Pre-registered visitors for Cityscape Abu Dhabi, the emirate’s most prominent real estate showcase, are 26 per cent up versus the same time last year, signifying the largest number since 2010, said event organisers Informa Exhibitions.

Taking place from April 22 to 24 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Cityscape Abu Dhabi is in its eighth edition, hosting more than 120 exhibitors from Egypt, Turkey, Oman, Kuwait, India, Russia, the UK, the US and Qatar.

With sales of residential properties across Abu Dhabi increasing by an average of 25 per cent in 2013, Informa Exhibitions also said that 16 per cent of pre-registered visitors at Cityscape Abu Dhabi are looking for residential property investment opportunities, up 20 per cent year-on-year.

A further eight per cent are looking to buy their own home, an increase of 24 per cent from 2013, reflecting a more long-term outlook where end-users are increasingly coming into the market.

“For the first time since 2009, Cityscape Abu Dhabi is growing again,” said Wouter Molman, director of Cityscape Group at Informa Exhibitions.  “The year-on-year growth in pre-registered visitors so far at the show is a strong indicator of how the Abu Dhabi real estate market has been performing over the last 12 months.

“Cityscape Abu Dhabi attracted more than 15,000 participants in 2013 and early indications are that we will see a double digit increase of visitors this year to match the growth of the show, which itself will grow by between 10-20 per cent.”

Major Abu Dhabi based exhibitors at the event include the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council, Arabtec, Masdar, Al Maabar, Baniyas, Tamouh, Eshraq, Manazel, Mubadala and Wahat Al Zaweya.

Other exhibitors participating in 2014 include headline sponsor Ejadah Asset Management Group, official broker Flash Properties, and official mortgage provider Abu Dhabi Finance.

Platinum Sponsor Emirates Steel is also participating at Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2014, as the UAE’s only integrated steel manufacturing plant looks to capitalise on the buoyant construction projects now ongoing in Abu Dhabi and the wider region.

“Emirates Steel sold three million tonnes of product in 2013, of which 1.9 million tonnes were sold in the domestic UAE market,” said Mohammed Al Afari, vice president of Marketing at Emirates Steel.  “Cityscape Abu Dhabi is growing every year in a market poised for exceptional growth this decade.  We expect that the show will provide us with an excellent venue to showcase our expertise in steel and enhance our access to lucrative regional markets.”

An important highlight of Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2014 is the ‘Abu Dhabi Market Overview’ Conference on the opening day, hosted in collaboration with JLL and supported by Masdar City.

The half-day conference will put a spotlight on Abu Dhabi’s latest project development updates from the emirate’s largest developers, while a dedicated panel discussion with industry experts will outline the way forward for the emirate’s property market.

A VIP Networking Reception in association RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) on April 23 will also provide a platform for influential decision makers, international investors, developers, architects, designers and consultants to meet, exchange ideas and share development updates in a relaxed and informal setting. – TradeArabia News Service