The 11th edition of the International Property Show (IPS) opened today (March 30) in Dubai, UAE, featuring 300 exhibitors from 130 countries offering direct buying opportunities to interested buyers.

The event, which will run until April 1 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, was inaugurated by UAE Minister of Economy Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri.

Al Mansouri said that the collaboration between UAE and Egypt in developing Egypt’s New Capital City can be extended to other Arab countries as a model relationship.

"The UAE’s involvement in this ambitious project reflects a pioneering initiative, and we look at it as a model that other countries can follow and emulate. The UAE has gained tremendous expertise in the real estate field that could benefit other countries in the wider region.

“Real estate is considered one of the most significant investments worldwide and it forms one of the main pillars of any economy. This sector is witnessing strong growth, especially in the Arab world, and therefore both the private and government sectors in Arab countries must take it seriously by taking actions like new legislation, support, innovation and easy liquidity,” he added.

Attracting  hundreds of exhibitors from around the world, the 11th  International Property Show  is offering a variety of real estate investment options from places like the US, Spain and Canada.

A full range of properties from ultra-luxury residences to more affordable developments in the UAE is on offer.

There are also exhibitors showcasing investment options in cities like Manhattan and New York in the US, as well as amazing offers in Europe. Some are linking their properties to residence visa schemes.

The IPS Real Estate Forum also kicked off today, organised in collaboration with the Association of International Property Professionals, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Dubai Land Department, to provide insights into investment opportunities.

The first day highlighted the various investment opportunities in key overseas property markets such as Spain, the US and Australia. The topics to be covered tomorrow include the effective use of expert witnesses in property disputes, international property standards, responsible business practice toolkit for the land, construction and real estate sectors and strategic facility management.

''We have designed the forum to cover all aspects of the real estate industry and give insights into latest property trends across the Middle East as well as internationally,'' said Josine Heijmans, exhibition director at event organiser Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions.

Local exhibitors at the show include Dubai Properties Group, the show's exclusive strategic partner, and silver sponsor Damac. Also attending are Al Barari, Azizi Developments, Cavendish Maxwell, Chestertons Affinity Spain, DemirInsaat and Doka, among others.

On the first day, hordes of buyers and investors had an opportunity to assess properties from countries like the US, Canada, the UK, Turkey, India, Greece, Cyprus and Spain, among others.

Mohammed Bin Zaal, CEO, Al Barari, said: "This year we aim to introduce three unique projects to the market: Ashjar, Seventh Heaven and the fully customisable ‘The Reserve’ villas. We have launched a new residential development.”

“We have seen a rise in foreign buyers over the years and many of them are looking to move to the UAE, especially those from conflict-ridden countries. The ultra-high-net worth buyers search for a secure investment in a stable country that is well governed and is also tax-free,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service