Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 02 February 2009: Even in the current financial climate there is a continuing market for coastal real estate, properties adjacent to waterfronts and beaches remain highly desirable. Landmark Advisory's first quarterly report of 2009 explained that although property prices have suffered recently, responding to demand rather than speculation, developments which deliver on quality will fare far better than those which do not meet expectations.

With property prices falling, the key to maximising profitability is maintaining quality, both in the design and construction of developments themselves and in the surrounding marine ecosystem of the coastal location itself. In particular water quality can have a huge impact on long-term appeal and since the coastal zone is shared between numerous developments there is a real need for planning, cooperation and regulation to maintain this.

International Quality and Productivity Center (IQPC), the global provider of tailored, industry-driven conferences, will be hosting Urban Coastal Development 2009, a prestigious two-day conference alongside a further two days containing four exclusive workshops, all of which take place in Abu Dhabi. The event will be opened with a keynote address from H.E. Nayef Omar Al-Kalali, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Works, Bahrain. There will also be local involvement from Abu Dhabi's Urban Planning Council, Environment Agency and Estidama sustainability guidelines.

James Plotnek, Conference Director for Urban Coastal Development 2009, says, "This event provides a unique opportunity to bring together the region's top developers with government and leaders from the construction industry to discuss serious financial, technical and environmental issues which need to be addressed."

Attendees can immerse themselves in a full programme of presentations and case studies from local and international speakers, as well as interactive discussions on crucial issues. Topics covered include development decisions, architecture and design, climate change, coastal zone management, maintaining beaches, coastal construction challenges and reflecting local heritage and culture.

Urban Coastal development 2009 runs in the period from 22 to 26 March 2009 at Le Méridien, Abu Dhabi, UAE. Further information may be obtained at www.urbancoastaldevelopment.com.

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About IQPC Middle East:
For over thirty years, IQPC has helped the world's leading corporations solve their business challenges through the sharing of practical industry solutions and global best practice. In the process, the company has built a formidable reputation for quality and value. During this time, the Middle East's most progressive companies have benefited from IQPC's unrivalled global reach, which has connected international expertise with regional and local leaders.  For more information, visit www.iqpc.ae

For more information, please contact
James Plotnek
Conference Director
IQPC
james.plotnek@iqpc.com
T +971 4 360 2802

© Press Release 2009