HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Opens Airport Show 2011

The 11th edition of the Airport Show, was opened today by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and CEO of Emirates Group. The show features over 160 exhibitors and a 63 member strong contingent of hosted buyers who will be sourcing products to the tune of AED 106 billion.

The opening was attended by a number of industry professionals, visitors, contractors and senior representatives from airport authorities and airlines. His Highness Ahmed Bin Saeed took a tour of the exhibition and was briefed on the latest developments and technologies available to the airports industry.

Organised by REED Exhibitions Middle East, one of the leading organisers of trade and consumer exhibitions, the event caters to the needs of existing and new airports in the region where development and expansion projects are estimated to cost US$90 billion over the next few years.

Dr. Khaled Al Mazrouei, General Manager of Fujairah International Airport and the Chairman of the Airport Leaders Summit 2011 said: “As per the International Air Transportation Association (IATA), the UAE is expected to be the world’s second fastest growing aviation market in the world with 10.2% growth by 2013, second to China with a 10.8% growth. Over the last decade, Middle Eastern carriers went from 5% of global passenger traffic to 11%.
Industry analysts also believe that the private air charter business will pick up in the late 2011 and on into 2012.
This is evident from the forecasted growth for the region in which aircraft movement is predicted to touch 160,000 by 2018 at a compounded annual growth rate of 6.21% per year for the Middle East region.”

GCC countries have allocated an estimated $90 Billion for airport development over the next few years, which include eight new runways in the Gulf region, development of 1200 airports and military bases worldwide in addition to the new ones coming up.

Amongst the leading investors in airport development activity in the Gulf are cities such as Dubai which has allocated $10 Billion, Abu Dhabi which has allocated $6.8 Billion, Qatar with $11 Billion, Jeddah with $1.5 Billion, Muscat with $1.2 Billion,approximately $2.1 Billion in Kuwait and $335 Million in Bahrain. Statistics from the Airports Council International (ACI) and IATA support the numbers as the global aviation bodies predict airports in the Middle East to handle over 400 Million passengers by 2020.

For several years now, airports and airlines have been benefiting from the robust demand for air travel in line with healthy global economic growth.

A leading project that will take the center-stage during the show is King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) that will aim to source state-of-the-art technology and construction materials for its estimated spending of US$11.3 billion towards its expansion.

Mohamad Bader-Eddin, Show Director, REED Exhibitions Middle East, said: “Airport development and expansion is projected to exponentially grow over the coming years in the Middle East and Asia. As we near the exhibition date, we are looking forward to gather the sector’s veterans, who will exchange valuable industry insights, highlight opportunities and explore a roadmap to overcome challenges.”

The Airport Expo has organised the ‘Airport Leaders Summit’ which runs from 31 May – 1 June on the sidelines of the exhibition and focus on security, sustainable expansion and current economic concerns. The summit offers an unparalleled opportunity to interact with an elite group of decision-makers from governments and businesses worldwide. It also aims to find long-term solutions to strategic issues the industry faces in the wake of the global economic uncertainty, rigid credit markets, high fuel prices and changing regulatory norms.

Additionally, the event seeks to deliver a combination of high quality networking and business development opportunities through a series of roundtable discussions and seminars. Innovation seminars cover topics such as ‘Cavotec Innovative Gate Systems’ ‘Environmental Capacity: Managing the Impact of Airport Noise’ and ‘The World’s First Mobile Passenger Terminal’. In addition to spotlighting the King Abdulaziz International Airport, project seminars also features the new design and development of the Benazir Bhutto International Airport in Islamabad, Pakistan.

The Airport Show 2011 is sponsored by King Abdulaziz International Airport, Thales and Tiger Profiles. It is also supported by leading aviation authorities and trade bodies including Dubai Airports, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), UAE Contractors Association, British Aviation Group, British Airport Services & Equipment Association (BASEA), Danish Airport Group, UBIFRANCE (the French Agency for international business development), and the Netherlands Airport Technology Group.

