Cityscape Abu Dhabi Opens Tomorrow

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(ABU DHABI. U.A.E.) -- Despite the global economic problems, Cityscape Abu Dhabi opens Sunday bigger than a year ago and better according to the organizers. Exhibition space at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center has increased by more than 30 percent.

"This year we have nine halls plus the atrium, which is more than 40,000 square metres of exhibition space," said Mark Goodchild, Exhibition Director for Cityscape Abu Dhabi. "That is almost 10,000 square metres more than 2008. In addition the event has the support and sponsorship of some of the region's biggest real estate players as well as the government of Abu Dhabi."

This year's attendees are different than last year's according to Goodchild. "Demand for real estate was at its peak during last year's event and speculators and amateur investors were eager to capitalize on short term premiums," he said. "That situation will not prevail this year and we expect the show to return to its real roots and by that we mean professional private and institutional investors looking at mid to long term opportunities."

Those investors will see the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council unveil the Capital District project that will move the center of the city off Abu Dhabi island. Over 4500 hectares the Capital District will house 370,000 residents plus universities, hospitals, federal buildings, embassies, and international institutions.

Cityscape Abu Dhabi runs until Wednesday bringing together investors, architects, designers, developers, government authorities and key decision makers involved in the design and construction of public and private real estate developments.

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