According to its online survey, over 90 per cent of the attendees at the Congress rated very good or excellent the developments in preventive medicine, genetics, aesthetic and cosmetic surgery and see the Gulf as a major player in the burgeoning Middle East anti-aging market, valued at *US$5.58billlion by 2010.

Supported by the Ministry of Health UAE and the Department of Health and Medical Services, DCAAAM attracted healthcare professionals from over 50 countries, with positive comments from delegates, speakers and exhibitors on the high standard of presentations, the benefits of networking and exploring expansion opportunities throughout the Middle East.

The only Middle Eastern event endorsed by the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, the three-day congress encompassed a conference, workshops, live demonstrations and an exhibition.

Scientific Committee member Dr Howard W Fisher said: “The second annual Congress demonstrated significant growth and a directional focus that encompassed the broader spectrum approach of personalising anti-aging regimens for each individual and empowering the attending physicians with the prerequisite knowledge to move from chronological aging to physiological aging.”

Kuwait-based Bader Sultan and Bros. Co. W.L.L. (BSBC), a leader in the field of medical services and supplies since 1960, and Platinum Sponsor, was delighted with the event. General Manager Emad Al Zaben said the quality of trade visitors and the programme of events was extremely encouraging given the current economic climate.

“ DCAAAM was an excellent platform for us to be at the forefront of the fastest developing Middle Eastern anti-aging medicine industry. I am very positive about our prospects for the Middle East and the region.”

Jason Sanyal from locally-based Transformbody, which was exhibiting for the second year, added: “The footfall was good and we saw a large potential in terms of leads generation.”

Speaking at one workshop was Daniella Russell, Independant Consultant for Spas and Wellness, Dubai. “This year had the latest and most comprehensive topics and viewpoints relevant to our Industry. It allowed good dialogue between speakers and audience to ensure all angles of concern were raised and covered. An excellent turnout of the industry leaders.”

Scientific Committee member and Speaker Dr Maria Khattar from Aesthetica Clinic, Dubai, said: “ A ground breaking technique was presented by Dr Jean March Guichet from France for the first time in any anti-aging congress. Worldwide.”

Feedback from the delegates was just as enthusiastic. Said Dr Ketan Marulka from India: “The entire event was well organised and conducted. The information provided by the speakers in their abstracts and case studies were extremely valuable. I liked the current trends in BiHRT and listening from the experts themselves will prove to be a valuable tool in my clinical practice.”

Dates for the 2010 Dubai Congress on Anti-Aging and Aesthetic Medicine have already been confirmed as October 26-27 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

His Excellency Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of TDIC, said: “The remarkable interest in TDIC’s sukuk programme clearly demonstrates the confidence and trust of the international capital markets in the position of Abu Dhabi. We are pleased that we have achieved this great success during the sukuk issuance as this comes shortly after we issued our inaugural bond earlier this year. In line with Abu Dhabi’s 2030 economic plan, TDIC has a long-term strategic vision to support developing Abu Dhabi into a world-class tourism destination.”

With TDIC’s Aa2/AA/AA credit ratings from Moodys, S&P and Fitch, highly experienced management and a unique role within the Abu Dhabi 2030 plan, the TDIC sukuk transaction was extremely well received globally and generated the largest order book for a global sukuk issuance in 2009, with 210 investors placing orders in excess of US$6.7bn.

Lee Tabler, CEO of TDIC, also commented: “TDIC has made a significant impression among global investors. This further reinforces TDIC’s role as a key player in the evolution of Abu Dhabi as it becomes a leading tourism and cultural destination.”

TDIC was able to price the fixed rate sukuk to yield 4.949%, representing a spread of 230bps over 5 year mid-swaps and 20bps tighter than initial price guidance during the roadshow process. In line with TDIC’s strategy of tapping Islamic investors as part of its overall funding base, 60% of the sukuk were allocated to investors in the Middle East, 20% to investors in Asia and 20% to investors in Europe. The investors comprised of banks (48%), asset managers and funds (21%), central banks and agencies (15%), private banks (14%) and 2% to other investors.

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank were mandated as Joint Lead Managers/Bookrunners of the transaction and were joined by Co Managers Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, First Energy Bank, Islamic Development Bank and Qatar Islamic Bank. Allied Investment Partners acted as the General Financial Adviser to TDIC.