Week-Long ’Summer Fun at Dubai Ice Rink’ From June 24 Opens A World Of Cheer And Games For Little Ones

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 Children in Dubai above the age of five years will be treated to a world of cheer, games and prizes galore at ‘Summer Fun at Dubai Ice Rink,’ to be held from June 24 to 30, 2011, the Olympic-sized venue at The Dubai Mall.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, ‘Summer Fun at Dubai Ice Rink’ will feature free basic ice-skating lessons, and feature Penguin Races and Shoot the Puck competitions with the winners to take home attractive prizes.

Mr Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Retail LLC said: “We are honoured to host ‘Summer Fun at Dubai Ice Rink,’ held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, with the aim of promoting sporting skills in Dubai’s youngsters and encouraging them to take part in competitive sports activities that foster team spirit. In addition to inculcating new skills in the young participants, the competitive event will add to the fun choices available for children this summer. The Dubai Ice Rink has evolved as one of the must-visit leisure destinations in Dubai, offering a perfect venue for a range of events that capture the attention of visitors.”

‘Summer Fun at Dubai Ice Rink,’ open for all children in the age group 5 to 14 years, will be held from Sunday to Wednesday from 12.15pm to 2.15pm and 7.30pm to 8.30pm, and on Thursday to Saturday from 11.15am to 1.15pm and 7.30pm to 8.30pm.

The students between the age of 5 and 14 years will compete in sessions and three winners will be selected for gold, silver and bronze awards. The first prize winner will also be offered the opportunity to take part in a 4-day Learn-to-Skate camp; the second prize winner will be offered the first level of the Learn-to-Skate camp; and third prize winner will win five complimentary public skate sessions.

The basic skating lessons for the participants will be offered by professional instructors at Dubai Ice Rink with five coaches assigned for ten children each. The students will be given hands-on training on skating posture, position, penguin steps, gliding and getting to grips. They will then proceed to take part in the Penguin Race lasting 35 minutes, using the newly introduced safe Penguin Skating Aids. The participants will also take part in the ‘Shoot the Puck’ competition, for which the ice rink will be specially carpeted.

In addition to Dubai Ice Rink, Emaar Retail LLC manages Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, featuring over 33,000 aquatic animals; SEGA Republic, the largest of its kind indoor theme park in the region; KidZania®, a unique children’s edutainment centre; and the 22-screen Reel Cinemas – all in The Dubai Mall; and the six-screen premier boutique Reel Cinemas Cineplex in Dubai Marina Mall.

Emaar Retail is taking part in ‘Summer in Dubai’ with a range of colourful activities across all its leisure assets. It is also running a special five-day summer camp that integrates fun with learning at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Dubai Ice Rink, KidZania®, SEGA Republic and the newly introduced addition to the camp, At the Top, Burj Khalifa.

Closer To Customers Than Ever Before: du Shop Opens At The Mall Of The Emirates

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Reiterating its promise of improving customer experience and convenience, du announced the opening of its 41st du Shop in one of the leading shopping destinations in Dubai – Mall of the Emirates, near the Metro Station entrance.

The store was inaugurated by Ayman Eldessouky, Senior Vice President Sales, Commercial, du, and Maher Murad, Vice President Sales, Retail, du, in the presence of other members of du’s retail team.

At the official opening ceremony, Maher Murad, Vice President, Sales, Retail, du, said: “The Mall of Emirates is a popular shopping destination and our presence there will bring us closer to our customers. Customers visiting our du Shop there can enjoy a superior customer experience in a friendly and innovative environment ideally designed to ensure convenience. It’s a one stop shop for customers to access a range of our services.”

The du Shop spans an area of more than 3200 sq. ft (more than 290 sq m), and is innovatively designed to reflect du’s new retail theme. It is strategically located on the way to the Mall’s Metro Station and offers 21 customer service counters – to provide a quick and efficient service experience to all visitors. To aid convenience, the du Shop is open for customers from 10am to 10pm, during the week; and from 10am to midnight on the weekends – making life easier for du customers. It is staffed by trained personnel to assist customers in selecting from a wide range of du services.

du’s newest addition, includes a du TV section where customers can experience the unique world of du TV, and also have the opportunity to subscribe to du Home, business and mobile services. Apart from du Shops, customers can visit more than 3500 authorised dealers or browse e shop on http://shop.du.ae for accessing services or to get more information.

