5th WTA Techno-Mart kicks off in Dubai for the first time

The Techno-Mart, being held from 14th to16th of April, was inaugurated by Mrs. Salma Hareb, CEO Jafza and Economic Zones World. It is the first time the WTA Techno-Mart is being held in the Middle East.

Speaking on the occasion Mrs. Salma Hareb said: "This conference and exhibition brings together the region's premier institutions and global leaders in the science and technology arena, in one place. Above all, the event provides a platform for entrepreneurship and enables discussions on synergistic partnerships between businesses and institutions while promoting investment & information exchange. It is rather befitting, that we should host an event of this nature in Dubai - the city that looks forward and beyond.

"Dubai has always been at the forefront of advancement in the region, and by hosting this year's gathering of innovators and leaders in the technological field, Dubai World through its science and technology facilitator, TechnoPark has proven yet again, that it is in sync with the vision of Dubai, as envisaged by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE, and Ruler of Dubai."

Commenting on the event Prof. Deog-Seong Oh, Secretary General, World Technopolis Association said:

"We are very happy to hold 5th WTA Techno-Mart in Dubai, one of the most dynamic cities in the region. The event will provide an excellent opportunity to regional and global market leaders to interact with each other and develop long term partnerships."

Dubai Techno-Mart will enable WTA member cities, their industries, academia, and research and development centres, as well as international organisations, such as UNESCO and IASP to exchange new technologies and display hi-tech products and promote investment and contracts.

Hamad Al Hashemi, Managing Director TechnoPark stated: "Only those countries and nations that embrace technology and cutting edge ideas and make them a daily part of their lives can truly take on the world and play a leading part in its future. We at TechnoPark firmly believe in this philosophy. And we endeavour to nurture and harbour a culture that encourages the conception of business ideas that translate into industrial developments."

"We are very proud to be co-hosting the 5th Techno-Mart with the World Technopolis Association who has selected Dubai as their newest venue for the exhibition. Dubai - is a perfect example of a modern Arabian metropolis, a veritable 21st century city that has a bustling economy with an unrivalled infrastructure."

"Dubai", he added, "is a city that understands what it takes to get ahead and stay there."

WTA's three-day conference programme began with leading experts probing the state of technological developments across the globe. A key-note address by Dr. Farouk El Baz, Research Professor and Director of the Center for Remote Sensing at Boston University marked the start of the event. Dr. El Baz, well-known for his ground-breaking work with NASA delivered a talk on technological challenges of the 21st century and why countries are aiming to become knowledge-based economies.

Other prominent guest speakers include Luis Sanz, Director General of International Association of Science Parks; Dr. Dieter Fuchs, General Manager of Fraunhofer Institute (FI) Middle East and President of WAITRO; Sookja Han, President of Korean Technology Investment Corporation International; Malcolm Parry, Managing Director of the Surrey Research Park; Michael R. Polcari, President & CEO of Sematech; Dr. Hischam El-Agamy, Regional Director of International Institute for Management Development; and Dr. Paris Kokorotsikos, CEO of Athens Stock Exchange listed Management and Technology Consulting Company Euroconsultants S.A. among many others.

In addition to a technology exhibition, where WTA members and around 100 exhibitors are able display new technology and products, the Dubai Techno-Mart features technology presentation sessions, where businesses from WTA members are be able to share technological advancements with others, and an international workshop featuring case studies, exercises and presentations to enhance the knowledge of technical experts and managers in the Technopolises.