Two-day conference to bring spotlight on RAK investment opportunities

The 'Ras Al Khaimah Conference 2007', to be held from February 12 to 13 at the Hilton Ras Al Khaimah, is being organised by the business weekly MEED in association with the Investment & Development Office (IDO) of Ras Al Khaimah. Around 175 delegates are expected to attend the conference, which is also supported by Amana, CTC, Metito, Rasmala Investments and Saraya Islands.

His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, under whose patronage the Conference is being held, will deliver the keynote address outlining the vision that propels the rapid growth being witnessed by the emirate, the organisers told a press conference held at Shangri La Dubai today.

The press conference was addressed by Dr Izzat Dajani, Chief Executive of IDO and Edmund O'Sullivan, Editorial Director of MEED. Also present were representatives of the companies sponsoring the event.

Reflecting the vibrant investment scenario in the emirate and the spurt of interest in its ambitious development drive among regional and international businesses, the Conference would focus on the theme of 'Major New Project Opportunities in Ras Al Khaimah'. The seven sessions following the keynote address will be dedicated to presentations and discussions on the various aspects of Business & Investment; Tourism; Education & Healthcare; Real Estate; Port, Logistics & Free Zones; Manufacturing; and Energy & Petrochemicals, A panel of 30 high profile investors and senior business leaders will lead these sessions.

"For businesses looking for opportunities to optimise their capabilities and expand their activities, Ras Al Khaimah holds immense potential. Over the last few years the emirate has been able to generate tremendous interest among local, regional and international investors. The Ras Al Khaimah 2007 Conference will help sustain that interest and update the investor community on the developments and the opportunities coming up, all the while providing them with an ideal networking platform,"

Dr. Dajani said.

The Conference topics will provide an in-depth analysis of the current projects and their tendering process while those at the forefront of these projects, including international companies, will be able to share their experiences with the participants, Dr Dajani added.

MEED Conferences is providing their pre-event networking facility to delegates. This will help delegates arrange for business meetings and network with other participants well in advance.

"The Ras Al Khaimah 2007 Conference will be an excellent networking platform for both new entrants and established businesses alike. For those interested in bidding for the many new contracts coming out in this exciting project market the Conference holds added attraction" commented O'Sullivan.

Senior executives from various local and international establishments like RAK Properties, Al Mal Capital, Rasmala Investments, Hilton International, Rotana Hotels, Abraaj Capital, AC Nielsen, Al Tamimi & Company, EDAW Australia, George Mason University, KGL Ports International, RAK Airways, RAK Ceramics, RAKGAS, Standard Chartered Bank, Tufts University, Methodist International and Khoie Group have confirmed their representation at the Conference.

Speakers at the conference include Engr Sheikh Salem Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman, RAK Civil Aviation; Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, CEO, MashreqBank; Abdullah Bin Zaid Al Hagbani, Secretary General, Gulf Petrochemicals Association; Nicholas MacLean, MD, CB Richard Ellis; Kito de Boer, Managing Director Middle East, McKinsey & Company; and Ali Kolaghassi, Vice Chairman & CEO, Saraya Holdings.

"Ras Al Khaimah has already proved to investors that we are a pro-business government committed to our promises. The line-up of eminent speakers and the topics of the Ras Al Khaimah Conference 2007 further reflect this commitment and the seriousness with which we approach our goals," Dr. Dajani concluded.