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The Abu Dhabi Conference 2006 defines the Emirate's future economy

Conference held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Dubai, November 7, 2006: Abu Dhabi will be under the spotlight later this month when top government officials and leading industry figures come together under one roof to define the future landscape of the Emirate's economy.

The Abu Dhabi Conference 2006 will be held under the patronage of H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. It will take place in Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi for two days (12-13 November 2006).

According to Abu Dhabi's Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Emirate's gross domestic product has surged to Dhs301.7 billion in 2005 from Dhs218.4 billion in 2004, and is projected to reach Dhs341 billion this year on back of a robust non-oil sector.

The non-oil sector contributed more than Dhs105.6 billion of the GDP in 2004, Dhs122.3 billion in 2005, and it is projected to rise to Dhs139.4 billion in 2006.

Over the past six months, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi has announced investments in excess of US$160,000 million over the next five years.

"Abu Dhabi has experienced steady growth in GDP for the last several years. The flurry of economic activity is set to continue in the coming years," said Edmund O'Sullivan, Editorial Director of MEED, the event organisers.

Top confirmed speakers at the event include H.H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi's Department of Planning and Economy; H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon al-Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA); H.E. Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority; H.E. Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi, Director of Privatisation, Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA) and Mr. Rashed Al Baloushi, Acting Director General of Abu Dhabi Securities Market.

"This event will provide an excellent opportunity to discover first-hand what is happening in Abu Dhabi. Key decision makers, government officials and leading industry figures will come together to define the future landscape of the Emirate's economy," added O'Sullivan.

Abu Dhabi is set to establish several industrial clusters in more than 300 square kilometres in the next seven years. It is also working heavily to diversify its economy further and attract more foreign investments, which has enabled dramatic growth in the tourism, real estate, manufacturing and heavy industry sectors.

The Emirate has large oil reserves, which ensure its public finances are robust, thus providing the financial strength to execute mega projects and guarantee economic growth.

"With significant natural resources and a diversifying economic base, Abu Dhabi offers a wealth of opportunities across a variety of energy and non-energy sectors," concluded O'Sullivan.

At The Abu Dhabi Conference 2006, participants will be able to monitor the project environment by hearing the most senior voices driving the Emirate's economy deliver up-to-date information. Delegates will develop an understanding as how best to benefit from future growth, improve future planning, and develop new business contacts.

Delegate fees are US$1850; a full agenda and additional information can be found on www.meed.com/abudhabi

Supporters of The Abu Dhabi Conference 2006 organised by MEED include Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Al Jaber Group (platinum sponsor); Mushrif Trading & Contracting Company and Sorouh Real Estate (gold sponsors); Arabian Construction Company (ACC) and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) (silver sponsors). Lunch sponsors include Al Qudra Holding and Al Rashed Group. The event's official car sponsor is Cadillac and the conference sponsor is Victory Heights. The Exhibitors include Bonyan International Investment Group, Trowers & Hamlins and MEED Projects.

-Ends-

Editor's notes:
MEED Conferences is part of the leading information brand in the Middle East working to provide delegates ith the very latest business sensitive information. Over the past 10 years, MEED Conferences has organised events attended by senior government officials and thousands of international business people. The conference series is aimed at companies active or seeking business in the markets of the Middle East. MEED is well established as the source of strategic and accurate regional information placing it in a unique position to bring together high-calibre speakers.

About MEED
MEED (Middle East Economic Digest) is internationally recognised as providing essential information for anyone doing business in, or with, the Middle East and North Africa. With journalists and contacts across the entire Middle East and North Africa region, MEED provides reliable, up-to-date business news, facts and data in both print and online. MEED now attracts over 70,000 individual readers each week, across 70 countries world-wide.

Media Information, contact:
Euro RSCG Furness for MEED
Hisham El Masri
Tel: +9714 3903030
Mob: +97150 4469242
Fax: +9714 3918486
Email hisham.elmasri@eurorscgfurness.com

© Press Release 2006