Abu Dhabi, Apr 19 (IANS/WAM): Volcanic ash erupting from Iceland has cast a shadow over Abu Dhabi's real estate exhibition with many visitors unable to attend the event due to cancellation of flights across Europe.

"Unfortunately, the catastrophic event thousands of kelometres away in Iceland has had an impact here in Abu Dhabi," said Rohan Marwaha, managing director of Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2010 that kicked off Sunday.

"Undoubtedly thousands of potential visitors from Europe and the Americas have been unable to get flights."

More than 250 exhibitors from 36 countries, the US, Britain, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Italy, France, Australia, Germany, China and Poland, are taking part in the annual event, which will last till April 21.

The event was inaugurated by Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, chief of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

Besides showcasing architectural masterpieces, the exhibition will also hold seminars and interactive sessions among investors, developers, government representatives, architects, designers and consultants, the organisers said.

A parallel exhibition, CityBuild Abu Dhabi, an international trade show for the building and construction industry, will also be the part of the event.