Cityscapes are where we glimpse the future, but in miniature.
Billions of dirhams are pledged on basis of gleaming models, over which investors tower like the hero of Gulliver’s Travels.
It is a business model which has served the UAE well, turning cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi in architectural marvels as well as powerhouses of economic growth.
Cityscape Global 2017 in Dubai promises more of the same.
The star of the first day was clearly District One Residences, the third phase of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City, with apartments featuring waterfront views and the chance to go kayaking in the heart of Dubai, at least according to the artist’s impression.
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Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, visits the 16th edition of Cityscape Global. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, inspects the property models at Cityscape Global. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, inspects the property models at Cityscape Global. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, speaks to Ahmed Al Khatib during Cityscape Global. Francois Nel / Getty Images -
Visitors at the Canal Residence West project at Dubai Sports City. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
There were plenty of visitors on day one of Cityscape Global in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The Heart of Europe project, off the coast of Dubai, by Kleindienst. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai attends Cityscape Global. Francois Nel / Getty Images -
A model on display at Cityscape Global in Dubai which kicked off on September 11, 2017. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The Floating Venice project by Kleindienst. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Visitors at the J1 project model. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Visitors at the Latifa Towers model. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Visitors at the 02 model by Tiger. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Visitors at the Sparkle Towers project model. The towers in Dubai are set to be adorned with Swarovski crystals. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Visitors at the Bahrain Marina project. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Visitors at the Mirdif Hills project. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
A model on display at the 16th edition of Cityscape Global at Dubai World Trade Centre. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Visitors at the model of Dubai Silicon Oasis. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The Bahrain Bay project by Bahrain Bay developments. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Visitors at the Canal Residence West project at Dubai Sports City. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Visitors at the Casa Flores Motor City project by National Bonds. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The Heart of Europe project by Kleindienst. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
A scale model of the Expo Dubai 2020 project during Cityscape Global. Francois Nel / Getty Images -
A scale model of the Expo Dubai 2020 project during Cityscape Global. Francois Nel / Getty Images -
The Expo Dubai 2020 stand. Francois Nel / Getty Images
Among those inspecting the project on the opening morning was Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.
Once completed the 48 million square foot MBR City will offer the: “world's tallest residential tower, the tallest observation deck, the longest indoor ski slope and the largest dancing fountain as well as the newly launched Meydan One Mall.
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Read more:
Cityscape Global 2017: New property projects on display in Dubai - in pictures
Cityscape Global 2017: Sheikh Hamdan inspects scale models of future UAE projects
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Also due to be unveiled is District 2020, the legacy of Expo 2020, which will reimagine the exhibition site as a mix of commercial and residential projects, with a conference and exhibition centre.
This is the 16th Cityscape Global, with around 300 exhibitors from the UAE and 30 countries.
In Abu Dhabi, Japan’s Nikken Sekkei and the UAE’s National Bonds Corporation have unveiled the 44-story “super luxury” Reem Tower, at the Reem Island’s Marina Square.
According to Nikken’s region director, Dr Fadi Jabri, it will be: “A luxury iconic tower in an iconic area of Abu Dhabi.”
Residents can expect an infinity pool, jacuzzis, a fully equipped gym and a “yoga lawn.”
Also in the capital, Aldar will be promoting its Water’s Edge development of 2,255 homes on Yas, a decade after the island made its debut at Cityscape in 2007.
Nakheel is promoting its 180 metre Palm Beach Residences on the Palm Jumeirah, complete with a 38th floor sky lounge with views over the Arabian Gulf.
Cityscape is also nothing without its more exotic projects, the equivalent of its fringe festival. The Kleindienst Group, proud owners of six islands on The World and developers of The Floating Seahorse villas, has this year gone one step further with The Floating Venice.
Billed as: “The world’s first five-star floating destination, bringing the charm, serenity and culture of Venice to the tranquil shores of Dubai,” it will include real gondolas imported from Italy for the 3,000 guests.
This version of La Serenissima will also feature an entire floor under the water – something that the real Venice has spent the last 40 years and seven billion US dollars trying to avoid.