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (DED) and MEED Events have announced during a press conference today (Tuesday, October 13, 2009) at the DED Headquarters, that new investment opportunities in Abu Dhabi and the critical role of the private sector in the Emirate’s economic diversification program will be the core topics of the Abu Dhabi Conference 2009 scheduled for November 10 to 11 at The Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi. Organisers have also unveiled the complete agenda and the line-up of speakers of Abu Dhabi Conference 2009, which has been tailored to support Abu Dhabi’s aim to achieve a 7 per cent economic growth through 2015 and increase the GDP share of the non-oil sector to 50 per cent.

The Abu Dhabi Conference will kick off with a pre-conference reception hosted by DED for speakers, ambassadors, government officials, local dignitaries and all delegates of the event. Key government officials led by H.E. Nasser Al Sowaidi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi DED; H.E. Mohammed Omar Abdullah, DED Undersecretary; and Fahad Al Raqbani, Deputy Director General, Abu Dhabi Council for Economic Development, will open the formal discussions with key messages focusing on Abu Dhabi’s strategies to develop essential non-oil sectors, including energy, petrochemicals, metals, transport, education, healthcare and tourism.

H.E. Nasser Al Sowaidi the Chairman said: “This year has witnessed the issuance of the new Law on the Establishment of the Department of Economic Development, which confirms our futuristic approach in the development of a knowledge-based economy, and gives the highest priority to sustainable economic development.”

“The issuance of the new law and the new tasks it mandates demonstrate the commitment of the wise leadership to achieve the Economic Vision 2030 with its broader and more comprehensive meaning across the geographical spread of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the economic spread of its various economic sectors”, he added.

He also noted that Abu Dhabi Conference will emphasise on our strategic Economic sectors according to a road map that is due to cover the next twenty years.”

“Over the next few years, the private sector will play a very important role in helping Abu Dhabi realise its economic diversification program. The ultimate goal is to achieve sustainable development and it is essential that the government and the private sector cooperate proactively to identify opportunities and synergise on various mutually beneficial development projects,” said Edmund O’Sullivan, Chairman, MEED Events.

“Abu Dhabi Conference offers an ideal platform for major stakeholders of the economic diversification initiative in Abu Dhabi to conduct networking activities, discuss pressing issues and identify fresh opportunities to further enhance the future economic landscape of the emirate. The conference agenda reflects the changing dynamics of the Abu Dhabi economy, particularly with regards to the growing investment and business opportunities for the non-oil sector. The conference will also feature a powerful line-up of speakers from different industry sectors who will offer unprecedented insights into the realities and peculiarities of the local business environment,” added O’Sullivan.

Abu Dhabi Conference will incorporate in-depth sessions that will explore critical issues related to key industry sectors, including transport, banking and finance; sports, culture and tourism; oil and gas and petroleum; real estate, education, healthcare; power, water and utilities; and investment. A VIP breakfast meeting and a gala dinner have also been organised to enable conference participants, invited guests and government officials to foster new business relationships and openly exchange ideas.

The event has already confirmed participation from the following organisations: Abu Dhabi Council for Economic Planning, Abu Dhabi National Chemicals Company, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company, Etisalat, Health Authority – Abu Dhabi, Higher Corporation for Specialised Economic Zones, Mubadala, Regulatory & Supervision Bureau, Securities & Commodities Authority and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority – UAE.

The Abu Dhabi Conference 2009 is supported by the Department of Economic Development – Abu Dhabi, with Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority (ADWEA) as Associate Sponsor; Partnered with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry; HSBC as Gold Sponsor; Abu Dhabi Polymers Park, Exeed Industries and Metito as Silver Sponsors; Orient Planet as PR Partner; and CNBC as Official Arabic Broadcaster.

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Under the terms of the agreement, National Paints will co-brand five interior/exterior paints and a wood varnish with Teflon®, marking the third license of its kind to be signed in the Middle East. National Paints will launch the products in the UAE, Oman, Jordan, Yemen, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. Teflon® brand coatings were originally introduced for use in coating cookware, bakeware and small electrical appliances, industrial applications and other specialty coatings applications but is now widely used to finish and protect apparel, textile, paint coatings, and other diverse surface applications. All Teflon® additives are tested at the Haskell Laboratory and prior to market entry.

