The Gulf region has seen an unprecedented and rapid expansion in the number and magnitude of coastal developments being planned and built. There has been a strong relationship between the creation of iconic waterfronts and the increase in population and tourist numbers. Increasing affluence in the region has further fuelled this boom. Along with this growth, however, a number of challenges and issues have arisen, both technically and environmentally, all of which impact on driving profitability.

The high value attributed to coastal real estate is intimately linked with the desirability and appeal of the coastal environment. The amount and scale of projects being undertaken has caused a noticeable amount of damage to both physical shorelines and marine ecosystems. Stringent environmental regulations and green building codes are being introduced throughout the region, and so it is becoming imperative that standards are met and maintained from the earliest stages of planning and design, throughout construction and in ongoing operation. It is only through protecting the environment that real estate value can be maintained.

In the present market conditions it is more important than ever to ensure that everything is done right, right from the start of a project. Urban Coastal Development 2009 has been developed with the aim of providing essential knowledge and practical solutions for major issues facing the construction industry when working on coastal projects. Our exclusive panel of speakers has been gathered together for the region’s foremost forum on waterfront development to share their expertise and experience.