MANAMA: Property Arabia 2007 opens today at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC).
The official opening ceremony for the event will be held at 10am under the patronage of the Bahrain Economic Development Board.
The exhibition runs until Saturday and will showcase major current and future real estate developments in Bahrain and the Gulf, along with property and investment opportunities from as far a field as the Far East and Europe.
A 3,000sqm exhibition space will feature over 40 exhibitors from around the world.
A wide range of properties and property related services including apartments and penthouses, agents, architects, financial institutions, interiors, hotel and tourism operators, new city and town projects, resort and island properties and waterfront and luxury developments will be on show.
"Property Arabia 2007 is the ideal opportunity for anyone thinking about investing in property or buying a new home to see what options are available," said Stephen Key, chief executive of organisers Arabian Exhibition Management.
"Visitors can talk with experts, view models and obtain financing - all under one convenient roof," he added.
Mr Key said the show's organisers anticipate a considerable visitor turnout.
Last year's event attracted more than 3,500 private and corporate investors, 30pc of which came from outside of Bahrain.
Visitors at Property Arabia 2007 are expected to exceed 4,000.
"The region's real estate sector continues to flourish and attract interest," said Mr Key.
"This is underpinned by various factors that include high population growth rates, sustained high oil prices, excess liquidity looking for investment outlets, strong economic growth and lower interest rates.
"Added to this, governments have also introduced new legislation allowing foreign ownership."
For visitors looking for property close to home, the growing number of developments taking place in Bahrain will fall under the spotlight at the event.
"We are delighted to have the support of so many Bahrain exhibitors," he said.
"Their presence at Property Arabia 2007 reflects the rapid pace at which the kingdom's real estate sector is growing and the exhibition will highlight the numerous first class investment opportunities it has to offer."
Other exhibitors at the event come from Malaysia, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Thailand, Germany and Portugal.
Property Arabia 2007 is open to the trade and general public from 10am to 2pm and 4pm to 8pm today, tomorrow and Saturday; and from 4pm to 8pm on Friday.
Entry to the exhibition is free of charge. Children under the age of 16 will not be admitted.