 

Better Homes Opens Two Kiosks At DIFC And The Meadows

Better Homes, the Region’s largest property agency, is expanding its foothold in the DIFC, Downtown and Emirates Living districts, with the launch of two new kiosks at DIFC Gate Village and The Meadows Village Centre.

Launched to fully support and directly address the growing property demands in the DIFC and Emirates Living areas, the kiosks offer an accessible property service to those currently living or wanting to live, buy or sell within these districts. “Our intention is to create an approachable, convenient environment where our customers have a one-stop-shop for any of their property requirements,” said Ryan Mahoney, Chief Executive Officer.

The outlets are the latest in the Better Homes retail network expansion plan, which saw the launch of its inaugural kiosk at Emaar’s Arabian Ranches Community Centre in January of this year. As the Dubai property market begins to see resurgence, Mahoney believes this is an ideal time to focus on the market at a community level, offering support to customers closer to work or home – and operational seven days per week.

“Our DIFC Kiosk, which opened for business in May 2011, offers customers instant access to the best properties and consultants in the area, with the added convenience of a chauffeur service to deliver customers to viewings in a relaxed frame of mind. Home owners can also list their properties within minutes and network with serious buyers or tenants,” said Salman Ganny, Manager of the Better Homes DIFC Kiosk.

Jan Tabrizi, Manager of the Better Homes Meadows Kiosk, explained that, “We’re able to offer customers full on-the-ground support and extensive information on the full spectrum of properties Emirates Living District has to offer. Localising our operation is the next step towards a more enhanced level of overall service – this is what customers are looking for.”

“The opening of these kiosks reflects our commitment to making all property processes as convenient as possible,” added Mahoney. Buying, renting, selling and leasing property is a stressful ordeal and our objective is to remove as much hassle as possible for all our customers.”

Better Homes operates 11 offices in the UAE with a staff of over 350 plus an expanding franchise network of over 5 offices across the GCC, Levant and Indian Subcontinent. For further information about our new outlets, call us on +971 600 52 2212 or email customercare@bhomes.com
 

University Of Dubai Opens Registration For Fall Semester

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The University of Dubai (UD), a university in the UAE established by Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is now accepting registration for Fall Semester of the academic year 2011/2012 and admission will be limited to 200 students only.

UD will accept registration and admission for secondary school graduates only to maintain the institution’s high quality education standards. UD is the first private university in the UAE recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and its degree programs are accredited by two distinguished international accreditations such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

UD’s College of Business Administration is one among the five percent of business schools worldwide accredited by AACSB and no other private university in UAE managed to earn such accreditation prior to UD. The same applies to its Computing and Information Systems program which has earned the accreditation by ABET for each of its concentration making it the only university in the Middle East to earn such accreditation.

Dr Omar Hefni, UD President, said: “We are the only university in the UAE that requires our students to have a 2.25 GPA to graduate. This has a strong emphasis from the employers’ side as we believe that quality education affects performance at the work place. The academic programs of our schools provide students an opportunity to pursue the benefits of the best quality education and hands-on skills. We have improved our curriculum to meet labor market needs and in turn provide our students with opportunity to get jobs. Being part of the Dubai Chamber provides our students internship opportunities locally and internationally as well as provides us with access to the organizations in the business community that represents the membership of the Chamber.”

The university follows the US education system and its curriculum focuses on team work, critical thinking, communication, creativity and innovation, and problem solving in addition to specialized know-how in the student’s area of specialization. They emphasize strict monitoring and control of performance of students, faculty and staff which help in taking immediate corrective actions as well as in future planning process.

The faculty and staff of the university is very much involved in research and in order to facilitate this, each faculty member is entitled to three credit hour release time out of 12 regular required teaching load. This will provide each faculty the opportunity to attend international, local and regional conferences.

To satisfy labor market requirements, UD has MBA programs in Operations and Logistics Management, Finance and Accounting, International Business and Marketing, and Leadership and Human Resources Management.

