Abu Dhabi Conference explores long-term plans for Abu Dhabi economy

Dubbed as the definitive event for doing business in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the Conference complements Abu Dhabi's goal of achieving 7% economic growth through 2015 and increasing the local GDP share of the non-carbon sector to 50%. The event will thus promote Abu Dhabi's economic achievements along with key investment and trade opportunities.

Organised by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (DED) in coordination with events specialist MEED, the Conference will feature in-depth sessions on critical issues related to a broad range of key sectors ranging from transport, finance and sports, to tourism, oil and gas, and real estate. DED - Abu Dhabi Chairman H.E. Nasser Al Sowaidi will deliver the keynote speech during the inauguration ceremony.

H.E. Al Sowaidi said, "There are numerous opportunities we shall be pursuing in synergy with the private sector as we adjust to today's new economic and financial environments. As we diversify further into fresh industries such as alternative energy, we plan to emerge as a model of an oil-rich economy with the vision of relying on non-oil businesses for long-term growth. Throughout this conference we will lay out this vision for directing Abu Dhabi to greater prosperity within the next 20 years."

The three-day conference incorporates a VIP breakfast meeting and a gala dinner to enable conference participants, special guests and government officials to strengthen existing partnerships and forge new ones. A series of panel sessions, presentations, armchair discussions, interactive debate and informal meetings have been lined up to establish a premier business networking environment. Two new features of the annual gathering are two half-day Masterclasses examining "Scenario Planning for a Successful Abu Dhabi Business Venture" and "Structuring, financing and executing successful projects in Abu Dhabi."

Leading organisations such as the Abu Dhabi National Chemicals Company, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company, Etisalat, Health Authority - Abu Dhabi, Higher Corporation for Specialised Economic Zones, Mubadala, Regulatory & Supervision Bureau, Securities & Commodities Authority and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority - UAE will actively participate in the event.

Edmund O'Sullivan, Chairman, MEED Events, added:

"Abu Dhabi has been successfully weathering the global crisis and has even been able to capitalise on opportunities opened up by the downturn. As the region steadily moves back to pre-crisis levels of productivity, expect the emirate to be at the forefront of efforts to expand key business sectors and promote newer ones. The Abu Dhabi Conference once again serves as a venue for sharing ideas and developing strategies to accelerate local and regional growth."

The Abu Dhabi Conference 2009 is supported by the Department of Economic Development - Abu Dhabi, with Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority (ADWEA) as Associate Sponsor; Partnered with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry; HSBC as Gold Sponsor; Abu Dhabi Polymers Park, Exeed Industries and Metito as Silver Sponsors; Orient Planet as PR Partner; and CNBC as Official Arabic Broadcaster.