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Content & Features

CITYSCAPE TALKS AGENDA

the full programme

Day 2, Wednesday 26 November

Commercial and Hospitality Focus

2:00 PM
Opening
Opening and welcome remarks by emcee
Ghaidaa Abdulaziz

Speaker

Ghaidaa Abdulaziz - Bilingual Emcee, Media Professional, Communications & Outreach Manager

2:05 PM
Presentation
Urban Planning & Development Authority: Planning creates opportunities…today’s plan is tomorrow’s investment
Ahmed Abdulaziz Al-Khayat

Speaker

H.E Eng. Ahmed Abdulaziz Al-Khayat - CEO, Urban Planning and Development Authority

2:20 PM
Presentation
Survey and Land Registration Bureau: The role of land management in city resilience
Abdulrahman Showaiter

Speaker

Eng. Abdulrahman Showaiter - Director of Cadastral Survey Directorate, Survey and Land Registration Bureau

2:30 PM
Panel Discussion
Beyond residential – Exploring Bahrain’s commercial real estate market

Bahrain’s commercial real estate prospects seem as promising as ever. Industry experts will analyze emerging trends in Grade-A office demand, retail transformation strategies, and the growing appeal of mixed-use developments. Gain actionable insights into location-specific opportunities, yield expectations, and how Bahrain's economic diversification is creating compelling commercial real estate investment prospects.

Clara Corominas

Moderator

Clara Corominas - Country Director, The Business Year

Sarah Al Abbasi

Panelist

Sarah Al Abbasi - Chief Project Officer, Amlak, Vice Chairman Real Estate & Construction Committee, Bahrain Chamber

Mohammed Al Mahmood

Panelist

Mohammed Al Mahmood - Head of Sales, Diyar Al Muharraq

3:00 PM
Panel Discussion
Tourism, Leisure and All Things Hospitality - Where is the GCC Headed?

This executive panel examines the GCC's collective tourism vision through 2030, highlighting strategic developments across member states. Panelists will analyze regional market trends, cross-border investment opportunities, and how GCC nations are positioning their complementary tourism offerings. Discussion will cover economic diversification strategies, changing traveler preferences, and collaborative initiatives to strengthen the region's global tourism competitiveness.

Khaled Zowayed

Moderator

Khaled Zowayed - Partner, Baker Mackenzie

Majeed Al Majed

Panelist

Majeed Al Majed - Director, Business Development and Licensing, Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority

Lamees Qasem

Panelist

Lamees Qasem - Managing Director, Chalhoub Group, Bahrain

3:30 PM
Fireside Chat
The rise of branded residences in Bahrain

Bahrain's expanding branded residences sector continues to show strong growth potential. Discussion will highlight flagship developments and examine the premium pricing these properties command in the market. Industry experts will analyze investment considerations, operational models, and market positioning within the GCC region.

Reem Al Mahroos

Moderator

Reem Al Mahroos - Legal Director, Charles Rusell Speechlyss

Ahmed Khalifa Khalfan

Panelist

Ahmed Khalifa Khalfan - CEO, Amwaj Beachfront

3:50 PM
Panel Discussion
ESG as a profit driver: Unlocking premium returns in Bahrain's commercial & hospitality developments

Investors and developers will discover how ESG-certified properties command premium rental rates and increased valuations while delivering significant energy cost savings. The presentation highlights competitive advantages including preferential financing terms, reduced vacancy risks, and protection against regulatory changes. Participants will gain actionable strategies for leveraging ESG to establish market leadership, attract premium global brands, and create compelling investment narratives that resonate with sophisticated capital sources.

Kalyan Krishnan

Moderator

Kalyan Krishnan - Head of Markets, Director, Advisory Services KPMG, Bahrain

Dr. Amir Ali Salemi Zadeh

Panelist

Dr. Amir Ali Salemi Zadeh - Founder and CEO, JTA International Investment Holding, Qatar

Tamer Farouk

Panelist

Tamer Farouk - General Manager, Hilton Bahrain

4:30 PM
Break
Networking Break
5:30 PM
Panel Discussion
Incredible value and maximum ROI: Bahrain's up-and-coming neighborhoods

Learn where luxury waterfront living offers exceptional value compared to similar premium locations, which communities offer the best rental returns, and where property values are projected to rise fastest. Our industry insiders will share which neighborhoods are transforming with new beaches, shopping districts, and transportation links that will enhance lifestyle and investment potential.

Stephen Flanagan

Moderator

Stephen Flanagan - Regional Partner, Head of Valuation and Advisory, Knight Frank

Dr. Bashar Ahmadi

Panelist

Dr. Bashar Ahmadi - CEO, Orchid Developers

Ahmed Yusuf

Panelist

Ahmed Yusuf - CEO, Seef Properties

6:00 PM
Panel Discussion
Understanding Bahrain’s property financing options: Mortgages, Loans & Payment plans

Whether you're a first-time buyer, or a seasoned investor, financing your real estate investment is always a question on your mind. Join this conversation with Bahrain’s top financial experts as they reveal secrets to property financing success. Discover competitive mortgage rates, flexible payment plans, and innovative Sharia-compliant options. Our specialists share how recent regulatory changes benefit both residents and international buyers, while offering practical advice to avoid costly mistakes.

Ghaidaa Abdulaziz

Moderator

Ghaidaa Abdulaziz - Bilingual Emcee, Media Professional, Communications & Outreach Manager

Mohammed Zainalabedin

Panelist

Mohammed Zainalabedin - Assistant General Manager, Retail Banking, Bahrain Bank of Kuwait

Ameera Alabassi

Panelist

Ameera Alabassi - Head of Retail Banking, Khaleeji Bank

Mohamed AlRefaei

Panelist

Mohamed AlRefaei - Head of Retail Banking Sales, Al Salam Bank

6:30 PM
DIY Workshop
The Art of Accessorizing: Personalize and give your home finishing touches

Learn to layer climate-friendly textures, incorporate local heritage pieces, and select statement lighting that elevates your space. Discover the "rule of three" for styling surfaces, budget-friendly sourcing from local artisans, and seasonal refresh strategies that keep your home feeling current without renovation. Whether finishing a new property or updating your existing space, you'll gain practical techniques to create a thoughtfully curated home that truly reflects you. 

Razan Jamal

Speaker

Eng. Razan Jamal - Co-founder, Designat Interiors

7:10 PM
End of day 2
End of Cityscape Talks Day 2
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