Abu Dhabi Conference 2009 Agenda Focuses On Critical Role Of Private Sector In Defining Abu Dhabi’s Future Economic Landscape

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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