UAE-based real estate development firm Aqaar will co-sponsor for the second time the ‘Ajman Urban Planning Conference 2008’.

The conference, to take place from March 24-26 at Ajman University, will be held under the patronage of Ajman ruler Shaikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi.

In addition to co-sponsoring the conference, Aqaar will also showcase its flagship project, Dh2.7-billion ($735.41m) Ajman 1 at the exhibition, which is taking place with the conference.

The 72,000-square-metre project will feature a residential, commercial and hospitality complex consisting of 16 towers, a hotel, a convention centre and leisure and retail amenities. Phase 1, which is almost sold out, is expected to be completed by early 2010.

“Ajman is an upcoming real estate hotspot in the region, spurred on by lucrative investment opportunities and a government that actively encourages foreign investment. Its strategic and central location, competitively lower prices of real estate, the availability of skilled and semi-skilled labour at lower wages, access to local and international market centres and liberal business regulations are major factors in creating the current boom and building a self-sustaining business environment,” said Ajman’s Municipality chief Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi.

Working with the theme “Planning For The Future”, this year’s conference will focus on smart growth and sustainability – a way ahead for Ajman city to develop its own unique identity. It provides a venue for developers to discuss exact procedures for a successful development as the number of residential and commercial centres is growing rapidly.

“Aqaar’s co-sponsorship of the conference this year and a successful one last year signals our full support in Ajman Development and Investment Authority (ADIA) spearheading the expansion of Ajman into a world-class tourism and business hub,” added Aqaar chief executive officer Rami Dabbas.

“Aqaar has a duty to the Ajman community. By actively supporting professional conferences such as this one, we show the growing importance of the emirate as a profitable real estate market able to attract local and foreign investors.”

The exhibition and conference will be open to the public and visitors from the industry and gives exhibiting manufacturers, developers and vendors the opportunity to display their projects and expertise from the Middle East and internationally.

“We will fully take part in the ensuing discussions with like-minded experts and specialists participating in this conference. Together we can guide the physical development plan for the city and create a self-sustaining business hub for Ajman”, said Dabbas. – TradeArabia News Service