Cityscape Dubai 2007

Environmentally friendly and sustainable projects were identified as the 'need of the hour' at Cityscape Dubai 2007, the world's largest business-to-business real estate show, which took place at Dubai International Exhibition Centre from 16-18 October.

The green theme and sustainability were the hot topics at the three-day event, which smashed all previous Cityscape Dubai records. Over 1,000 exhibitors and a total of 52,000 participants from 120 different countries attended the 70,000 square metre exhibition, a dramatic increase of over 60 per cent year-on-year for participants.

Underscoring its importance, VIP visitors to Cityscape Dubai included HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; H.E. Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs of the Federal Government of the United Arab Emirates and Executive Chairman of Dubai Holding; Pritzker Prize-winning architect Zaha Hadid; movie star Patrick Swayze; and billionaire US realtor Thomas J Barrack Jr.

The environment and sustainability featured in three parallel conferences during the show - the Cityscape Conference, the World Architectural Conference and the Hotel and Tourism Investment and Development Conference. The Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company Masdar and Dubai developer Nakheel were also among those detailing why environmentally friendly and sustainable projects were the 'need of the hour' in the Middle East. Masdar chose Cityscape to announce the appointment of CH2M HILL as the programme manager for what it is calling 'the world's first fully sustainable green community' in Abu Dhabi.

The zero-carbon, zero-waste alternative energy city, which will house the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, the company's HQ, a residential area for employees and a science museum, is due to open in 2009. It is being master planned by Foster + Partners. Dubai-based Nakheel outlined how it is aiming to become a more sustainable organisation. Speaking on the Nakheel stand at the event, Chris O'Donnell, the company CEO, said: 'Nakheel's work impacts on the physical, economic and social environments we operate in. We know that we can do better in certain areas and we have identified areas that need improving.'

Nakheel's work with international consultancy the Sustainability Advisory Group, has resulted in several positive measures, including a commitment to developing sustainable communities for current and future generations, with emphases on energy efficiency and waste management; and the development of a comprehensive monitoring programme for the waters of the Arabian Gulf that will help maintain sustainable marine ecosystems. Measures to protect the environment were also under the spotlight at the Cityscape Architectural Review Awards at Cityscape Dubai 2007 (see notes to editors). Participants also praised the quality and importance of the event.

John Davis, CEO in the Middle East of international property consultants Colliers International, said: 'Cityscape Dubai 2007 has been successful in terms of the amount of visitors we've had, the profile of people and the services they are looking for. We'll be back next year.' Rebecca Rees, Corporate Communications Manager for Limitless, the master developer arm of Dubai World, which is managing the construction of the ambitious Arabian Canal project in Dubai, said: 'Cityscape has been a massive success for us. Last year we came to Cityscape with one project.

This year we have 12. We're really looking forward to next year, when we will have many more projects to showcase.' Farid Ben Driss, Chief Development Officer of Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company, of Doha, Qatar, said: 'This is a serious exhibition that companies need to be at. In terms of the number of people it attracts, the questions asked, and the subjects discussed, this is a very important forum.

This is our second year and our stand has doubled in size.' Wael Al Dhaen, Sales Manager for Durrat Al Bahrain, said: 'Cityscape Dubai 2007 has been very successful. It is our largest platform and a good opportunity to give our audience a better view of our projects. The response from visitors has been very positive and, as usual, we have been pleased with the numbers.' Keith Stubbs, of Master Builders Australia, led the Australian Mission at Cityscape Dubai 2007. 'The feedback we've received from exhibitors has been excellent without exception,' he said.

'They have been impressed with quality of people coming through. The increase in the numbers and quality of people is very noticeable. We've had interest from Pakistan, Turkey, GCC countries - Cityscape Dubai truly is an international show.' Cityscape Dubai 2007 attracted wide industry support, including platinum sponsors Emaar Properties, Tanmiyat Investment Group, Aldar Properties, Dar Al Arkan, Nakheel, and Qatari Diar; gold sponsors Tameer Holdings and Saraya Holdings; and silver sponsor Aqaba Development Corporation. The success of Cityscape Dubai has contributed to the launch of sister events around the world, including Cityscape Abu Dhabi, Cityscape Asia and Cityscape China. The latest editions are Cityscape India in (19-21 November 2007) and Cityscape South America (4-6 December).