Empowering Women and Fostering Innovation in Real Estate
Cityscape Global, the highly anticipated international property investment and development event, aims to make a significant impact in the real estate industry. With a focus on promoting gender diversity and driving innovation, the event will feature the Women in Real Estate (WIRE) programme and the Cityscape Innovation Challenge. Held from September 10 to 13, 2023 at the Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Centre, this gathering of visionaries aims to shape the future of urban landscapes.
Recognising the contributions of women in real estate, Cityscape Global highlights the importance of the WIRE program. It provides a platform for women to be acknowledged and heard for their achievements, inspiring future generations to make their mark in the industry.
The Cityscape Innovation Challenge is another exciting feature, centred around sustainability. It brings together innovators who are revolutionising the urban landscape. Attendees will witness the unveiling of cutting-edge technologies and solutions that are reshaping the real estate industry, fostering collaboration and propelling innovation forward.
Alex Heuff, Cityscape Exhibitions Director, emphasises the urgency of innovation in sustainable practices within real estate. He invites industry professionals to participate in this transformative event, engage with influential figures, and contribute to discussions on the future of the industry. The Cityscape Innovation Challenge provides a platform for start-ups to showcase their visionary ideas, fostering a culture of collaboration.
In addition to the Innovation Challenge, Cityscape Global offers a series of activities as part of the Cityscape WIRE initiative. These include workshops, curated panels, networking events, and leadership courses, providing valuable insights and networking opportunities throughout the four-day event.
Cityscape Global features esteemed speakers such as Laila AlHadhrami, a respected ‘global futurist’ and pioneer in Metaverse development, and David Baxter, with extensive experience in public-private partnerships. Their expertise enriches the event and inspires the future of real estate.
As a catalyst for positive change, Cityscape Global commits to gender equality and sustainable development. It provides a unique platform for professionals, investors, and thought leaders to engage in meaningful discussions, gain valuable insights, and establish strategic partnerships. Through networking opportunities, informative panels, and interactive exhibits, Cityscape Global showcases the latest trends and innovations shaping the future of real estate.
The event is organised by Tahaluf, an Informa Company, and sponsored by the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing (MOMRAH).
To attend Cityscape Global, visitors and exhibitors can register here
We take a look at some of the country’s finest properties, hotels and interior designs
Fully-furnished
Located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, this four-bedroom villa is the pinnacle of sophisticated and spacious living. Spread out over four floors, surrounded by palm trees and facing gently lapping waves, the residence is a space to truly luxuriate in.
The sizeable villa is awash with both natural light as well as designed lighting. This enhances the living areas whose open plan and opulent materials imbue refined relaxation. Each bathroom is tastefully designed, drenched in marble finishes and state-of-the-art fittings, while the master bathroom is blanketed by 300 million-year-old marble by Rosa Portogallo.
But it is the amenities that truly entice here. A vast garden with tropical plants, direct access to the relaxing beach with white sand imported from the Maldives, and a private pool, all encourage luxurious and lively gatherings.
This five-bedroom penthouse apartment in One at Palm Jumeirah, has a large living area and private balcony offering up stunning views of the Dubai Marina skyline and glistening blue waters of the Arabian Gulf. This beachfront penthouse apartment has a spacious and modern layout with dual Italian designer kitchens and marble detailing, a show kitchen with a chef’s island and a separate preparation kitchen, both of which have Gaggenau and Miele appliances. All the bedrooms have their own en suite bathrooms with automatic toilets and Dornbracht tapware, and the master bedroom has a Poliform walk-in closet with glass feature doors and integrated lighting. Finally, this elegant and impressive penthouse apartment is fitted with a state-of-the-art Crestron smart home automation system to control the lighting, climate, curtains and AV.
Set to open in 2024, Six Senses The Palm, Dubai marks The UAE’s first ever Six Senses Residences. The residential offering will include 162 branded residences including penthouses, royal penthouses, and duplex sky villas. There are also nine five-bedroom beachfront signature villas, each offering a garden, infinity pool, and palm-framed views to the beach. The Palm, Dubai is a 60,000 sq.ft wellness and lifestyle facility where owners will have access to an array of wellness and lifestyle facilities, including a longevity clinic, IV lounge, biohacking room, massage circuit pool, squash court, wellness circuit, and Six Senses Spa. Residents will also have access to the hotel’s facilities and full use of various leisure, sports, business, and recreational areas such as a micro farm, tennis courts, padel courts, restaurants, bars, pool, kids’ club, games room, library, function rooms, and meeting rooms.
