Abu Dhabi, November 7, 2007. Al Rayan Investment Company today hosted the 'Investment Opportunities in Abu Dhabi' Conference at the Emirates Palace Hotel, with the participation of a high profile delegation representing 56 American companies in the investment, private equity, construction, education, and healthcare sectors.

His Excellency Fardan Hassan Al Fardan, Chairman of Al Rayan Investment Company, inaugurated the conference, praising the Government of Abu Dhabi for its role in overseeing the UAE capital's growth into one of the world's leading cities, renowned both as a tourist destination and as a model for urban development. He said that the city's spectacular development is set to continue through its agenda for 2007/2008, as well as its long-term development plan, which kicked off this year and looks ahead to 2030.

The event, which was held to present the wide range of investment opportunities available in Abu Dhabi and attract investors to the Emirate, was organized by Al Rayan Investment. Participants included a large number of businessmen and investors from the UAE and the USA, as well as Ambassadors of a number of Arab and foreign countries.

Mr. Al Fardan said that the comprehensive urban plan for Abu Dhabi is a testament to the visionary leadership of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the UAE, and H.H. General Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Chairman of the Executive Council, and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Council for Urban Planning.

Mr. Al Fardan added that more than AED 900 billion will be invested in the plan, AED 500 to 600 billion of which is allocated for urban investment. Of this total, 40 percent will come from the government and the remainder from the private sector. The investment will be made based on sound ethics and will reflect the region's cultural values, with the aim of building Abu Dhabi's reputation as a leading tourist destination.

Mr. Falah Al Ahbabi, General Manager of the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council, stressed the role of the Council, which was created in May 2006, in supervising the implementation of the comprehensive urban plan for the city of Abu Dhabi, as well as in creating new approaches to urban planning. He also spoke of the importance of cooperation between the private and public sector in order to implement the plan in a manner that benefits all concerned parties.

Mr. Emile Eid, Chief Executive Officer of Al Rayan Investment, pointed to Al Rayan's activities and its prominent role in the Abu Dhabi real estate sector, particularly as Abu Dhabi continues to successfully attract significant international investment to its real estate industry, in addition to witnessing exceptional growth in a wide range of other sectors. Mr. Eid also described several of the high profile projects that are being developed by the company, as well as a few that are in the feasibility study and planning stages.

Mr. Ennis Rimawi, Managing Partner of Catalyst Private Equity, stated that Abu Dhabi possesses a unique combination of factors - stability, security, and attractive return on investment - that is exciting to Arab and foreign investors alike.

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About Al Rayan Investment
Al Rayan Investment was established in 2004 with a capital of AED 100 million by a number of leading Abu Dhabi businessmen. Today, Al Rayan ranks among the region's leading financial and real estate investment companies.

The Board of Directors has recently restructured the company and developed new investment policies to keep pace with the economic developments in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Those policies are focused on three investment sectors, namely: real estate, services and investment.

The services delivered by Al Rayan include property development, real estate services, educational, health, technological, privatization, and industrial projects.

Amongst the company's projects that are already underway are four mega projects in Abu Dhabi:
The Workers Residential City in Mussafah Industrial City. The AED 850 million project will provide accommodation for 25,000 workers and will be constructed over two years.

Temporary residences with a total value of AED 418 million to accommodate 32,000 workers in Al Mafraq area.

Standard apartment & studio apartment building with two separate entrances and retail outlets in Danet Abu Dhabi real estate development. Total value of the project is set at AED 200 million.

Two towers in Abu Dhabi Exhibition Land consisting of a hotel and offices with a total value of AED 400 - 450 million.

In addition, Al Rayan invests in securities, stock markets, alternative energy, solar and clean energy, education and logistics. It also holds stakes of varying degrees in a range of other companies.

Al Rayan has laid out plans to attract companies involved in real estate services and operation. Al Rayan is considering plans for major property projects with investments between AED 2 and 6 billion. The company is now in talks with strategic partners on potential joint investment ventures outside the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

For further information please contact:
Habib Bacha
Credo / Gavin Anderson Abu Dhabi
Tel.: +97150 731 9733
Email: habib@credo-ga.com

© Press Release 2007