UD’s Fall Semester will start on September 10, 2011. For more information on the registration, visit UD’s website: www.ud.ac.ae or call +971 4 224 2472 Ex. 606/609.
 

8th Dubai International Film Festival Opens For Entries: Global Profile, Funds, Growth Opportunities On Offer

The Dubai International Film Festival, the leading film festival of the Middle East, Africa and near Asia, has opened its doors to films and filmmakers for its eighth edition, to be held from December 7 to 14, 2011.

Entries are invited for the Festival’s 2011 official screening selection, including the prestigious Muhr Arab, Muhr Asia Africa and Muhr Emirati competitions, and its out-of-competition section. The Muhr Awards, presented for shorts, documentaries and feature films, offer a US$600,000 purse and are open to directors of Arab origin from around the world, their counterparts from Asia and Africa and UAE nationals respectively.

The Festival’s out-of-competition section includes the popular Arabian Nights, Cinema for Children, Cinema of AsiaAfrica, Cinema of the World and In Focus segments. Entry for both sections, expected to number in the thousands, is free and will be accepted until August 31, 2011. The final shortlist will be announced in November 2011.

Masoud Amralla Al Ali, Artistic Director, Dubai International Film Festival, said the Festival is a proven springboard for films and filmmakers into the global and regional limelight.

“Our Festival is an established destination for discovery of Arab, Asian and African cinema; our track record in catapulting films to the international domain is unmatched in the region,” Al Ali said. “Major international festivals, studios, film business leaders, media and audiences take a keen interest in our selection because of the strength of our team and the quality of our offering. We are thrilled to once more bring deserving films to the world’s attention, and look forward to some challenging months of whittling down our final selection.”

Reflecting its work in both showcasing and developing talent, the Dubai International Film Festival is also inviting filmmakers to participate in its initiatives spanning the filmmaking cycle.

Filmmakers of Arab origin, for example, are welcome to apply for the Festival’s successful co-production and post-production initiatives, as well as its myriad international collaborations.

The Dubai Film Connection, DIFF’s co-production market, will shortlist 15 director-producer teams to receive more than US$100,000 in funding, invaluable industry networking and access to specialists who help realize their documentary and feature film works in progress. Submissions for the fifth Dubai Film Connection, scheduled for December 8 to 11, will close August 1, 2011.

The Festival’s post-production support programme, Enjaaz, is also accepting applications until August 1. Enjaaz offers 15 filmmakers up to US$100,000 each to help their projects move through the final stage of filmmaking.

More details on all submission categories are available on www.dubaifilmfest.com. All films seeking entry must be produced after September 1, 2010, and must not have been screened in the Gulf region for any audiences prior to DIFF, with the exception of the Gulf Film Festival; and must not have been broadcast or made available on television or other public viewing platforms.

DIFF is held in association with Dubai Studio City. Dubai Duty Free, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai Pearl, Emirates Airline and Madinat Jumeirah, the home of the Dubai International Film Festival, are the principal sponsors of DIFF. The Festival is supported by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority.

For more and updated information about DIFF, please visit www.dubaifilmfest.com

Apollo Opens First Regional Office In Dubai To Triple Sales To About $300m In The Next 3 To 5 Years And Grab 10% Of Market Share

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India’s leading tyre manufacturer, the US$ 2 billion Apollo Tyres Ltd, announced recently its plans for the Middle East market at a media gathering in Dubai. The region will be catered to by exports out of India, with Dubai as the hub of operations.

The region has traditionally been one of Apollo’s strongest export markets, out of India, accounting for about 30% of export revenues. The company already has a distribution network in the Middle East, spanning 14 countries and 23 Business Partners. The Middle East also has infrastructure and tyre usage very similar to India’s, which is why Apollo’s products have always enjoyed high acceptance in the region.

Dubai, as the world’s largest free trade zone with strong financial systems and legislation, is the perfect business destination. Dubai is also strategically located with easy access to the 1.5 billion strong consumer market in the GCC, West Asia, Africa and East Europe. Dubai itself is the largest tyre distribution hub in the region, and provides a booming domestic market with 1 car to every 1.8 individual.

