A stellar shortlist of 36 pioneering real estate projects at the forefront of emerging markets will vie for top honours at the upcoming 'Cityscape Awards for Emerging Markets' in Dubai.

They wil be the centre of attention next month, when they contest for the ultimate accolade at one of the world’s most highly regarded property awards’ ceremonies., said the organisers.

The winners of Cityscape Awards for Emerging Markets will be celebrated at a glittering ceremony on October 3 at the prestigious Armani Hotel in the world’s tallest tower, the Burj Khalifa, highlighting world class projects from 13 countries.

The shortlist of projects include property developments from the UAE, China, Qatar, Albania, Singapore, Turkey, Argentina, India, Kazakhstan, Libya, Malaysia, Korea, and Russia, reflecting the truly global appeal of the awards for 2012.

The finalists also include winners from previous Cityscape Awards events within the last 12 months held in Qatar, Egypt, Abu Dhabi and Saudi, making this the ultimate showpiece event of the finest real estate projects from emerging real estate markets throughout the world.  

Consisting of 12 categories, the awards will feature alongside Cityscape Global, the Middle East’s largest and most influential international real estate event, taking place from October 2 to 4 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The categories include Already built projects and projects that are either still in the planning or construction phase: Commercial & Mixed Use Project; Leisure & Tourism Project; Community & Culture Project; Residential Project; Retail Project; and Sustainability.

"These awards offer international architects and leading real estate developers a prestigious platform from which to communicate a shared vision for the future, from culturally integrated city skylines to sustainable urban communities," said Wouter Molman, the exhibition director for Cityscape Global.

“We have seen this year in particular some amazing projects that are really raising the global industry bar in terms of innovation and foresight. It is also very pleasing to see such a vast range of projects from different countries celebrating their success on an international level,” he added.

The top UAE contenders for the award include the Aldar Headquarters by Aldar Properties and the Sun & Sky Towers by Sorouh Real Estate in the Built Commercial and Mixed-Use Project category, as well as the UAE Pavilion by the Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), and Masdar in the Best Built Sustainable Development category.

Other standout projects from international finalists include the Central District by Siva Partners from Albania in the Future Community & Culture Project category, along with the Astana Media Center in Astana, Kazakhstan, by Sembol Construction in the Built Community & Culture Project category.-TradeArabia News Service