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

Iraq-born and US-trained, Dr. Al-Attar, President of the Arab American Medical Association's Washington Chapter, will detail the strategy and plans for the future development of the Iraq's health sector.

Dr. Al Attar said, "Cityscape is the right forum to talk about the development of the health sector as there is a critical need for health infrastructure to be constructed in Iraq. The previous regime had totally neglected this sector and so there is a great need to develop it.

"We hope to stir the interest of the workshop participants to take part in the reconstruction process," he added.

Among the other speakers at the one-day briefing, to be held at Dubai's Grand Hyatt hotel, will be Mouayad Hassan, Chairman of the UAE-based Iraqi Business Council (IBC). A leading Dubai businessman and industrialist, Hassan will outline the role of the IBC in the rebuilding and the development of Iraq.

Organised by the International Institute for Research (IIR) in association with UAE-based Dewan Architects and Engineers, the forum will also be addressed by 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 Makiya and Dr Ihsan Fathi and Ahmed Samerai, Regional Advisor to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia and Dr. Adil Sinjkali, Senior Legal Consultant, Al Tamimi and Company, who will provide an overview of the legal framework in Iraq.

"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 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."

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.