Cityscape to host high profile forum on Rebuilding Iraq

The forum will bring together pioneering international policymakers and business leaders with property developers, leading architects and construction professionals to address the challenges faced in regenerating what is forecast to become one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

It will be held, in association with the UAE's newly-formed Iraqi Business Council (IBC) on the final day of Cityscape's associated Property Design, Investment and Development Conference taking place at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, from October 18-21.

Among the key issues to be addressed will be the UAE's role in the rebuilding of Iraq; opportunities for cooperation between UAE and Iraqi companies; legal requirements and regulations; the UN's role in post-war Iraq; the current economic situation; opportunities for architects and construction companies and the role and goals of the IBC in the development of Iraq.

Speakers addressing the one-day forum will include leading Dubai government officials, Moayed Hassan, Chairman of the IBC, Ahmed Samerai, UN ESCWA regional advisor and Mohammed Al Assam, Managing Director, Dewan Architects and Engineers.

"The aim is to tell people about the huge opportunities in Iraq for investors, architects, developers and construction companies," said Al Assam, who leads the largest Iraqi architectural and engineering practice outside of Iraq.

"We want to help people do business in Iraq and at the same time make a contribution to the successful reconstruction of the country. Iraq was once an economic power house in the Middle East. It can be so again."

Dewan employs over 100 people in its two UAE offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Among the high profile projects it is involved in are Dubai's Green Community; the Gardens' shopping centre at Jebel Ali, the new Zayed University facilities at Dubai's Internet City and at Abu Dhabi's Sea Resort Hotel.

Iraq, which has the second largest oil reserves after Saudi Arabia, has over US $20 billion in cash reserves, yet to be recovered, that could be utilised for redevelopment, according to the IBC. Among the sectors that are expected to attract large scale foreign investment into Iraq are construction, hospitality and tourism, industry and healthcare.

"The 'Executive Briefing on Re-building Iraq' will provide a platform for lively and comprehensive debate on the challenges facing the property development and construction industries, as well as acting as a catalyst for investment, particularly in the real estate sector," said Neil Hickman, Cityscape Project Manager, IIR, organiser of Cityscape 2003.

"We anticipate a great deal of interest, not just from within the UAE, but also from the wider Middle East region. This forum will act as a gateway into Iraq and help smooth the path for companies targeting business opportunities there."

Meanwhile, Cityscape 2003 will map out a blueprint for the future of Middle East cities by bringing together the world's leading architects, international and regional property investment and development experts and urban planners.

A leading industry event, it is officially supported by the Dubai Development and Investment Authority. Main sponsors are Aqar Holdings, Amoudia Real Estate Development, Nakheel and Jumeirah Beach Resort. The event's other sponsors are Al-Oula Development Company, Rikaz, Assa Abloy and Tabreed.