“As a company we are currently in our 2nd phase of global expansion. The Middle East region has always been a natural extension of our markets in India. Our tyres have enjoyed a very high demand in the region, for years now. However, due to capacity constraints at our end, we have not been able to fulfill the local demand. I am happy that we have crossed that. With an active sales and service team based here, we will now be able to provide our customers in the Middle East the service and operational excellence they deserve.” Said Satish Sharma, Chief, India Operations, Apollo Tyres Ltd.

“We plan to triple sales to roughly $250-$300 million in the next three to five years. The Middle East is our biggest export market, representing about 30-40 per cent of our export earnings. The equity of our brand is much ahead of its availability in the market”. He added.

To this end, Apollo recently opened its first and largest office outside its operations in India, Southern Africa and The Netherlands. This 2,000 square feet office located in the JAFZA Free Economic Zone will be the company’s base in Dubai, and the reporting base for employees in Iran, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

Apart from an office, the company has also taken up an expandable 10,000 square feet of warehousing space in Dubai, to stock its tyres locally for speedy demand fulfillment in the region. This also enables Business Partners to have low inventories, cutting down on stocking costs; the ability to pay in local currency with no bank charges, and of course faster demand fulfillment to the end customer.

“The office, network of employees and local warehousing facility will allow us to address customer demands effectively; while our entire range of tyres tuned to this market, along with our service proposition, will allow us product leadership over time,” mentioned Satish Sharma, Chief, India Operations, Apollo Tyres Ltd. He added: “This is a high potential market, where the Dubai tyre distribution and re-export trade is valued at US$ 1.5 billion, and expected to grow by 30% in the next 5 years. In that time frame I am looking at Apollo garnering a high single digit, if not 10%, of this market’s share.”

Apollo Tyres has already invested around US$ 2,50,000 in creating appropriate permanent infrastructure for its business needs in Dubai; and is projecting investments and expenses of around US$ 1.5 million on an annual level, starting this year.
 

Special Tribunal Related To Dubai World Opens Public Consultation For New Rules

In line with its commitment to transparency and judicial independence, the Special Tribunal for Dubai World has proposed to amend the Rules that it currently applies, by way of public consultation. These amendments, which are based on judicial and Tribunal users’ experience and case requirements, will be made available for a one month period starting June 5 on the Tribunal’s website.

The Special Tribunal Related to Dubai World was established on December 13, 2009, by Decree no. 57 of 2009 (subsequently amended by Decree 11 of 2010). The Decree provides that “the rules applied by the Tribunal shall be the Rules of the DIFC Court as may be amended by the Tribunal.” Following public consultation, amendments will be made to the Rules of the DIFC Courts, which shall then be referred to as the “Special Tribunal Rules.” Any such amendments will not, however, affect or adjust the rules currently applied by the DIFC Courts.

“The purpose of the proposed amendments is further to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of the Special Tribunal Related to Dubai World,” said Sir Anthony Evans, Chairman of The Special Tribunal Related to Dubai World. “Since its inception, the Tribunal has heard various cases pertaining to Dubai World and remained committed to delivering swift and fair justice. Based on its case experience in this period, the Tribunal has proposed to adapt certain areas of the DIFC Courts’ rules first applied, to better fit and strengthen the Tribunal’s evolving requirements.”

So as to ensure the proposed amendments are in line with users’ needs, they have been made available for general public to review and provide feedback on. The new rules can be accessed at www.dubaiworldtribunal.ae.
 

H.H. Sheikh Hasher Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum Opens Cabsat Satellite Mena 2011

H.H. Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, Director General, Dubai Department of Information opened the 17th CABSAT MENA and the 3rd Satellite MENA exhibitions at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) this morning, launching three days of power-packed business development and knowledge exchange.

“CABSAT is the third largest event of its kind in the world and it has grown by 15% compared to last year due to the overwhelming interest from professional and industry visitors. This presages with a quantum leap in the digital media and broadcast industry,” said H.H. Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum Al Maktoum during his tour at the show.

With the Middle East television audience set to rise by almost 20% over the next three years , 19 new satellites due for launch by 2013 and 90% satellite TV penetration , there has never been a more important time to be aware of the latest broadcast technology and business practices.