Bishop Design Group
A project that’s anything but ordinary
In 2018, Bishop Design were assigned their biggest project to date: a 75-storey hotel to be operated by renowned hospitality firm SBE. Located in the heart of Dubai’s Downtown district, the debut of the SLS brand in 2019 brought a playful yet unmatched glamour to the region. The design comprises 254 hotel rooms, 321 residences, Ciel Spa, Carna steakhouse by Dario Cecchini, Italian restaurant F’ilia – a fully female-run establishment recently honoured with a Michelin Bib Gourmand – and rooftop spot Privilege complete with a dedicated nightclub and two infinity pools on the 75th floor.
The design ideology for the establishment revolved around revolutionising the SLS brand in conjunction with the local demographic by marrying contemporary elements with the natural aesthetic of Dubai. From the onset guests are immersed in luxury and their SLS journey unfolds as they travel through the venue. Although each area holds its own unique identity, sophisticated elements such as rose gold copper contrasts against more unrefined, raw finishes and surfaces with flippant accessories delivering a playful touch, an overall unconventional perception of luxury is presented coherent to both the brand and region’s elite clientele.
Earlier this year Bishop Design were appointed to create an unparalleled dining experience which paid homage to Italian heritage and the local demographic of Dubai through interior styling. Belcanto, which translates to “Beautiful Song” not only aligns with the sophistication of both regions but is a modern rendition of a classic Italian opera house. Dim lighting coupled with whimsical accessories and scarlet red accents shape the venue’s demeanour. A classic Italian love affair, between cuisine and entertainment, the sophisticated use of lighting and materials inspires desire within thespace and seduces guests into an unforgettable experience.
Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort and Spa, Dubai is a private, guest-only oasis nestled among the lush palm groves, emerald canopies and iconic sand dunes of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. This five-star hotel offers secluded tranquility and iconic vistas of the sweeping plains and Hajar Mountain massif. Take an unforgettable horse ride, camel trek or nature walk. Join a signature desert safari or practice the distinguished arts of archery and falconry. The luxury hotel boasts private swimming pools with majestic dune and mountain views and the 42 suites combine discreet refinement with authentic regional antiques, local artefacts and thoughtful nuances.
Browse through these East Coast homes that evoke a sense of cosiness and relaxation
Florida
There’s no mystery to what makes Florida so intoxicating. Beautiful beaches, rustling mangroves and one-of-a-kind sunsets are but a few things that draw people in from all over the world.
Adam Miller, Broker Associate for Go to the Beach expands on what makes Florida ideal for property investors… “Northwest Florida along the Gulf of Mexico is a unique environment. The climate is sub-tropical and we have beautiful pine forests that grow around us, and we have some of the most beautiful beaches available in the United States. The sand is powder white and the waters are often a clear emerald hue. We also have many coastal dune lakes that provide us a beautiful ecosystem that is rare to the world and only found in a handful of locations including New Zealand, Australia, Madagascar and South Walton (our county), Florida.”
There’s no mystery to what makes Florida so intoxicating. Beautiful beaches, rustling mangroves and one-of-a-kind sunsets are but a few things that draw people in from all over the world.
Adam Miller, Broker Associate for Go to the Beach expands on what makes Florida ideal for property investors…“Northwest Florida along the Gulf of Mexico is a unique environment. The climate is sub-tropical and we have beautiful pine forests that grow around us, and we have some of the most beautiful beaches available in the United States. The sand is powder white and the waters are often a clear emerald hue. We also have many coastal dune lakes that provide us a beautiful ecosystem that is rare to the world and only found in a handful of locations including New Zealand, Australia, Madagascar and South Walton (our county), Florida.”
Peter Griese, CEO for Engel & Völkers Florida concurs that “Florida is the ideal location for property investors.” He continues, “This is due to its certainty of population growth which leads to continued increase in property valuations. While sought-out international destinations such as California and New York have seen a decline in populations, Florida has continued to grow and is now the third most populous state in America.”
Specific areas where high net worth investors flock to include “Southeast and Southwest Florida,” says Peter. “Miami is now the international hub in the U.S. with great beaches and diverse restaurants and a lively night life. For those seeking a more casual setting, Naples has been a long sought-after destination known for great golf courses, calm ocean water and early restful evenings.”
Adam adds: “There are a number of communities on Scenic 30A that were built according to the principles of New Urbanism. These small towns were meticulously designed by talented architects and creators to promote walkability, community activity and overall neighbourhood aesthetics. These new urbanist developments are built right along the coast and are very appealing to high net worth investors because they are consistent in quality and aesthetic while also offering luxury-level amenities, shopping and dining. Seaside, Florida is a favourite tourist destination. It was the backdrop to the 1998 film “The Truman Show,” starring Jim Carrey and Ed Harris.
Carrying the slogan “New Town, Old Ways,” Seaside presents itself as a quaint beach getaway with modern conveniences. The town’s many merchants are vibrant and unique, helping to make visitors experiences memorable. Stop by Modica Market and Central Square Records on your next stay.”
