Abu Dhabi, the richest city in the world, has seen its gross domestic product (GDP) soar from US$40.6 billion in 2002 to US$108.9 billion in 2007 (more than 8 per cent per annum). The booming real estate and tourism sectors are playing a significant part in this success story as the total value of announced projects in the capital inches towards the US$ 500 billion mark (AED 1.83 trillion). It is at this crucial time that MEED, the business intelligence expert in the Middle East, and the Abu Dhabi Department of Planning & Economy have announced details of its Abu Dhabi 2008 conference. Contributing to the $500 billion portfolio are large-scale real estate projects such as Al Raha Beach (AED 58 billion), Al Reem Island (AED 35 billion), DasIslands (AED 43 billion) and the AED 100 billion Saadiyat Island development. Abu Dhabi’s economic growth as a whole can also be credited to the government’s determination to diversify the economy away from its reliance on oil and gas: non-oil and gas GDP has risen by 87 per cent to US$43.3 billion over the past five years. The pace and scale of economic growth in Abu Dhabi presents huge challenges for all those working to promote long-term sustainable development in the capital. MEED’s Abu Dhabi 2008 conference will be an invaluable event for everyone wishing to make the most of this opportunity. The conference is supported by the Abu Dhabi Department of Planning & Economy and supported by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Sorouh Real Estate PJSC, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Al Qudra and Burooj Properties are Platinum sponsors, and HSBC and Pacific Controls are Gold sponsors. The Abu Dhabi Conference 2008 will be held at the EmiratesPalace in Abu Dhabi from 8 to 11 November. This is the third conference of its kind and presents a unique opportunity to listen to and network with business leaders working within urban planning, real estate, tourism and culture, banking and finance, the environment, transport, infrastructure, petrochemicals, utilities, sports and leisure, education and healthcare industries. Edmund O’Sullivan, Chairman, MEED Events comments: “2008 is a crucial point in the story of this great city and this event is essential for all those involved in, and with a stake in, its future success. This forum is an invaluable opportunity for those at the cutting edge of Abu Dhabi’s future to discuss its development. “Away from the formality of the conference rooms, networking is another key benefit of the event. Unlike many others this conference allows for exceptional contacts to be made – including CEOs, VPs, CFOs and Chairmen from the key growth industries and Government departments. We are now in our third year with this event and it is undoubtedly one of the most important conferences in our calendar.” Mounir D. Haidar, CEO of Sorouh Real Estate PJSC, who is speaking at this year’s event added: “MEED’s Abu Dhabi Conference 2008 is for a key event for Sorouh. Almost every stakeholder involved in the development of Abu Dhabi will be present, which is true of no other event of this size. As the pace of Abu Dhabi’s growth accelerates, it is important that there are forums such as these for the continued sharing of experience and best practice. We are all working towards one goal – the successful growth and development of Abu Dhabi.” Some key speakers addressing vital issues around development include: H.E. Al Soweidi, the Chairman of the Department of Planning & Economy H.E. Waleed Ahmed Al Mokarrab Al Muhairi, the Director General of the Abu Dhabi Council for Economic Development Falah Al Ahbabi, the General Manager of the Urban Planning Council H.E. Majid Al Mansouri, the Secretary General of the Environment Agency, Abu Dhabi H.E. Hussain Al Nowais, the Chairman of the Khalifa Fund H.E. Eng. Salah Salem bin Omeir Al Shamsi, the Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Eng. Jaber Hareb Al Khaili, the Chief Executive Officer of ZonesCorp Mukhtar Hussain, the Global Head of HSBC Amanah and MENA Head of Global Banking and Markets Mounir D. Haidar, CEO, Sorouh Real Estates PJSC Delegates for MEED’s Abu Dhabi Conference 2008 also have the opportunity to attend a post-conference masterclass that will look at the current state of the real estate market and forecast growth trends; profitable investment and development strategies; contract negotiation and valuation techniques, contracts, and better risk management.

MEED is the acknowledged market-leader in key regional industry-focused events and conferences; delivering expert, up-to-date business intelligence, industry data and research findings. Further information about The Abu Dhabi Conference 2008 - including latest news, post-conference masterclass and full conference details, can be found at www.meed.com/events/abudhabi. To reserve places at the conference, call the MEED customer services team on +9714 390 0049 or email conferences@meed-dubai.com.

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