Retail sector on the agenda at Cityscape Global 2012

MENA retail sector expected to reach US$1 trillion by 2014; Retail City reveals all as one of three conferences at Cityscape Global 2012

Emerging real estate market dynamics, long term ROI and a robust regional retail sector will be on the agenda at Cityscape Global 2012 next month, as it gets set to host a series of conferences identifying new ventures for those attending the show.

Taking place from 2-4 October 2012 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Cityscape Global will host three dedicated industry conferences: the Global Real Estate Summit, Retail City, and the World Architecture Congress.

Focus sessions on Iraq, Turkey and East Africa will take centre stage at the Global Real Estate Summit, underscoring their status as lucrative markets for investors from the region who are attending Cityscape Global to learn more about international property opportunities.

Designed to offer privileged insight and analysis for attending delegates, the sessions will identify the prospects on offer for those in search of the diamond in the rough.
Wouter Molman, Exhibition Director for Cityscape Global said: “The emergence of markets offering profitable returns such as Turkey and East Africa present a strong, positive outlook but additionally present unique challenges by means of investment and development.”

“These shifting economies require investors to go in with open eyes with the necessary industry intelligence and embrace unconventional means to reap what they sow.”
Meanwhile recent developments within the Middle East illustrate a strong rebound in the retail real estate sector in the region, set to be a hot topic of discussion at Retail City.

The Middle East is home to eight of the top 20 countries in the Global Retail Development Index according to consulting firm AT Kearney, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, while the overall Middle East North Africa (MENA) retail sector is expected to be worth US$1 trillion by 2014.

Added Molman: “In the short term, some of the Mid East markets are fortunate enough not to have experienced the turmoil of some of their neighbours, allowing them to benefit as stable safe houses in the region.”

“However, we are looking at the long term, and expansion strategies will inevitably rely on greater economic stability that we are confident will return across the region. As such, retail real estate yields and diversification through new markets will be a key focal point at Retail City.”

Rounding off the three conferences at Cityscape Global 2012, the 8th World Architecture Congress will address survival lessons learnt among the international and regional architectural community as a result of a two-fold economic and political crisis in the Middle East.

An Advisory Board comprising leading names in architecture such as Atkins and CBT has developed the conference to look at how today’s architects can benefit from burgeoning markets with smart and scripted technological advancements as well as create long term value through affordable housing opportunities in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Anna Klingmann, Principal and Founder of Klingmann Architects + Brand Consultants, and a headline speaker at the three-day congress said: “This year has seen an interesting turning point in the global economy, which demands new concepts and ideas in the real estate market.”

“The current slowdown provides a key moment to rethink the complementary roles of architecture and development. There is a clear paradigm shift away from global icons as we have seen them during the last 10 years.”

“Designs catering to the global investor are waning in favour of projects which address concerns of the local community. This particular year for the World Architecture Congress is a timely opportunity to be a part of the discussion of architecture’s role in a changing global market.”

Now in its 11th edition, Cityscape Global is the annual meeting point for key real estate investors, developers, investment promotion authorities, architects, designers and real estate professionals to drive growth in real estate investment and development across emerging markets globally.

The Middle East’s largest real estate event is supported by its Foundation Sponsors Emaar Properties, Dubai Properties Group and Nakheel, with the Qatari based Barwa signed on as Strategic Sponsor and Kuwait Finance House as Investment Sponsor.

For more information about the three conferences at Cityscape Global 2012, or to register as a delegate, visitor or sponsor, visit: www.cityscapeglobal.com.