al Barazi, Research Director at YouGov, UAE, Ahmed Al Khatib, Vice President of Real Estate at Expo 2020 and senior representatives from Dubai Land Department.

The conference set the stage for three days of pulsating activity at the three-day Cityscape Global exhibition. The Middle East’s largest and most influential property investment show has brought together 272 international and regional exhibitors across 41,000sqm of exhibition space. 

The 15th edition of Cityscape Global is supported by the Dubai Land Department and Foundation Partners: Emaar Properties, Dubai Properties and Nakheel; Platinum Sponsors: Al Marjan Island and Union Properties; Silver Sponsor: DAMAC Properties; Registration Trustee Partner: Tamleek; Project Marketing Sponsor: Aqua Properties; and Research Partner: YouGov.