Private sector construction in Dubai valued at AED6 billion

Nearly 200 industry delegates attended the meeting of the new group, which aims to represent and articulate member interests more effectively with the support and legal backing of DCCI.

Chairing yesterday's meeting, Dr Anwar Gargash, Member of the Board and Head of DCCI's Economic Affairs and Commercial Activities Committee, said: "DCCI has initiated these new business groups to develop an infrastructure to promote business development in Dubai, and further networking opportunities for Chamber members with the local, regional, and international community."

Dr Gargash continued: "This initiative will enable the Chamber to satisfy the needs of members, offer value-added services, and provide access to increasingly relevant market information."

Abdul Rahman Al-Mutaiwee, Director General of DCCI, and Ahmed Al Banna, Assistant Director General for Studies and International Affairs, also attended yesterday's meeting.

Mr Al Banna observed that the real estate and construction industries combined were among the largest contributors to Dubai's GDP.

He explained to delegates that between 1997 and 2001 the value of completed private sector construction projects in Dubai rose from AED4.5 billion to AED6.1 billion, representing an increase of 36 per cent.

Construction firms in Dubai, he said, completed 1,672 villas, 355 multi-storey commercial buildings and residences, and 418 industrial, recreational and services buildings. DCCI membership representing the construction and real estate sector also grew from 1,721 members in 1997 to 2,582 last year.

Addressing almost 200 representatives of the new Building Trade and Manufacturing Business Group, Abdul Rahman Al-Mutaiwee, Director General of DCCI, explained that group members were welcome to use DCCI facilities for meetings and committee sessions.

So far, new business groups have been created under the umbrella of the Chamber for the foodstuffs trading, land transport, and pharmaceutical and health equipment sectors.

New business groups are also planned for printing and publishing, food and beverage manufacturing, and organisers of exhibitions and conferences.

Delegates attending yesterday's meeting agreed to elect a committee of between eight to 11 members to head the new Building Materials Trade and Manufacturing Business Group. Members will vote on nominations at a meeting attended by DCCI officials shortly.

Ends