RAKIA and MEED organise 2nd annual RAK Conference 2008

Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA), the government body responsible for the socioeconomic growth of the emirate, in partnership with business intelligence firm Middle East Economic Digest (MEED), have announced that the 2nd annual Ras Al Khaimah Conference 2008, organised under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, will be held at the Al Hamra Fort Hotel, Ras Al Khaimah from January 27-28, 2008.

RAK Conference 2008 will be inaugurated by H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, and will gather a powerful line-up of prominent industry figures, thought-leaders, international and regional investors, and key government officials, who will explore and discuss various investment opportunities in Ras Al Khaimah. Sponsored by AL HAMRA Real Estate, AL HAMRA Village, AMANA, KHOIE Properties, RAK Ceramics and Rakeen, the Conference will also host an interactive workshop that will serve as a practical guide to establishing business ventures in the emirate.

"Ras Al Khaimah is manifesting an economic transformation as a result of business-oriented policies and government-led initiatives that have helped generate major investments in a wide range of industries. RAK Conference 2008 will further consolidate the emirate's economic strength by identifying new investment prospects and assisting business organisations in their expansion initiatives in the emirate," said Dr. Khater Massaad, CEO of RAKIA.

"RAK Conference exceeded the expectations of many delegates during its 2007 edition, in which 56 per cent of participants were VPs, directors and general managers of leading international organisations. This year, we are confident of again achieving unprecedented success and delivering significant impact to all delegates as we have enhanced the conference program and boosted the line-up of speakers and presenters," added Dr. Massaad.

With the emirate's exceptional performance across a number of high-growth industries, RAK Conference 2008 expects to gather international and regional senior executives from a broad range of sectors, including leisure and tourism, real estate, infrastructure, manufacturing, ports and logistics, energy, banking and finance, and aviation.

RAK Conference 2008 will incorporate cutting-edge presentations by renowned organisations, which include RAKIA, Al Tamimi & Company, Global Investment House, Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries (JULPHAR), Halcrow International Partnership, KPMG, KHOIE Properties, Rakeen, RAK Properties, RAK Tourism, Hilton Hotels and Rasmala Investment.

Moreover, conference delegates will be treated to a dinner at the Royal Palace hosted by H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, who will also deliver the Conference's keynote opening address.

"RAK Conference 2008 offers unparalleled networking opportunities as delegates get a rare chance to interact with members of the ruling family along with prominent international and regional investors. For business organisations looking to generate new leads for their expansion programs, the Conference will help them discover first-hand the enormous prospects that await in Ras Al Khaimah," concluded Dr. Massaad.

RAKIA is at the forefront of government initiatives to diversify the RAK economy. It has also been the government authority responsible for promoting the development of the emirate's Industrial Zone and Free Zone in Al Hamra, and the Industrial Park in Al Ghayl.