Bipex is a great draw

Property seekers from across the GCC made their way to the fifth internationally-acclaimed Bahrain International Property Exhibition (BIPEX) which took place at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre.

Minister of the Prime Minister's Court Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa formally opened Bipex 2008 which was organised by the non-profit organisation Bahrain Society of Engineers (BSE).

The event attracted a record 96 participants from the United Kingdom, Portugal, India, the Philippines, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Jordan in addition to those from Bahrain.

Commenting on the opening, A Majeed Al Gassab, president of the BSE, said: "Bipex today is among the leading exhibitions where buyers and sellers from around the globe can meet to maximise their investment opportunities. Indeed, Bipex is proving to be the ideal conduit for successfully bringing together investors, both regional and international, as well as real estate developers under one roof."

The opening was also attended by a host of senior dignitaries, investors, sponsors, exhibitors and government officials.

One of the largest exhibits belonged to Al Khaleej Development Company (Tameer), a leading real estate investment, advisory and property development group which operates in accordance with the principles of Sharia.

Chief executive of Bahrain Investment Wharf, Muhannad Al Durrah said: "We, Tameer, joined Bipex last year to bring awareness to our many successful projects such as Durrat Marina, Bahrain Investment Wharf and Adhari Park.

"Tameer's image is very important to us and Bipex accentuates that in the exhibition. Although it is still at the early stages of the expo, we have already received a good amount of positive feedback."

Marina West's team also wooed visitors to their exhibit which radiated a blue glow keeping true to the company's colours.

Marketing director Abdulnabi Shakeeb said: "We normally participate in Bipex because we believe in it due to its success over the years. It's a thriving event and we continue getting the audience that we need which keeps us coming back for more."

Platinum sponsor Century Homes also wowed onlookers with its upscale exhibit. Chairman Ebrahim Abdulaal Alfahad said: "This is the third time we have participated in Bipex and we will continue to return as it is a unique exhibition that attracts both local and international investors and developers."

Even international exhibitors like the Filipino resort Club Balai Isabel received enormous feedback and appeal. Club Balai representative Jojo and manager Rose delos Santos told GulfWeekly that it was their first time in Bahrain to promote the club and they are very glad to be a part of Bipex 2008. Mr Jojo said: "This is a strong exhibition. We have had different nationalities approach us and hopefully in 2009 we will be back."

Bipex premium sponsor Riffa Views displayed a new brochure, chic exhibit and model of the estates. Chief executive officer Richard Browning said: "Bipex is now a premier showcase for property in the kingdom. I was very critical of it three years ago, about the quality of the exhibit and not of the organisers. I was critical of the support it was getting from the developers and if you can't showcase your own property on your doorstep in a big way, then really you don't deserve to succeed.

"That is something that now over the last couple of years I think people have appreciated because they used to spend lots of money going to Cityscape and not on their doorstep. So I think we should be proud of what we have in the kingdom and what we are developing and collectively display that once a year in a very big and strong way.

"Riffa Views is here as a statement of confidence in our product and the development of the company. We have sold 90 per cent of our property and we obviously want to sell the other 10 per cent. We also have investors who are looking to re-sell their property and we feel committed to them and our aim is to create a successful sustainable development.

"So we support the secondary market, we are handling the secondary market on par with our own property and we want to show that we are going to support all the original investors with a strong marketing campaign and confidence that we have with this particular product."

And as well as Riffa Views, Star Real Estate is also involved in resale of the development.

Bipex organising committee chairman Mohammed Khalil Al Sayed said: "For the first time in five years, Bipex 2008 has had to increase its exhibition area to 8,700 sq m, from last year's 6,000 sq m, to cater to the growing demand from exhibitors and participants.

"The exhibition, which is supported by the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce & Industry, is expected to surpass last year's achievement, when over $38 billion worth of real estate assets were displayed to over 12,000 visitors."

Abbas Mirza Ali, project manager at the Ministry of Works, from Saar

"I attend Bipex every year for many reasons. Since I am part of the Bahrain Society of Engineers, I attend to see how successful we are as organisers, to see the economic growth in Bahrain and mainly because it is part of my job. I find that over the years, this conference has grown immensely and it's a very encouraging sign for us."

Amer Bin Rajab, 32, civil engineer in the municipality, from Isa Town

"I couldn't make it to Bipex 2007 but I am glad I made it this year. There are many interesting and appealing exhibits and new projects. This exhibition really helps you be aware of what new developments are on the rise and where to invest."

Mohammed Al Abdulla, 28, relationship manager at Citibank, from East Riffa

"Last year I attended to look for property and also to look for potential clients. This year the exhibition is on a much larger scale, displayed much better and has a lot more exhibitors. So I think it's a good venue to visit."

Olga Stadnak, 27, marketing manager of Ary Properties, Dubai

"It is our first time participating in Bipex and we decided to take part because it is an international real estate exhibition and we are looking for opportunities to expand our business. It has been really good for us and we have received a lot of inquiries."

Payal Patel, 25, managing director of Lotus PI Events, from Sehla

"Bipex gets bigger and bigger every year. I come every single time and I notice the increase in exhibits and developers. There are a lot of international developers here. Tameer is absolutely massive and I think Bahrain can finally compete with Dubai in terms of international property exhibitions."