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Creation Date: Thu, 15 Oct 2009 GMT

Cityscape 2009 Dubai - Let's give those exhibitors a prize

A tough first day at Cityscape is over. As expected, the finest journalists around the world have struggled to find anything very positive to say about those brave enough to display.

I tackled the visitors instead and polled them for an alternative view on the show and the efforts made by this years gutsy exhibitors.

And in no particular order, the honours go to......

 Best jazz club at Cityscape

Aldar - for providing a sleek and contemporary exhibition that was generously open to non-members. A mix of smooth jazz tunes, mellow seating and retro styling were cleverly blended to disguise the immense pressure of delivering their Yas Marina development for the Abu Dhabi GP in four weeks time.

 Hans Christian Andersen prize

Meeras - proposed development to rebuild half of Jumeirah with hanging gardens and architectural walkways one hundred storeys up, enough said.  

Environmental commitment prize

Limitless - effortlessly minimised energy, noise and environmental pollution this year with their non-existent stand.

Most thoughtful exhibitor

Omniyat - generously cleared their expensive floor space to create a refreshing and contemporary cafe-style area for passing visitors to recline and muse over what exactly Omniyat are doing these days.

Best Picture

Meydan - a gigantic stand complete with deluxe cinema on site showcasing the equally immense project in all its finest glory.

Conservation award

Nakheel - for displaying a model of the Palm Jumeira, complete with finished Trump Tower. That's the same tower that Trump Jnr, in his opening speech at the event, confirmed was on hold indefinitely...

Blue Peter badge for model making

Almarkaz - models that everyone can have a go at in their spare time.

Best Documentary

SODIC - displayed the type of eminently realistic and practical projects that are needed in the current economic. East-town and West-town developments in Cairo were well planned and deserved of success

And finally,

Lifetime award (Shared)

Emaar & Nakheel - proud "Foundation Sponsors" of Cityscape, recognised for their enduring and devoted support (bar some widely reported wavering, which we won't mention) of the largest business-to-business real estate investment and development event in the world.