Dubai to host IPRA 2004 with the participation of 600 members from 98 countries

The event, which is scheduled to be held December 12-14, 2004, is supported by Dubai Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) in co-operation with 'Dubai Conventions Bureau' which is affiliated to the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).

More than 600 international public relations experts from 98 countries will participate in the two-day conference, which will act as a platform for exchanging ideas and opinions in the public relations and media field.

The announcement was made by Ceyda Aydede, IPRA 2003 President, at a press conference attended by Adel Al Shirawi, Executive Director & Secretary General of Corporate Office (PCFC); Awadh Al Seghayer, Director of Dubai Conventions Bureau; Amer Ali, Director of the Department of Public Relations at the PCFC and Omar Binhendi, Conference Co-ordinator at PCFC.

Speaking at the press conference, Mrs. Ceyda, said: "Organising such a conference for the first time in the UAE reflects the continuous commitment towards bringing together pioneer experts in the PR field, locally, regionally and internationally in order to combine knowledge and experience."

She noted that hosting the annual meeting of IPRA in Dubai is considered a pivotal development in the vital role public relations plays in the performance of companies and clients in both the private and public sectors.

"We try to choose different conference sites annually in order to reach PR professionals all over the world. I believe that Dubai, located at the heart of the world, is an excellent site for an international conference. There is no better occasion than these kinds of conferences to combine our knowledge and experience," Mrs. Ceyda added.

Mr Adel Al Shirawi added that the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation and projects affiliated to it, is fully committed to support and host IPRA's annual meeting, pointing to the co-operation which will be established with other concerned departments in Dubai to produce a successful event.

"This event enables all PR firms to benefit from the presence of 600 international experts working in the public relations, marketing and media industry," he added.

"There is no doubt that this will be an opportunity for the participants to share ideas and discuss opportunities in parallel with the latest developments in this industry," Al Shirawi said.

Al Shirawi invited all government departments and public relations firms in the UAE to take part in this global event which will benefit this field, saying: "We urge all the Government and semi-government to participate and to maximize their exposure through this unique international conference and to leverage the knowledge and experience from the top PR leaders."

"We started talking to IRPA a year ago to show them the benefits of having the conference in Dubai and the non-stop activities and business developments that Dubai drives. We submitted a presentation displaying facilities and services available in Dubai as well as its position as an attractive hub for business, tourism, commerce and economy.

"PCFC did not save any effort to promote Dubai's capabilities as the most attractive destination, able to host international conferences and exhibitions," Al Shirawi added.

Awadh Al Seghayar said during the press conference: "We are delighted to host IPRA's annual meeting in Dubai. This is further proof of Dubai's important position internationally and regionally."

"The set-up of Dubai Convention Bureau has contributed in marketing the emirate as an attractive destination to host international conferences and exhibitions.

"Dubai is well known for its strong infrastructure including properties, hotels, Dubai International Airport and developed communication among others."

Al Saghayer stressed that the Bureau has succeeded in hosting the IMF, therefore Dubai is the ideal place for any successful event.

IIR and DCB will be both in charge of the planning and organization of IPRA's Annual Conference Dubai 2004 and will handle its marketing and registration aspects locally and internationally. They will also work very closely with the IPRA committee on researching and organizing the content of the conference programme

The International Public Relations Association (IPRA), which has more than a thousand members from 98 countries, was founded in 1955 in London. It is active in promoting exchange of information and co-operation in every sector of the profession, as well as in building a programme of professional development opportunities and other initiatives aimed at enhancing the role of public relations in management and international affairs.