Cityscape Abu Dhabi to benefit from ‘Ghadan 21’ confidence boost

An upsurge in development confidence in the UAE capital is being reported by organisers of Cityscape Abu Dhabi, the emirate’s leading property investment and development event, in the wake of the game-changing US $13.6 billion economic stimulus package launched by the government last year.

Cityscape Abu Dhabi is held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and runs at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from April 16-18.

According to organisers, the Ghadan 21 (Tomorrow 21) stimulus initiatives have delivered a major sentiment boost to the development sector.

“Confidence is also rising from the inclusion of a comprehensive review of building regulations for both private and commercial property construction in the Ghadan 21 initiatives, the aim of which is to reduce costs for developers and encourage urban development,” explained Chris Speller, Cityscape Group Director. “It’s music to the ears for developers.”

Informa says high among the confidence boosters are new, pro-active visa regulations, stimulus initiatives for businesses and start-ups, including 100% foreigner ownership outside of free zones.

“There is an overall consensus that the initiatives will have a positive effect in the medium-to-long-term,” explained Speller. “These highly proactive initiatives have delivered a clear focus on economic progression and sustainability which will cascade down to the real estate environment.”

Set against the backdrop of Ghadan 21, Cityscape Abu Dhabi will explore the future of regulatory and technological innovation with stellar participation from key Abu Dhabi government departments charged with delivering the initiatives.

Attendees will hear of Abu Dhabi’s emerging real estate trends and how its role in the economic equation is changing; the government’s roadmap to future proofing the economy; how Abu Dhabi is merging old business models with new ones; and the structures being put in place to stimulate foreign direct investment and why industrial real estate could be the next investment hotspot.

And, given Abu Dhabi’s commitment to embracing advanced technology, Cityscape Abu Dhabi will also take on the proptech, looking at how AI, Blockchain and IoT are transforming many players in property management, construction, maintenance, land registration and legal services into high-tech ventures.

Cityscape Abu Dhabi will also feature free-to-attend Cityscape Talks education sessions which are dedicated to learning and networking. The Cityscape Talks platform includes seminars from renowned experts from varying real estate sectors who will outline how to maximise investments and identify market trends.

More than 80 developers and suppliers are expected at Cityscape Abu Dhabi. Among the exhibitor line-up are: Aldar, this year’s Platinum Sponsor, Imkan Properties, Arada, Bloom Holding, Wahat Al Zaweya and Baniyas Investment & Development.