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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Saudi Arabia has emerged as the most attractive investment destination in the Middle East’s petrochemical, printing, packaging and plastic industries, revealed Riyadh Exhibitions Company (REC), organiser of “Saudi PPPP 2009″, in a press conference held today (Sunday, October 11, 2009) at the Four Seasons Hotel in Riyadh. REC also disclosed that more than 500 companies will represent 24 countries in the upcoming mega trade event to tap into the Kingdom’s robust business opportunities.

Speaking at the press conference, Fadi Kaddoura, Vice President – Sales and Marketing, REC, said, “Saudi PPPP 2009 will offer a unique platform for companies to identify and pursue gainful business and investment opportunities that have been unlocked by the Saudi Government’s proactive efforts in developing its petrochemicals industry. Moreover, Saudi PPPP features a unique combination of four major trade exhibitions, allowing trade visitors and exhibitors to optimise their business potential, and creating exciting possibilities to synergise and build strategic partnerships.”

Commercial counsellors of several National Pavilions that will be put up at Saudi PPPP 2009 joined REC at the press conference in discussing the role of Saudi Arabia in promoting the industry’s growth in the region. REC underscored the fact that Saudi Arabia’s groundbreaking petrochemicals projects, estimated to be worth SAR 172.5 billion, will dramatically increase Saudi Arabia’s production capacity and further consolidate the country’s position as a leading producer and supplier in the regional and global petrochemicals industry. This has been further reinforced with the country scoring a chart-topping 74.3 points in the Middle Eastern Petrochemicals Business Environment Rankings matrix.

On the other hand, recent reports have revealed that the Saudi printing industry continues to grow by 15 percent annually as printing expenditure in Saudi Arabia has been at an all-time high. At 40 kilograms a head, Saudi Arabia’s consumption of plastics rates twice as much as any other GCC country, even as the country’s packaging sector accounts for up to 70 per cent of the GCC packaging market, valued at USD 2 billion.

Saudi PPPP 2009 will be held from Shawwal 29 to Zul Al-Qi’dah 2, 1430 / October 18 to 21, 2009, at the newly built Riyadh International Exhibition Centre, one of the region’s most advanced exhibition facilities. The leading business-to-business event comprises Saudi Petrochem 2009 – The 4th International Exhibition for Chemicals and Chemical Technology Industry; Saudi Plas 2009 – The 9th International Plastics Technology Show; Saudi Pack 2009 – The 9th International Packing Machinery and Materials Show; and Saudi Print 2009 – The 9th International Pre-press and Printing Technology Exhibition.

Supported by diamond sponsor Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) and gold sponsor Petro Rabigh, Saudi PPPP 2009 will also feature a comprehensive range of products manufactured locally in Saudi Arabia, which collectively account for 35 per cent of the total products showcased in the event. The trade event’s confirmed exhibitors now represent a substantial 77.4 per cent increase in participation, while exhibition space has been expanded by 100 per cent to reach 15,000 square metres.
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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.