Iraq's top reconstruction expert to address Dubai forum at Cityscape 2003

Dhia, top Iraqi advisor to US Presidential envoy Paul Bremer, will detail the rebuilding work underway in Iraq and outline the way ahead. It will be the first time Dhia has addressed a regional conference on reconstruction efforts in Iraq.

An engineer who left Iraq in 1982, Dhia is a former leader of the US-based Iraqi Forum for Democracy. Before returning to Iraq earlier this year he worked with the Pentagon to select other Iraqi members of the Office of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance team tasked with rebuilding Iraq's shattered infrastructure.

Among the other speakers at the one-day briefing, to be held at Dubai's Grand Hyatt hotel on October 21, will be Ahmed Samerai, Regional Advisor to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, who will report on the current situation in Iraq, as well as the future direction of reconstruction efforts.

Organised by the International Institute for Research (IIR) in association with UAE-based Dewan Architects and Engineers, the forum will also be addressed by Essam Al-Tamimi, a prominent Dubai lawyer, who will provide an overview of the legal framework in Iraq; Mohammed Al Assam, Managing Director of Dewan Architects and Engineers, who will focus on the role of Iraqi expatriates in rebuilding Iraq; Iraqi architects Dr Mohamed Makia and Dr Ihsan Fathi and Moayed Khursan, Chairman, Iraqi Business Council in the UAE.

'The executive update is the ideal environment to discuss key issues pertinent to engineering and construction professionals who are looking to position themselves to address the challenges of what will become one of the fastest growing economies in the world,' said Neil Hickman, Project Director, Cityscape 2003.

'A study by the US Council on Foreign Relations estimates it will cost nearly US $100 billion to rebuild Iraq, while the Centre for Strategic and Budgetary Associations has calculated that the non military rebuilding costs could near US $500 billion.

'Any company interested in working in Iraq needs to know the how, what, where, and when of what is planned. The Iraq Development and Reconstruction Executive Update will answer all these questions, as well as act as a catalyst for inward investment particularly in the construction and real estate sectors.'

Among the topics on the agenda will be an update on Iraq's needed services, products, awarded contracts and opportunities; a look at what others are doing in Iraq; the right strategy for entry into Iraq and what it will take to structure a deal and how to eliminate barriers of entry into the country.

Among those attending the briefing will be regional business leaders, property developers and investors, leading architects and construction industry professionals.

'The aim is to tell people about the huge opportunities in Iraq', said Al Assam, who leads the largest Iraqi architectural and engineering practice outside 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.'

In addition to focusing on Iraq, 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 developers and investors and urban planners to discuss the challenges facing the region.

'Rapidly growing populations and changing lifestyles are creating real challenges for everyone involved in planning for the future,' said Hickman. 'Cityscape will highlight the latest trends in the design and construction of commercial and residential buildings and their impact on future developments.'

Critical issues that will be highlighted will include the need for a responsive urban approach for cultures in transition; the role of man and nature in urban design and how the evolution of architecture in the Middle East will shape the region's cities.

Cityscape 2003 is officially supported by the Dubai Development and Investment Authority. The events main sponsors are Aqar, Al Amoudia Group, Nakheel and Jumeirah Beach Resort. Other sponsors are Al-Oula Development Company, Rikaz, Assa Abloy and Tabreed.