“Since January 2009, we have seen that exhibitions in Munich, Singapore, Abu Dhabi… were all very calm. So let’s see what is going to happen at Cityscape Dubai,” said Philippe Chaix, general manager of the Parisian office district ‘La Défense’ on the show’s first day. As expected, activity at the four-day exhibition in the emirate was calm as well. Instead of rushing to stands and booking newly-launched properties, Cityscape visitors this year were monitoring the market, asking about construction and delivery schedules, and checking which companies were still exhibiting after a year-long financial slump. Exhibitors came with a different aim as well. Instead of bragging about their new launches, developers answered visitors’ questions, explained the progress of their projects and offered their customers support in case of financial difficulties. “I think that comparing Cityscape to last year is wrong,” said Markus Giebel, chief executive officer of Deyaar. “Before, it was
