Over 1,000 exhibitors showed a dazzling variety of real estate projects on 70,000 square metres of exhibition space in the Dubai International Exhibition Centre. Hard to believe that the first Cityscape in 2002 attracted 600 visitors and was held in a hotel. The exhibition was opened on October 16th by H.E. Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs of the Federal Government of the United Arab Emirates. “The progress of Cityscape as an event underscores the growth of Middle Eastern companies as formidable players in the global real estate industry”, said Gergawi after touring the exhibition.

The majority of the exhibitors are project developers, investors and financers from the UAE. One enormous stand after another. In addition to them developers from other Gulf countries like Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia and some other countries showed their projects. Around them a wide variety of related businesses, like architects and service providers showcased themselves. The projects are for a large part residential, with some offices and retail. Many visitors shop for apartments.
The stands are almost all beautifully designed with maquettes of futuristic projects; complete new cities will arise in the desert and new islands in the sea. Nothing is impossible here. It’s almost like a dream.

The reality is that projects are not delivered on time. Costs of materials rise or materials are unavailable at all. Many apartments are bought as investments, counting on price increases. Will it all come true? In any case Dubai and now Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al-Khaimah as well continue developing theme cities and coastal developments with large leisure and retail elements.
A good way to check the progress is from the air. Luckily Nakheel, the developer of the palm islands, offered a helicopter tour. This is also probably the best way to appreciate the reality of the enormous developments in Dubai. During the day dust and pollution make a very hazy atmosphere in which the towers appear like shadows. From above it is much more clear.