TRA represents UAE Telecommunication interests at World Telecommunication Development Conference

The TRA representation of the UAE telecom sector is the first of its kind, and falls under the natural role which TRA is expected to play in regional and international telecommunication events.

The conference is playing host to over1000 top-ranking delegates from government, the private sector, international and regional organizations. The Thuraya Satellite Telecommunication Company, an ITU sector member, participates in the above conference. This is the first time a sector member company, making UAE its headquarter base participate in such events, which is considered a positive initiative in the UAE telecom sector.

The conference is looking to chalk out consensual development priorities to counter the digital divide created by the rapid but uneven expansion of information and communication technologies (ICTs) that increases the information gap between mainstream information workers and marginalized societal groups that do not have access to connectivity. The conference also aims to promote international cooperation and partnerships that can sustain and strengthen telecommunication infrastructure and institutions in developing countries.

Mohamed Nasser Al Ghanim, Director General of the TRA said, "The WTDC is an essential forum for confronting key social issues in telecommunications development, and is a premier platform for airing new ideas and socio-technical initiatives. The TRA has, in co-operation with other Arab countries, played an active role in advancing the conference's interests by participating in strategy formulation and conference paper drafting."

"The UAE is an important and fast developing market for communications companies and we are looking to be active players in global and regional telecommunications development. TRA is representing the UAE's interests at this global event as we look to strengthen our international presence," he added.

Telecommunication has become essential for every business, and the UAE is a leading regional telecommunications zone with an entrenched communication infrastructure. Communication technology is a key driver for all sectors of commerce and government, and is playing an increasingly important role in the UAE's strategic diversification towards a knowledge-driven economy.

A WTDC Conference highlight is an expert panel discussion involving representatives from governments, civil society, the private sector and international organizations to achieve the goal of connecting the world to the benefits of information and communication technologies (ICT). The panel discussion provides an informal forum for stakeholders to exchange experiences and discuss concrete, implementation-focused solutions.