The first Cityscape Global expo, the flagship event of the largest business-to-business real estate investment and development brand, will open its doors on Monday in Dubai.

The event, which runs till Thursday at Dubai World Trade Centre, is being held in the emirate for the ninth year and has evolved from Cityscape Dubai as a result of the increased international participation it has attracted.

The expo will focus on international emerging markets, many of which have dramatically outperformed more mature markets such as the US and Europe in recent years, said a top official.

“Going Global is a natural development following eight successful years as Cityscape Dubai,” said Chris Speller, Cityscape Group director.

“With a number of emerging markets continuing to grow throughout the global economic downturn and post-crisis recovery, it is fitting that we focus on these nations this year,” he noted.

“However, it is still important to acknowledge Dubai’s role in the development of this flagship exhibition and conference. Dubai is now an international destination for world class events and remains the Middle East’s primary business hub. Therefore we will continue to host this important real estate event in Dubai,” Speller added.

Headlining the conference schedule will be Tom Barrack, as he discusses driving international investment in challenging times, as the opening session of the Real Estate Investment and Development Conference.

Other topics under discussion include; Sam Chandan’s keynote presentation focusing on global economic trends and recovery prospects; realigning portfolios; and repositioning Dubai as a global leader.

The conferences have also attracted top international speakers with Farshid Moussavi from Foreign Office Architects in the UK and Dr Suha Ozkan, founding president, World Architecture Community and CEO, INNOCent Innovation Centre in Turkey, two of the key participants at the World Architecture Congress on Monday and Tuesday.

Retail City, meanwhile, brings together leading figures from major retailers, investors, shopping centre developers, and authorities across the Mena region.

Starting tomorrow (Tuesday), the City Leaders Forum provides a two-day series of presentations and panel discussions covering the issues facing government leaders and policymakers around the world, such as innovation as a driver of sustainable growth and rapid urban expansion.

Entry for industry professionals is free throughout the four-day show, but in line with its return to a true business-to-business event, it will not be open to the general public, said Speller.

In total, the 180 exhibitors will cover a total floor space of 30,000 square metres, with the Egypt pavilion booking the largest stand at more than 800 square metres.

“The days of short term speculators flipping properties with significant premiums, are thankfully gone and the consolidation of Cityscape Global is a reflection of the more sober, considered and sustainable market conditions we are now witnessing,” he pointed out.

'Even so Cityscape Global has still attracted many local and regional heavyweights and Emaar, Nakheel, Mubadala, RAK Properties and Dubai Properties Group will all be in attendance,' Speller said.

'Overall exhibitors will concentrate on showcasing completed projects, or finished phases in master communities but having said that, we are looking forward to some launches from emerging markets globally, including Egypt, Poland, France, Bahrain and Morocco,' he added.

Elsewhere today, Cityscape Intelligence, the brand’s information and market data service will release its ‘Focus on Global’ report. Produced in conjunction with Proleads, the report examines the impact of the financial crisis on Saudi Arabian economic fundamentals in light of changing oil prices and government moves to diversify away from an oil-based economy.

The Cityscape Awards for Architecture in Emerging Markets will be held on Tuesday, which aim to find the best in class across all areas of construction and design.

Now in the eighth edition, The Young Design Award is an additional highlight this year to find the most talented students based in the UAE. New this year also is an innovative award scheme entitled, The Industry Choice Award. This award will be given to the most popular project showcased onsite, as voted by visitors to Cityscape Global.

Delegates can also take advantage of a number of value-added incentives, including the CEO Networking Lunch, Investor Round Tables and Business Matching Service, which is a dedicated online tool that facilitates one-on-one meetings between exhibitors, conference delegates, speakers and VIPs, he added.-TradeArabia News Service