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THE Gulf Real Estate Fundamentals Conference 2008 aims to be the first integrated networking event to focus on providing a deep insight into property development and management.
The two-day event at the Diplomat Radisson SAS in Manama on November 18-19 will emphasise the need to apply international best practices tailored to the Middle East market.
Speaking at the official launch of the conference, director general, Survey and Land Registration Bureau, Shaikh Abdul Rahman Al Khalifa said: "We are witnessing unprecedented growth in the real estate sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
"This is further indication that the economic initiatives undertaken by our government is well on its way to position the kingdom as a key destination for international business.
"In the wake of this ongoing growth in the real estate market, there is a need for professionals, banks and real estate developers to network and gain from global best practices and identify new opportunities."
Organisers say investors, retailers and developers in the Gulf will now have a 'unique touch point' where international retail property expertise, superior local knowledge and executive capability converge.
"Conducted in a classroom style, the event offers an opportunity to benefit from the vast experience in a more niche group of peers facilitating in-depth high level discussions and debate," a spokesman added.
The conference will feature international real estate leaders who will share their experience of resilience and profitability in a market that is dynamic and business success is dependent on a series of related contingencies.
The conference assumes further importance in light of the looming global recession. As the credit crunch and dysfunctional money markets cloud the global macro outlook, it seems that many countries will not be spared from the downturn. Concern over the possibility of the US recession triggering a slowdown of global real estate investment is slowly gaining momentum. Despite repeated assurance from the investment pundits across the GCC about sound economic fundamentals and negligible swings, the market continues to be skeptic. The event will address these issues and aim to dispel unfounded prejudices and speculations.
One key attraction of the conference will be the analysis of investment prospects in Asia, as the emerging economies, owing to their favourable demographics, continue to attract unprecedented levels of international real estate capital. Moreover, the conference has already confirmed many high-calibre speakers who have in-depth industrial knowledge on financial instruments linked to real estate transactions.
