Adac says 'Wilkommen' to German aviation delegates

The event was also attended by HE Peter Brandes, German Ambassador to the UAE.

The well attended event brought together more than 35 high-flying aviation professionals, including CEOs, Managing Directors, Board Members and Vice Presidents from more than 25 of the highest regarded German businesses and educational institutions. Yesterday morning, they visited the Abu Dhabi International Airport to familiarize themselves with its new developments.

In accordance with Abu Dhabi Plan 2030 and its vision to establish the Emirate as a hub for aviation, the trip sought to showcase the economic capability of Abu Dhabi and to promote government and investor relations.

Saeed Al Mulla, VP Business Park Development at Adac, highlighted the large scale $255bn investments currently underway in Abu Dhabi across all sectors. He said:

"Foreign trade and investment have increased more than 23% over the past two years, as international organisations have committed to establishing operations in Abu Dhabi.

"The Business and Logistics Park at Abu Dhabi International Airport will provide the state-of-the-art facilities required to attract international companies. In addition to good connectivity via air and land, and a one-stop-shop for investor related services, companies will gain all the benefits of operating in a Free Zone; 100% corporate and income tax exemption, 100% import and export duty exemption and 100% foreign ownership."

Mr Randolf Rodenstock, Vice Chairman of the German-Arab Friendship Society (DAFG) and Head of the Delegation, said:

"We are grateful to Adac for their hospitality and for providing this opportunity to meet our aviation sector peers. The Bavarian aerospace cluster is an important contributor to the German economy employing 36,000 people and contributing $10bn through sales. Through this trip we have had the opportunity to better understand the developments under way and planned at the two main airports in Abu Dhabi, and the greater vision to join the world leaders in aviation technology and innovation."

Zeyad Al Majed, Senior Project Advisor at Adac, highlighted the steps planned for Al Ain to meet the specific needs of small to medium-sized aerospace manufacturing enterprises. Along with multi-modal transport, the Al Ain Logistics Park will provide competitively priced residential and commercial developments with long-term inflation-protected leases. Coupled with the zero tax environment, this will offer the most competitive cost base in the UAE allowing for sustainable long-term business activity.

Representatives from Mubadala Development Company (MDC), the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), and the Department of Planning and Economy also highlighted their activities to German delegates. In their presentations, German delegation members emphasised the great potential for strong UAE-German investment ties, paving the way forward for establishing a world-class aerospace hub in the Middle East region.