CityBuild Abu Dhabi

CityBuild AD is a new international trade exhibition for the building and construction industry.

It is happening on 18-21 April, 2010—in conjunction with Cityscape Abu Dhabi—and aims to become a B2B platform bringing together buyers, suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and importers of products used in the construction of real estate and infrastructure projects. MEA caught up with group director Graham Wood to get the lowdown on this upcoming event.

Put simply, what is the fundamental difference between Cityscape and CityBuild?

GW: Cityscape is the leading B2B exhibition for the real estate investment and development industry. CityBuild is the co-located exhibition for all product companies involved in the building and construction industry.

Is it fair to say Cityscape is for those funding projects while CityBuild is for those building them?

GW: Yes. The co-location of these two events is exactly what the industry is looking for. Investors can source new investment opportunities at Cityscape. Developers and architects can source new products and contractors at CityBuild.

This is Abu Dhabi’s first CityBuild. What needs to happen for the it to be considered a success?

GW: There are many ways to view the success of an exhibition. The number of exhibitors already confirmed has exceeded all expectations, and with several months to go, we expect the exhibition area to sell out. That will be deemed a success.

In terms of visitors, the co-location with Cityscape Abu Dhabi will guarantee an excellent flow of trade visitors to CityBuild.

Add to this CityBuild’s extensive marketing, advertising and PR campaign and you have the foundations for high visitor numbers—which will also be deemed a success for a launch event.

What kind of exhibitors are you expecting to attend?

GW: International companies from across the building and construction industry; tiles, aluminium, steel, concrete, water technologies, marble and stone etc etc

Will CityBuild include a lecture series like Cityscape’s Green Day or World Architecture Congress?

GW: There will be a series of conference sessions, Innovation Zone displays, Showcases and workshops. At the time of writing, these sessions are being researched with key industry professionals and visionaries, to ensure that all topical and industry critical issues are covered.

In 2009, Cityscape Abu Dhabi and Dubai both underperformed compared to previous years. Is there any worry of a less-than-desirable turnout for CityBuild?

GW: At a time when many exhibitions were cancelled globally, Cityscape Abu Dhabi and Dubai bucked the trend and delivered very impressive exhibitor and visitor numbers. For CityBuild, we are very bullish about the expected turnout—as MEA readers will witness when they visit the show at ADNEC.

CityBuild is being touted as a B2B event but will consumers, distributors or contractors be able to seal deals while attending?

GW: There will be no reason for a consumer to visit CityBuild as it is a trade only exhibition. But to answer the other part of you question, yes, distributors and contractors will be there signing deals alongside procurement managers, developers and architects.

Point blank question: How will CityBuild help architects & engineers do their jobs better?

GW: Under one roof, design professionals, architects and engineers will be able to source new products, learn about innovation in the Middle East construction industry, meet several new business partners and achieve in four days what would take months to do without this exhibition taking place.