Cityscape Egypt To Boost Real Estate Sector

After its tremendous success last year, Cairo International Convention Center will again host the leading Cityscape Egypt exhibition, in association with Next Move, this March. The second edition of Egypt’s only international real estate exhibition will be open to public from March 28-31, 2013.

“We cannot deny that 2011 was a difficult year, when we came to a stage where things had dramatically slowed down. Then we had the Cityscape event in Q1 of 2012, witnessing a very strong movement on the residential front, which was completely unexpected,” said Ayman Sami, Head of Egypt, Jones Lang LaSalle Misr.

The organizers said that the first edition of Cityscape Egypt, held in 2012, attracted 79 exhibitors and over 10,000 visitors. The Cityscape Egypt exhibition organizers are expecting a significant increase in of the number of participants this year, as the event will be running through the weekend.

Also, due to the high demand this year, the exhibition space has been expanded to include a new, additional hall at the Cairo International Convention Center.  Chris Speller, Commercial Director for Cityscape and Informa Exhibitions says; “The event next month will increase by at least 25% in actual space occupied, filling the entire venue and will include around 25% more exhibitors”.

“As one of the biggest real estate companies in Egypt, we cannot miss this very important event. Our participation will allow us to meet foreign investors and to showcase our products,” said Hesham Shoukri, Chairman & CEO of the USD 2 billion Rooya for Real Estate Development.

Key exhibitors this year include Al Futtaim, Coldwell Banker New Homes, EmaarMisr for Development, Hassan Allam, Hyde Park, Jones Lang Lasalle, La Mirada, Madinet Nasr for Housing and Development, Rooya for Real Estate Development, Suez Industrial Development Company, Tabarak Holding, TIBA Group, Yafamac, New Giza, Orascom, Palm Hills Developments, SODIC, TalaatMostafa Group and many more.

Mr. Ramy Halaby, Head of Sales and Marketing, NEWGIZA (NG), another of the exhibiting companies, stressed that Cityscape is one the biggest real estate events in Egypt and that his company’s attendance is essential to display NEWGIZA products and provide brand awareness. Also, it is a great opportunity to network with key players in the industry. NG is located in 6 October City on a site of over 1,500 acres (6.3 million sq m).

Mr. Mohamed El Dahhan, CEO, EmaarMisr, which is also among the participating companies and is a wholly owned subsidiary of the UAE-based Emaar Properties (PJSC), said that Cityscape is a very important medium for reaching out to the company’s target markets and for showcasing to the whole region the strength of Egypt’s real estate market.

Mr. Mohamed added that, in light of the current market situation, EmaarMisr has a strong belief in Egypt and its economy, and is keen to be part of any activity that might help revamp the real estate market in Egypt and play an effective role in its economic growth.

EmaarMisr is also very proud this year to launch Emaar Square, which will be a spectacular addition to Uptown Cairo. Emaar Square is a mixed-use development located in an upmarket area of downtown Cairo, featuring a five star premium Address Hotel and serviced residences.

Emaar is currently working on four key projects : Uptown Cairo, Marassi, the Mivida residential community and the commercial-cum-residential development on the Cairo -Alexandria Desert Road, which also features Cairo Gate, the largest outdoor shopping and entertainment destination in the country.

Mohamed Allam, CEO of Hassan Allam Properties (HAP), one of Egypt’s leading real estate developers, said, “Cityscape is the biggest real estate exhibition in the Middle East and, now that they are in Egypt, it will be a very good opportunity for HAP to take part. Unfortunately, we were unable to participate in Cityscape 2012, but this year HAP will not miss the chance to stand out among its competitors.”

HAP’s property portfolio covers some of Egypt’s most famous communities and seaside resorts, including Swan Lake New Cairo and 6 October City residential developments, the Seasons Residence in New Cairo, the Park View residential community (also in New Cairo), the Little Venice Golf Resort in Ain Sokhna, and the Baia Bianca vacation resort in Sharm el-Sheikh.

The exhibition will take place after the Egypt Real Estate Summit, that will host over 150 local and international senior investors, real estate developers and keynote speakers from 26-28 March, 2013.