12 October 2003

Prominent Iraqi Architect Dr. Mohamed Makiya is expected to participate in the “Iraq Reconstruction & Development Executive Update” during Cityscape 2003, a summit sponsored by Dewan Architects and Engineers on the 21st of October at the Dubai Grand Hyatt.

A world recognised architect, borne in Baghdad 1914, Ph.D., from Kings College, Cambridge University, UK in 1946. Awarded First price in many projects in the region, such as Grand Mosque, Oman, Arriyadh Civic Court Complex - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Makiya is especially respected and revered by many Iraqi architects, who consider him as one of the fathers of modern Arab architecture and an educator under whom many studied in Baghdad, and an architect who has contributed significantly to some landmark projects in the region over the past six decades.

Mohammed Al Assam, Founder/Managing Director of leading UAE-based architectural firm Dewan Architects and Engineers, says, “We are honoured that Dr. Mohamed Makiya, who is a respected world-class architect, has agreed to be a keynote speaker during this event. His experience and insight will certainly add much value to the entire summit”.

Al Assam adds “We are confident the summit will attract a large audience because the of the quality of speakers, who include prominent members of The Iraqi Reconstruction and Development Council (IRDC), The Iraqi Business Coucil (IBC), the United Nations , Al Tamimi & Company, and other leading architects.”

“Our decision to sponsor this conference stems from our deep belief in the importance of supporting and backing the ongoing efforts to rebuild Iraq as soon as possible”, Al Assam continues, “The timing is particularly fortunate, as our firm has just re-established its Baghdad office, fully staffed with engineers, architects and other support personnel”.

The summit aims to highlight the reconstruction efforts required to rebuild Iraq as part of both the public and private sector. The Iraqi Ministerial delegation at the recently concluded Dubai 2003 IMF and World Bank Summit played an important role in enlightening the international community on the recent amendments and changes in Iraq’s laws and investment regulations. This should significantly improve the global response to investing in Iraq and speed up the reconstruction efforts.

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© Press Release 2003