Move demonstrates WRDC's efforts to build direct communication channels with local society

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 28 October, 2008: In line with its objectives to develop Al Gharbia - the Western Region of Abu Dhabi Emirate, the Western Region Development Council (WRDC) - the central co-ordinating body leading development and promoting opportunity in the region, announced today the opening of its new office in Madinat Zayed, Al Gharbia.

H.E. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Bin Butti Al Hamed, Undersecretary of the Ruler's Representative Diwan in the Western Region and the Advisory Board Chairman of the WRDC inaugurated the new office. The opening ceremony was attended by dignitaries, senior government officials and residents of Al Gharbia.

The new WRDC office in Madinat Zayed is aimed at providing easy and convenient access to the residents of the region and demonstrates WRDC's commitment towards the development of Al Gharbia. The office will serve as an ideal reference point and resource hub for addressing the issues and concerns raised by the residents of the region.

Commenting on the opening, WRDC Director General, H.E. Mohamed Hamad Bin Azzan Al Mazrouei, said: "We are delighted to announce the inauguration of our new office in Madinat Zayed. At WRDC we strive to constantly undertake initiatives towards enhancing the life of the residents in Al Gharbia. Our new office in Madinat Zayed clearly reinforces our commitment to the region and we hope will play a pivotal role in boosting the economic and social development of Al Gharbia.

Al Mazrouei added: "We strive to lead Al Gharbia into becoming a model of sustainable economic and social development. This new office is part of the continuous efforts to strengthen the region's infrastructure for development and comes close on the heels of our various initiatives in the fields of education and social welfare, along with the help of public and private sector entities. The new office will provide hands-on advice and active support to the region's residents about the opportunities available for them."

WRDC recently unveiled a series of programs including an MoU with HCT campuses aimed at enhancing the educational access to Al Gharbia residents; and the establishment of a "Professional Development Network" in coordination with the "Women In Technology" program as to create more career and internship opportunities for women in Al Gharbia.

The new office in Madinat Zayed is a strategic move by WRDC to involve the local community in the development of the region and develop its capability to play an effective role in the development process.

-Ends-

Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE, and the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces, the Western Regional Development Council (WRDC) has been established to shape Al Gharbia's future by placing the region and its people's interests at heart. One of WRDC's main goals is improving the lives of the people in Al Gharbia (Western Region of Abu Dhabi) and its strategy focuses on the development of better education, healthcare and infrastructure in order to encourage economic growth.

WRDC's toll free hotline number is 800-WRDC (800 9732)

WRDC's website is www.wrdc.ae

For more information, please contact:
Ashutosh Gupta
BPG Public Relations
T: + 971 4 2953456
F:  +971 4 2951027
M: +971 50 2834339
ashutosh@batespangulf.com

© Press Release 2008