Cityscape Global organiser Informa Markets has unveiled an exciting new format for Cityscape Global 2021. This meeting of minds for the real estate industry is made up of a series of virtual investor intelligence summits, online seminars and digital networking, in the months before and after the 20th edition of the flagship live, in-person event later this year, taking place at its new home in the heart of the Expo 2020 site – the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) – from 7-11 November.
The show’s shift to a hybrid model follows universally positive industry response to Informa Market’s ‘UAE & MENA Real Estate Report’. Compiled at the height of the pandemic last year and released prior to last November’s one-off Cityscape Real Estate Summit, the Report shows 74% of respondents anticipating a recovery for the MENA region’s real estate industry within one to two years – signalling a period of growth to prospective investors.
Chris Speller, Group Director of Cityscape, Informa Markets, said: “Our new hybrid model has been specifically designed to bring the real estate ecosystem online, allowing meaningful conversations between developers, potential investors and a B2B audience from an expanded international audience. While a huge focal point is the live event in the heart of the Expo 2020 site, utilising digital tools – both in the lead up to and following the event – will help create a compelling hybrid experience with effective networking for all participants over a longer period of time, across a global audience.”
86% of respondents viewed Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) as a primary factor to the UAE’s growth
Virtual Investor Intelligence Summits for Regional Investors
The virtual series of investor intelligence summits have been specifically designed to engage investors from four key regions currently investing in the GCC. Designed for Emirati investors (May 25), KSA Investors (June 15), Israeli Investors (September 7) and Chinese Investors (September 21), the series will pinpoint real estate investment opportunities and legislation guidance for property investment from across MENA.
Backed by data from ‘UAE & MENA Real Estate Report’ – in which 86% of respondents viewed Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) as a primary factor to the UAE’s growth – the four target countries have been selected as critical markets for the real estate industry.
‘Browsing to Buying’: the Investor Journey
As part of the new hybrid model for Cityscape Global, a month-long digital networking and seminar platform hosted prior, during and post-event will enable exhibitors and visitors to search for and identify new leads and contacts globally based on their investment interests, business type and projects – creating an all-encompassing “browsing to buying” investment journey.
By partnering with digital event and matchmaking platform, Swapcard, Cityscape participants can use AI-powered tech to link with government bodies, potential buyers, investors, industry suppliers such as architects, designer and financial services as well as new partners ahead of the live event. The ability to tailor profiles – for individuals and organisations – will provide enhanced networking capabilities, allowing leads to be generated and converted for both onsite and post-event interactions.
The Report shows 74% of respondents anticipating a recovery for the MENA region’s real estate industry within one to two years
Cityscape at Expo 2020
Cityscape Global 2021 will take place at the much-anticipated Expo 2020 and will offer both exhibitors and visitors alike unrivalled access to an international audience ready to uncover new opportunities. “No other real estate event in the world will offer you more B2B and B2C networking opportunities than Cityscape Global in 2021,” said Speller. “As part of our move to DEC, the Expo venue, we aim to connect the entire real estate universe to network, discuss to develop new partnerships, do business and sell. Exhibiting at the regional real estate sector’s most anticipated event of the year means partners can leverage a global marketing campaign aimed at attracting millions of visitors to the UAE,” commented Speller.
Design Quarter: Celebrating Real Estate Architecture and Design
Following the upturn in demand for exhibition space for architecture and design firms, Informa Markets will fortify their presence at Cityscape Global. Introducing a new creative hub for the architecture and design community, the Design Quarter (DQ) has been specifically devised to give unrivalled visibility to architects, designers and model makers. The initiative will provide a unique opportunity to take part in Expo 2020 to showcase the latest projects, innovations and connect with businesses from around the world.
The Cityscape Market Report: a Finger on the Pulse
Following the release of the Cityscape ‘UAE & Wider MENA Real Estate Report’ in October 2020, Informa Markets has launched a new industry survey to compile research on the impact of the regions’ normalisation and trade deals with Qatar and Israel on business, the real estate market as well as inbound and outbound investment opportunities. Launching in Q2 2021, the report will detail sentiment from real estate professionals across multiple markets and provide valuable insight on investment prospects in the region.