Florida is also home to a host of activities, including “Year-round fishing, golfing and all other beach and ocean activities,” says Peter. “A diverse global population of visitors and homeowners supports a diverse range of high-quality restaurants in the luxury destinations,” he continues. Adam turns our attention to the future of the Florida property market, and says,
“I believe our area has a strong foundation. We’ve been through hurricanes, oil spills, and all kinds of market shifts. What holds things together is the natural beauty which always endures. While our area has always been a strong second-home market, it also has attracted primary owners in the masses over recent years. The area’s beauty and popularity alone point to a positive future for investors and owners.”
Adam Miller, Broker Associate – Go to the Beach Peter Griese, CEO – Engel & Völkers Florida
This Palm Beach single family home has five exquisite bedrooms, six full bathrooms, and three partial bathrooms. Its integrated and connected layout places the formal living and dining rooms, bar, library, gourmet kitchen, breakfast room, family room, cabana bathroom, and attached two-car garage on the first floor. Upstairs, in addition to the guest-bedroom suites and optional sitting area, you’ll find the sumptuous pool-view primary suite.
Often referred to as ‘The Big Apple,’ this fast-paced location is a hub of opportunities and a creative spirit. “As America’s largest and more dynamic city, NYC has a constant influx of domestic and international transplants,” says Craig George and Kevin Brown, both from Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage.
“The vast majority of those new residents are initially looking for rentals, creating a very healthy and lucrative rental market,” they continue. “While carrying costs are higher than other international cities, our historic appreciation over time is where investors will reap the biggest returns. “While Central Park South, Tribeca and the West Village remain very popular, investors are exploring Midtown East as a value play, as well as the Upper East Side, which is now perceived as a more stable neighbourhood, less transient and with fewer tourists. People love visiting New York City for its food scene, culture and architecture, so it’s only natural they would want to own a piece of the Big Apple!“
“There are no restrictions for foreign buyers in condos or townhouses, but coops may present more challenges due to their higher level of financial and personal scrutiny. The vast majority of coops restrict subletting, so they are less than ideal investments. In a full-service luxury condo, you should expect to pay between $1500 – $2000 per square foot, or roughly $1,800,000 – $2,400,000 on average for a 1200 square foot two-bedroom apartment. New developments average $2000 – $3000 per square foot, so it’ll likely be $2,400,000 – $3,600,000 for a 1200 square foot two-bedroom apartment.“
“The rental market has been extraordinarily strong for the past nine months, with price increases averaging 30-40% over pre-pandemic levels with no concessions. Recently, the demand has started to cool and prices have stabilised or started to come down. In some cases, small concessions are starting to make a comeback.”
Craig and Kevin rave about the countless activities there are in the city…“You could live in New York your entire life and not experience all of the fantastic restaurants, but some standouts include Carbone and Via Carota in the West Village and Le Bernardin in Midtown. Broadway is constantly reinventing itself, and recent hits include Six, Moulin Rouge, and MJ the Musical. One of the great pleasures of New York, however, is just walking the streets and discovering the many boutique shops and historic architecture.“
“Our last market peak was 2015, and since then we have seen prices decline and stabilise at 2018 levels. We fully expect another market peak in the next 3-4 years, and the long-term prospects for appreciation are certain based on historic trends. If you hold long enough (10-20 years), you have an opportunity to double your investment if you time it right.”
Craig George, Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan BrokerageKevin Brown, Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage
The James F. D. Lanier House, a landmark mansion built in 1903 and meticulously maintained for well over a century, remains one of the finest residential architectural works in New York City. Located in the quiet neighbourhood of Murray Hill, on 35th St. between Park and Lexington, the 33-foot-wide mansion is appointed with nine-bedrooms, five of which are suites, seven full and three half baths, as well as three bedrooms and two bathrooms for staff. Other features include an elevator, fitness facility, private garden and rooftop.
£26.7m / €31.1m / $33m
Jim McCann Group, Affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate t: +1 561 655 5560 www.christiesrealestate.com
John McElgunn, partner at Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners says the impacts of the pandemic will be felt for a long time: “At RSHP we have discussed this at length.
For several months now, global architects and masterplanners Chapman Taylor have been considering the impacts of the pandemic on every aspect of planning and design, from hospitality and retail to cinema and transportation. In addition, residential design has been a key focus.
Terry Spinolo is managing director of multi-award winning consultancy Inarc Design Asia Group. He is in no doubt that the pandemic will encourage a positive re-evaluation of the quality of living spaces within the built environment, leading architects to focus even more on wellness and enhanced health.
Lee Nellis is managing partner and director of XBD Architecture at award-winning design firm XBD Collective, who have a presence in both London and Dubai.
An interview with Azlina Bulmer, RIBA’s Director of International, reveals the impact the organisation has had on the architecture in the UK and globally for over 180 years
