Agenda

08:00 - 09:10
REGISTRATION AND CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

09:10 - 09:20
CHAIR'S OPENING REMARKS
Andrew England, Abu Dhabi Bureau Chief and Chief Middle East Correspondent, Financial Times

09:20 - 09:40
KEYNOTE:

Sheikh Mohammed bin Issa bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Chief Executive, Economic Development Board of Bahrain

09:40 - 10:25

Views and Overviews of the Economy
What is the wider economic picture regarding property investment and development in the Gulf? Will speculative demand decrease as global credit liquidity diminishes or will commodity returns be sufficient to maintain price growths? How will rising inflation affect demand for property? Where and who within the GCC will experience the greatest growth or downturn over the next fiscal year? Over the next five years?

Hadi Al Alawi, Chairman and Founder, Al Hayat Group
Peter Riddoch, CEO, DAMAC Properties Co LLC
Nick Maclean, Managing Director Middle East and Northern Africa, CB Richard Ellis

10:25 - 11:00
Panel Discussion Q&A

11:00 - 11:25

NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK

11:25 - 12:10

Realising the dream for all
Market experts believe the greatest remaining untapped property opportunity in the Gulf is the development of housing for the non-expat market. What regulations are in place to encourage residential development? Is there appropriate financing to meet rising middle-class demand?

Gurjit Singh, Chief Property Development Officer, Sorouh Real Estate PJSC
Joseph Kilar, Chief Operating Officer, Emaar Economic City
Dr Akram Yosri, Managing Partner, 3i Capital Group
Amin Al Arrayed, General Manager, First Bahrain Real Estate Development Co

12:10 - 12:45
Panel Discussion Q&A

12:45 - 14:00
NETWORKING LUNCH

14:00 - 14:45

Luxury landmarks of tomorrow
The Gulf has been a market leader in luxury property development, but an increasingly sophisticated consumer and competitive working environment continuously demand an ever-higher standard of quality. What are the latest trends in luxury developments  commercial, retail and residential? What lies behind the shift towards more mixed-use property? Is environmentally sustainable property viable? Is there added value in celebrity-architect design?

Barclay Saastad, Director of Investment and Business Development, RAK Properties
Nader Al Khalili, Chief Investment Officer, Tharawat Investment House

14:45 - 15:20
Panel Discussion Q&A

15:20 - 15:50
NETWORKING TEA BREAK
15:50 - 16:50

Financing future skylines
As the Gulf property market matures, a more advanced set of real estate financial products are needed by a more demanding group of investors and consumers. What new financial products are required to help the evolution of Gulf property? How can banks and regulators cooperate to develop a healthy mortgage market? Can the property market be made to be less reliant on public money, and more dependent on competitive private investment? What role will Islamic financing play in future property growth?

Marios Maratheftis, Regional Head of Research: Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan, Standard Chartered Bank
Khalid Howladar, Senior Credit Officer, Moody's Investors Service
Shafqat Ali Malik, Chief Financial Officer, ALDAR Properties PJSC

16:50 - 17:25
Panel Discussion Q&A

17:25 - 17:30
CHAIRS CLOSING REMARKS

17:30 - 18:30
CLOSE OF CONFERENCE AND NETWORKING DRINKS RECEPTION