RAK conference to unveil new investment opportunities

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, the 'Ras Al Khaimah 2007' conference is intended to present the opportunities unfolding in the latest investment and tourism destination in the Middle East to investors and business leaders within and beyond the region.

Over 30 high profile international speakers, entrepreneurs and industry leaders will attend the conference to be held at the Hilton Ras Al Khaimah on February 12 and 13. The conference is being organised by the business weekly MEED in association with the Investment & Development Office (IDO) of the Government of Ras Al Khaimah.

The central theme of the presentations and deliberations during the conference would be 'Major New Project Opportunities in Ras Al Khaimah'. Around 200 delegates are expected to attend the conference, which is also supported by Amana, CTC, Metito, Rasmala Investments, RAK Properties, Saraya Islands and Zamil Steel.

His Highness Sheikh Saud will deliver the keynote address on the opening day, outlining the vision that propels the rapid growth being witnessed by the emirate. Patrick Butler, Vice President, Washington Post Company would share his insights into the 'American Attitudes towards the Gulf', following the keynote address.

The next eight sessions will shed light on the developments and opportunities in Ras Al Khaimah in various sectors including Business & Investment; Tourism; Education & Healthcare; Real Estate; Utility Infrastructure; Port, Logistics & Free Zones; Manufacturing; and Energy & Petrochemicals. Speakers will include Engr Salem Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman RAK Civil Aviation; Selim El Zyr, President & CEO of Rotana Hotels Corporation; and Dr Peter Stearns, Provost, George Mason University, Virginia, USA.

The conference will also see a line-up of eminent speakers including Nicholas Maclean, MD, CB Richard Ellis Middle East; Philip Turberville, CEO, RAK Petroleum; Alastair Burns, COO, RAK Properties; Oussama El Omari, CEO, RAK Free Trade Zone; Mohammed A Al Mehrizi, Director-General, RAK Customs & Ports Department; and Abdullah Bin Zaid Al Hagbani, Secretary-General, Gulf Petrochemicals Association.

"The Ras Al Khaimah Conference 2007 is being held at a time when the investor community and global financial circles have started endorsing Ras Al Khaimah Government's efforts to diversify the emirate's economy with the right mix of policy and infrastructure, leveraging on its geographic location. This conference will provide all stakeholders - existing as well as potential - in the development of the emirate with an ideal networking platform and will unlock the potential and exceptional opportunities that exist," said Dr Izzat Dajani, Chief Executive of IDO.

The Conference topics will provide in-depth analysis of 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.

"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 Edmund O'Sullivan, Editorial Director of MEED.