Direct selling pays off for developers at Cityscape

ALDAR’S DH2.4B WATER’S EDGE CLUSTER PROVES TO BE A BIG HIT

The basics of real estate buying and selling were on full display at Cityscape Global 2017, as developers and buyers benefited from being able to transact right at the stand.

Those basics — the right sort of property at the right location and pricing — were enough to get buyers to haul out their chequebooks. And the developers’ profile mattered just as much which made Aldar’s putting up a stand at the Dubai event pay off handsomely — the Abu Dhabi developer offered units forming part of its Dh2.4 billion Water’s Edge cluster. Prices started from Dh480,000 for a studio to Dh1.69 million. Those numbers, plus the payment split, had potential buyers queuing up at the stand and for the available units to sell out, according to observers.

Dubai’s own developers did not shy away from pushing through sales, with Azizi selling out the Phase 1 of its Riviera Residences — and 50 per cent of the second.

And then Dubai’s biggest names hit the stands with mega launches, with Nakheel showing off Dh3.2 billion worth of new projects. And with the promise of more to come.

Deyaar ventured forth with a Dh1 billion mixed-use tower in Business Bay, and Meraas had a full portfolio of on-land and off-land projects on display, not least Dubai Harbour.

Meydan launched a series of apartment buildings at its District One, to keep company with its already announced supersized mall and villas and mansions. Those mansions come in at Dh90 million and more.

And if a developer came out with something quite outside the ordinary, there were enough people coming over to gawp. The Dh2 billion plus “Venice” floating hotel at the Kleindienst Group stand was one example. “The Floating Venice” will feature super-premium hotel rooms built on top of a “vessel”, with one entire floor to be fully under water.

which opened at the Dubai World Trade Centre yesterday. Organisers say more than 300 exhibitors are expected to showcase thousands of projects during the three-day event, with an estimated 30,000 visitors passing through the doors by its close. In addition, more than 1,000 real estate professionals are expected to attend discussions and talks featuring 34 industryleading speakers at the Cityscape Global Conference.

Ahmed Ramzan/ Gulf News Visitors viewing the Dubai Expo 2020 stand on the first day of Cityscape Global 2017 at the Dubai World Trade Centre and Exhibition Halls, yesterday.

Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News Among the key projects on display was the Emirates Towers Business Park.

Left: People queue at the sales centre for Aldar Water’s Edge project. Virendra Saklani/Gulf News

Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News The Heart Of Europe project on display as part of the Kleindienst Group’s exhibition.

Ahmed Ramzan/ Gulf News A view of the Dubai Harbour project at the Meraas stand.

Virendra Saklani/Gulf News Top: Tilal City put Sharjah firmly on the map of projects to watch at this year’s event.

Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News MAG was showcasing various developments at the event.

Virendra Saklani/Gulf News More than 300 exhibitors are set to showcase their projects.

Virendra Saklani/Gulf News Nakheel gave a timeline for its new Palm Beach Residences.

Virendra Saklani/Gulf News Visitors view a model of MAG’s Eye at Meydan project.