“Teflon® surface protector combines unique chemical and physical features to help create surfaces that are durable, easy to clean, and dirt pick-up resistant, making them perfect for various applications across this region. Through this co-branding initiative, National Paints will be in a better position to meet the unique demands of its customers,” said Luis Rebollar, EMEA Regional Director, DuPont Titanium Technologies.

“EMEA is still one of the most active property development markets in the world, which makes it a key market for coating products. This agreement forms part of our strategy of raising production, safety and quality standards in the region’s thriving paint sector and reflects our years of productive partnership with National Paints,” added Richard C. Olson, President, DuPont Titanium Technologies.

National Paints maintains technical cooperation agreements with prominent international paint companies such as Transocean Coatings, Netherlands. Apart from its headquarters in UAE, the company manages branches in the Jordan, Oman, Qatar, Sudan, Palestine, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Egypt, Romania & India. National Paints have been accredited with ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management System and ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management System respectively. It ranked 39th in Coating World magazine’s list of top international paint producers in 2008. The company produces more than 280,000 tons of coating products annually to meet local demand and supply more than 60 Arab and foreign markets.

“Teflon® is a critical ingredient that allows us to create paints that can withstand the Arab region’s challenging environmental conditions. By adding it to our product line, we enhance our ability to provide the best and safest coating solutions. We are recognized as one of the top paint producers in the world, so these kinds of technologies are essential for us to maintain our strong market position,” concluded Mr. Saleem F. Sayegh, Managing Director, National Paints.

DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.

He was addressing the second UAE- Korea Director General meeting to discuss the preparations for the coming Joint Committee meeting of both countries.

Participants at the meeting exchanged views on the current economic situation and actions taken to address the global credit crunch. The meeting urged UAE and Korean companies to invest in key projects in both countries and exchange experience in the fields of small and medium businesses.

The Korean delegation called for cooperation by introducing knowledge sharing programmes and sharing economic development experiences. The Emirati delegation urged for establishing joint strategic partnership to promote small and medium enterprises by leveraging the rich experience of Korea.

Mr Al Shhihi said: “We are eager to build a strategic partnership with Korea in vital sectors such as renewable energy, IT and small & medium businesses. We look forward to exchanging experiences by IT research institutes especially with the UAE now focusing on shaping a Knowledge Economy.”

Mr Al Shhihhi said it is important to explore growth opportunities in various economic sectors by offering businesses an ideal environment for growth. He highlighted the importance of the new investment and industrial laws which will contribute to enhancing the investment environment, in line with the diversification policy of the UAE.

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As per the agreement, DED will open a new branch in DTMFZA to issue licenses, business registration services and save trade names for companies and corporations that are planning to do businesses in the emirate.

This initiative is aimed at enhancing the business diversity within Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone by increasing geographical proximity between clients and service providers. It will contribute to adding more amenities and facilities to complement the lifestyle and operational requirements of the community, besides generating more business opportunities.
 
His Excellency Mr Sami Al Qamzi, Director General, DED, and His Excellency Ahmad Bin Byat, Director General, DTMFZA, signed the agreement. Officials from DED and DTMFZA attended the signing ceremony held, recently, at DED headquarters in Deira.

“The agreement with DTMFZA comes in line with DED’s objective to enhance the performance of Dubai’s business sector. The Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority is one of the strong growth drivers of the Emirate’s economy and the new partnership will further enable investors to complete business initiation procedures swiftly,” said Mr Al Qamzi.  

“DED will coordinate with concerned local and federal government bodies and encourage them to establish their branches within DTMFZA and assign staff members to offer comprehensive services to investors looking to set up new businesses. DED will also coordinate with DTMFZA to use DED’s data licensing and business registration system to review data and information related to all licenses,” added Sami.

His Excellency Mr Bin Byat said: “The agreement plays a vital role in further strengthening the growth of the business sector in Dubai in line with the Dubai Government’s strategy. It will also contribute to providing a business-friendly environment – a key factor for the success of Dubai”.

“DTMFZA is committed to cooperate with concerned government departments such as DED to attract investment and encourage trade and economic motion at all levels,” added Mr Bin Byat.