Informa Markets, organiser of Cityscape Egypt exhibition, has decided to postpone the exhibition formerly scheduled 18 – 21 March, and the Cityscape Egypt Conference and Awards scheduled to run 16 – 17 March, following the Egyptian government's announcement to suspend all major public gatherings in Egypt, as a precautionary measure against coronavirus fears. The company said in an official statement "We are monitoring the situation carefully and working with all stakeholders and government bodies to ensure Cityscape Egypt endeavours to run as soon as possible in 2020. We are in discussions with the venue, Egypt International Exhibition Centre (EIEC) , to ensure Cityscape Egypt is the first major event to run in 2020 once things return to normal post-COVID19." Alongside the real estate market, the company is incredibly disappointed to delay Cityscape Egypt, which was set to be a highly successful event, with higher participants than at any other point on record. It further noted, "We are committed to delivering an excellent alternative later in 2020 for our buyers and sellers alike, and we wish to assure you that your registration and participation is unchanged and valid for the new dates. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this will cause. We trust that you understand that we made this decision in the best interests of all our customers and partners." The Real Estate Development Chamber launched a new initiative to support and revitalise the real estate market by presenting companies' various offers and launching marketing campaigns after postponing the Cityscape Egypt exhibition due to the spread of COVID-19 and the cabinet decision to stop the gatherings and exhibitions. Head of the Real Estate Development Chamber and Chairman of Arabia Holding Tarek Shoukry said that investing in real estate is the most attractive business during crises and the optimal alternative to other investment vessels that are quickly affected. Shoukry added that the strength of the real estate market comes from great demand and real need coupled with the ability of property to retain its value. In fact, real estate didn't decline in any past economic crises; on the contrary, it rose during short periods. He pointed out that the Chamber's initiative comes in response to a large number of its members' demands to maintain and revitalise the sector during the current period. Chairperson and Founder of the Mountain View Amr Soliman demanded that real estate companies continue their campaigns that were launched during March, as a prelude to participating in the Cityscape exhibition, in addition to maintaining their offers that customers expect every year. Soliman further called real estate companies to make the month of March an annual date for discounts and offers without considering holding any events. He said that current circumstances are in favour of the real estate market since it's a safe haven for clients. In addition, companies' ability to deal with these variables flexibly enables them to raise their sales and support the market, which in turn is reflected in the Egyptian economy.
