Beginning today, International Property Week 2006 showcases worldwide property investments.

International Property Week (IPW) 2006 profiles established and emerging global property markets with a focus on the residential sector.

The comprehensive annual trade exhibition for international and Middle East property markets has gathered strong support from the UAE and surrounding GCC areas, as well as heightened international backing, after an extremely strong performance in 2005.

The show is being organised by The Domus Group and Strategic Marketing. Players from international markets such as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Malaysia, France, the UK, the US, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, Germany and Spain are gearing up for the exposition being held from today until February 23, at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre. The exponential growth in attendance has compelled the organisers to increase the exhibition area substantially this year.

From the Middle East real estate markets, world-class representation of developers, real estate agents and ancillary finance providers is expected, while market leaders such as 1st Horizon Real Estate LLC, Palma Real Estate, Majan Gulf Properties LLC, ETA Star Property Developers LLC, People Group, Global Education Management System, Spanish Golf & Sports Resorts SLU, Green House Realty, 32 Group Properties, Zahed Real Estate, Express Print (Publishers) LLC, Al Khaleej, Aqariya Real Estate TV, Al Nisr Publishing (Gulf News, Property Weekly), Corinthian Publishing FZ LLC (Property World ME), Hawk Media LLC and Emirates Tenders, are already supporting the show.

Wide choice

International Property Week 2006 will feature premium property offerings both from international developers as well as the burgeoning regional market, and will bring focus onto the vast array of residential investments suitable for a wide range of budgets.

Commenting on the International Property Week, David Domoney, Managing Director, The Domus Group, says, "The aim of IPW is to consolidate representatives from world-class developers and financers to provide visitors and clients a lucrative experience in property investment, and focus in on residential property as the linchpin for the show. IPW derives strength from the high quality of its stands and the professionalism of its visitors. In 2005, 50 per cent of the exhibitors closed deals for high denominations, while 21 per cent generated more than 100 promising leads due the serious intent of the 7,445 high quality visitors who attended the show."

The show focuses on serious investors intent on diversifying their portfolios as well as first-time homebuyers, or those shopping for a second or third holiday home. The show will exhibit a diverse line-up of Dubai, Gulf and international properties under one roof.

Dawood Al Shezawi, Chairman, Strategic Marketing, says, "In 2005, more than 70 per cent of visitors to the show were chairmen, presidents, partners, managing directors, CEOs or vice-presidents of organisations, whereas a substantial percentage of the remainder were consultants or real estate professionals. IPW?s motif is to concentrate on the serious investor, and we pride ourselves on our ability to cater to the multifarious needs of those wanting to use the show as a platform to further their interests. Last year, 68 per cent of exhibiting representatives felt that their presence at the show was beneficial towards advancing their business objectives and that they had met potential investors and generated serious customer prospects."

Developments in the real estate sector, such as the introduction of the two-tiered federal law expected to be implemented in early 2006, will throw IPW into sharp relief as the first property show held after the law clearly defines buyer rights and transaction procedures.

Dynamic market

"With the market making rapid strides towards maturity and procedural transparency, IPW 2006 promises to be extremely interesting. It is estimated that Dubai is expanding 6.2 per cent a year largely due to new construction, and property investments are expected to reach a staggering $50 billion (about Dh184 billion) by 2010. The market dynamism in the wake of expected developments such as the new law will reflect in heightened investment and purchases by those who have as yet not entered the property market.

"This year, we are also considering interesting options such as time sharing for those investors who wish to balance their investment portfolio by holding assets jointly with other individuals in various premium localities globally," Domoney says.

IPW 2006 is aiming for a 300-per cent growth in exhibitors compared to that of last year, with 14,000 plus private investors expected to visit the show over three days.

GOOD INVESTMENT
Why should you be there?

There will be residential properties for sale and investment opportunities from 25 countries as well as Dubai, from luxury villas to high rise developments, waterfront developments and even wine estates.

Everyone in business has busy lives, heavy agendas and demanding travel schedules. Property investors, like you, are no exception and will hopefully welcome the opportunity for the market to be brought to you in a single location.

If you have a real interest in buying or investing, this show is a learning and comparative shopping opportunity like no other.

This is an opportunity to screen a wide selection of property, to understand and question qualified staff of developers, agents and brokers. And with experts supplying services such as legal and financing advice, you can even conclude deals at the show. Real estate professionals can also meet co-investors, overseas representatives or new business partners, designers and others and can consult with industry professionals and specialists. This helps investors and buyers to refine their shortlists and reach investment and buying decisions.

FACT FILE
At a glance

Event
International Property Week Dubai 2006

Show dates
February 21 to 23

Show venue

Shaikh Maktoum Hall (Hall 8) and Shaikh Rashid Hall (Hall 9), Dubai International Exhibition Centre.

Show timings
10am to 8pm
February 21 and 22 - 10am to 1pm   and 5 to 9pm
February 23 - 10am to 8pm

Frequency
Annual

Admission policy

No admission charge. Admission open to invitees, media, investors, members of real estate and investment industries and public on presentation of business card. Unaccompanied children are not admitted. Accompanied children are admitted at the organiser?s discretion and are generally admitted on Thursday.

Exhibition area

Two lounges have been made available in the hall to exchange information and network on the latest property developments worldwide. This is an ideal place to meet clients in an elegant and comfortable environment.

International property forum

The forum is a rolling programme of presentations by experts in various fields, speakers from various real estate markets and exhibitors with new projects or services and expertise. There is one programme for private buyers and another for real estate trade visitors.