More than 750 companies from across over 55 countries, including 11 national pavilions, will be showcasing the latest products in the broadcasting, digital media and satellite market as they look to capitalise on this potential.

“We are delighted that H.H. Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum Al Maktoum has offered his support to CABSAT MENA and Satellite MENA,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre. “There is a great deal of international interest in the Middle East broadcasting, digital media and satellite industries as the region is one of the most buoyant in the world. We welcome a vast array of companies from all over the world to Dubai to create new business opportunities and explore new avenues of growth.”

Leading companies including Al Yahsat, Arabsat, Blusens, Cetel, Dubai Studio City, Eutelsat, FOR-A, GlobeCast, Grass Valley, Gulfsat, Harris, Hitachi, Horizon Satellite Services, iDirect, Intelsat, JVC, Mediacast, Nilesat, Nynex, Panasonic, SES World Skies, Skyband, Sky Stream, Sony, Televes, Telespazio, Thomson Broadcast, Turksat and twofour54, will all be showcasing the latest technological advances and generating new business.

This year CABSAT & Satellite MENA will deliver an unparalleled knowledge exchange platform, including the CABSAT Conference. This two day programme will feature industry leaders from some of the most experienced markets in the world, including Europe and the USA, plus the most recent papers from the International Broadcasting Convention. Sessions target both engineers and managers, with a clear focus on innovation and technology and was developed on behalf of CABSAT by a team from Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), International Association of Broadcast Manufacturers (IABM) and Middle East Communications Industries Association (MECIA).

A panel discussion on training and skills development led by Peter White, the Director General of IABM the body which represents manufacturers and suppliers in the industry, will focus on a major training initiative aimed at filling the skills gap globally.

Key speakers at the conference include Dr Fares Lubbadeh, Technical Director, Arab Radio & Television, Thomas Heinzer. CTO, Nevion and Gavin Campion, President, KIT Digital Inc amongst others.

A special programme will be presented in association with the International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) – the largest industry event of its kind in the world. The half day session will include a number of IBC papers which were recently presented in what is recognised as the industry’s leading forum for debate and innovation.

The conference is one part of the learning opportunities that are available under the broad umbrella of the CABSAT Academy, sponsored by twofour54 tadreeb. The GVF Satellite Summit in turn supports the satellite sector and is presented in conjunction with industry body, Global Vsat Forum on 9 February.

CABSAT MENA & Satellite MENA 2011 will run from 8-10 February 2011 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The exhibitions are strictly for trade and business only and will open from 10am – 6pm on the 8-9 February and 10am – 5pm on 10 February. Onsite registration is available and visitors under the age of 18 will not be permitted entry. University students will be permitted entry on 10 February only and must be accompanied by a facility member.
 

4th COMESA Investment Forum Opens Today

Under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, One of Africa’s most important and influential investment forum – the 4th COMESA Investment Forum – opens March 23, at the Madinat Jumeirah hotel in Dubai.

More than 2,000 delegates will join 15 ministers and high-ranking government officials from the UAE, the GCC and the 19 member-states of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) to discuss ways to further enhance business and economic cooperation.

Being held from March 23 to 24, the event is organised by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce ’&’ Industry in cooperation with the COMESA Regional Investment Agency.

Dubai’s strategic location and its expertise in transport, logistics and financial infrastructure means it is well positioned to act as a gateway for business into and out of the COMESA region.

It is first time this prestigious forum has been held in the Gulf region and it will further cement the Emirate’s position as the fundamental hub for trade and investments to and from the COMESA region with the rest of the world.

"The COMESA Investment Forum is specifically designed at further enhancing trade and investments into the region through continuous dialogue between investors, business leaders and policy-makers," said Hamad Buamim, Director General of Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

"Dubai’s world-renowned trading heritage and highly advanced transport, logistics and financial infrastructure means we are confident this event will be a success and that we will see healthy and highly informative discussions as well as a number of new business partnerships and economic cooperation among participating nations.

"We welcome all the delegates of the forum to Dubai and we are all looking forward to a truly successful and fruitful event," he added.