Emaar and Nakheel to miss Cityscape

Two of the largest property developers in the UAE are not taking part in this year's property trade show in Dubai.

People in front of a scale model of Mina Al Arab project at RAK Properties showroom during Cityscape Abu Dhabi.

Emaar Properties and Nakheel, two of the largest property developers in the UAE, are not taking part in this year's Cityscape property trade show in Dubai, due to begin on October 7. Emaar said in a statement that it had "taken a strategic decision not to participate in Cityscape 2009, but will evaluate our participation in Cityscape 2010 based on our objectives, strategy and announcements next year". Emaar added that while the show, which runs for four days and is Dubai's biggest annual property event, had been valuable to highlight the company's projects and international plans in recent years, its focus was now on completing the Downtown Burj Dubai development, a sprawling community project that will include the world's tallest tower, Burj Dubai.

"With the opening of The Dubai Mall and The Dubai Fountain and Burj Dubai scheduled to open this year, Emaar's concentrated efforts are towards making the Downtown Burj Dubai community one of the best developments," the statement said. Meanwhile, Nakheel, which has suspended several of its projects in Dubai and has a US$3.52 billion (Dh12.92bn) debt that comes due in December, is not participating either. "Emaar and Nakheel are unfortunately unable to join us this year," said Rohan Marwaha, the managing director of Cityscape. A Nakheel spokesperson was unavailable for comment. Dubai's other big developers, such as Dubai Properties Group and Deyaar Development, are participating. [e-mail]