Over 200 participants gather to exchange views on the significance of avia-tourism sector on regional economies

Manama, Bahrain; December 7, 2015

The 2015 edition of Arab Aviation and Media Summit (AAMS) got underway in Manama, Bahrain, today with an official keynote address by His Excellency Engineer Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications- Kingdom of Bahrain, to kick off the two day conference.

Attended by over 200 industry leaders and media, this year's conference covers a variety of issues, including the overall impact of aviation and tourism on Arab economies. Industry thought leaders are set to discuss the direct and indirect benefits of aviation and tourism sectors on regional economies and how the activities and the consequent benefits can be expected to grow in the future. They will also discuss the growing significance of private sector contribution and the importance of opening up the sector to increased foreign investments.

A joint initiative by leading industry organizations such as Air Arabia, Airbus, among others, Arab Aviation and Media Summit is often described as the 'voice of the industry' and is the largest assembly of Arab media together with top executives from the aviation and tourism industry. It takes place in a different Arab city every year drawing attention to the host city travel and tourism experience as well as facilitating for a large audience of Governments, decision makers and media to share, learn and exchange.

"The aviation sector's growth in the Arab world has greatly benefited the tourism sector and thereby contributing to the growth of the economy underpinned by consistent growth which continues to drive investment, job creation and bilateral trade," Adel Ali, Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia Group, said ahead of the summit. "Although the sector will continue to be regarded as a catalyst for future economic growth, the industry is still faced with numerous challenges for growth. The idea behind the AAMS platform is to create meaningful dialogue on how some the unique challenges can be resolved while continuing to unlock exciting opportunities for the decades to come."

The 2015 edition of the summit is held in partnership with Bahrain's Ministry of Transportation & Telecommunications and Bahrain Airport Company.  

This industry initiative is supported and endorsed by many world leading organizations such as Airbus Middle East, Air Arabia Group, CFM, Amadeus, Alpha Aviation, ITP Group among many other supporting partners.

This year's edition of the event will also feature 'The Little Engineer' workshop - an edutainment organization dedicated to educating young minds through interactive programmes. Supported by Airbus and Air Arabia, 'The Little Engineers' workshop aims to instill a passion for science, technology and engineering among young nationals. 

Live updates from the conference will be made available through Twitter @AAMSummit and the dedicated website www.aamsummit.com.

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About the Arab Aviation & Media Summit
The Arab Aviation & Media Summit is an industry initiative committed to improving the state of Arab Aviation and Tourism by facilitating a constructive dialogue for public-private cooperation. Referred to as the 'voice of the industry', this initiative is the largest assembly of Arab media together with top executives from the aviation & tourism sector and takes place in a different Arab city every year.

For more information please contact:
Liam Turner/ Tameem Alkintar
ASDA'A Burson - Marsteller
Dubai, UAE
Tel: 971-4-4507600
Email: Liam.turner@bm.com/ Tameem.Alkintar@bm.com

© Press Release 2015