Investors from the Gulf region have pumped a record $4.5 billion into the global property market in the last quarter of 2014, of which over $3.08 billion had been invested in the UK alone, said a report from top real estate firm JLL ahead of a key industry event.

GCC investors continue to pour billions into both the local and foreign property market, as more than 130 exhibitors prepare to showcase their latest developments at Cityscape Abu Dhabi next month, it stated.  

A prominent real estate showcase for the emirate, The Cityscape Abu Dhabi will run from April 21 to 23 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre 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.

GCC and foreign investors will be able to capitalise on the wealth of global investment opportunities at the ninth edition of expo, said the event organisers Informa Exhibitions.

Bob Clarke, the managing director of Herald Land Real Estate Brokers, which will be launching its latest project at the show, said: "Over the years, there has been a drastic rise in investment purchases from the region because investors in the Middle East see the UK as a secure region for long-term investment."

"Buyers from the UAE now represent more than 18 per cent of such property deals to foreign investors," he added.

Clarke said the demand for housing in the UK was skyrocketing and little was being done to meet shortages.

"Our new student investment project, which has occupancy rates of 99 per cent and gives great annual returns, is the ideal opportunity for UAE investors who are looking for a safe but profitable investment," he noted.

Herald Land is participating alongside a number of British exhibitors at the UAE capital’s largest property event, which will cover more than 18,000 sq m of exhibition space.  

With a stronger international feel, participation from Turkish and Jordanian exhibitors is growing significantly, as thousands of visitors from around the world prepare to descend upon the show. Other countries represented include Portugal, Latvia, Serbia, Cayman Islands, Nigeria, Egypt and many more, said the organiser.

George Amireh, the chief executive of Abdali Investment and Development, said: "Abdali is the premium central business, residential, tourism, retail, medical and entertainment district at the heart of the Jordanian capital Amman.  We are delighted to be partaking in Cityscape Abu Dhabi to showcase Abdali and provide rewarding investment opportunities for all."

In addition to the capital’s key developers and banks, Cityscape Abu Dhabi will welcome new participants such as Eagle Hills Properties, as well as returning organisations including Aldar Properties, Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC), Al Forsan, Al Qudra, Bloom Properties, Manazel, Mubadala,  Reem Developers and TMKN.

Wouter Molman, the director of Cityscape Group at Informa Exhibitions, said: "Reflecting the steady growth currently being witnessed in the market place, the event is forecasted to increase by over 15 per cent again. The stability within the Abu Dhabi real estate sector bodes well for developers, investors and home buyers who will be visiting the show next month."  

"With confirmed exhibitors already reaching higher numbers than in previous years, we are adding another hall to meet the demand.  Latest research and statistics coming from Abu Dhabi indicate that there is a renewed confidence in the property market with construction visibly moving again," he noted.  

Molman said after a successful launch edition last year, the ‘Abu Dhabi Market Overview’ Forum returns on the opening day and will be hosted in collaboration with JLL and supported by Masdar City.

The half-day forum will draw attention to the emirate’s latest trends and initiatives, including future developments and anticipated new real estate regulations, he added.-TradeArabia News Service