Cityscape Global, a leading business-to-business real estate events brand in the world, witnessed VIP visits, launches, and key discussions on some of the most pertinent topics affecting the sector on the second day.

Several top deals and launches were announced at the Cityscape Global on Day 2 which was marked by the visit of UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum together with three of his sons, said the expo organisers.

Sheikh Mohammed toured the Cityscape along with Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai; and Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairman of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority.

The day also saw Nakheel unveil its plans for new residences on The Palm Jumeirah, while Damac launched its luxury suites and spa development and Dubai Silicon Oasis extended its offers on Cedre Villas.

In addition, the real estate industry discussed some of the most pertinent topics affecting the sector at present, with sustainability taking centre stage on Day 2, it added.

A sustainable vision must be incorporated into a development’s master planning stage if it is to be realised, according to this morning’s discussion at the Future Cities conference, taking place along side the Cityscape Global exhibition.

Dr Nawal Al-Hosany, associate director of sustainability at Masdar UAE, gave her presentation at the strategies in sustainable urban development and regeneration session, putting forward her thoughts on the challenges and solutions for sustainability in the region.
 
“Sustainability has to be incorporated at the early stages of your design process and you have to have an integrated approach…focus on the passive measures; this is key to your success,' noted Dr Al-Hosany.

'You must a regulatory framework that supports your mission, because innovation is definitely the future and the way forward,' she added.

Dr Al-Hosany used Masdar City as an example of the approach that can be taken in order to help reduce energy consumption and water usage. She cited on-going education and an integrated industry approach as the most important ways of ensuring sustainable development is a success.

Chris Speller, group director for Cityscape, said: 'We have seen several announcements from some of the UAE’s major developers, alongside a number of market reports from real estate industry specialists.'

'There has been a real buzz throughout the exhibition and conferences, and we anticipate that positivity to continue into the final day,' he noted.

The expo closes tomorrow (Thursday), with several post conference workshops and discussion groups taking place throughout the final day.

There is also still time for those participating to unveil their latest announcements on the show floor. The exhibition will be open tomorrow from 10am – 7pm at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.-TradeArabia News Service