Abu Dhabi’s roadmap and project outline for its aspirations to become a global business hub will be the focus at a major conference to be held in the emirate in December.

The eighth edition of the annual Abu Dhabi Conference, will be held at the Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa from December 8 to 11. It is being organised by MEED in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Department.

The conference will feature keynote addresses by ministers and top executives, said a statement from the organisers.

Critical issues to be discussed at the summit include a review of Abu Dhabi’s efforts towards economic diversification in a macro-economic environment driven by hydrocarbons; and discussions on ongoing initiatives towards enabling Abu Dhabi to become a global business hub while aligning these efforts with the emirate’s 2030 masterplan.

In addition to ongoing massive projects in real estate, retail, tourism and transport, Abu Dhabi will award a range of new contracts in the first quarter of 2014 with an estimated value of over $7 billion.

These include the $1.8-billion ADWEA - Mirfa IWPP project, the $2.5-billion residential villas project in Musanada - Shamkha South; and the $1-billion Urban Planning Council mixed-used project in the Shahama and Bahia Districts.

As the capital pushes its agenda for sustainable growth, a total of $346.7 billion worth of projects will be implemented from 2016 to 2030, presenting opportunities for contractors and other stakeholders to align their business strategy with Abu Dhabi’s planned developments across critical sectors, including industry and metals, transportation, agriculture, aerospace and technology.

“We have worked closely with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Department in putting together a programme that will present a comprehensive overview of project opportunities, achievements and challenges faced in delivering Abu Dhabi’s economic vision 2030 across key sectors, including pipeline projects and upcoming opportunities,” said Edmund O’ Sullivan, chairman, MEED Events.

Other significant highlights include a review of the opportunities in Al Gharbia and the Al Ain in regard to planned projects such as middle-income housing, university development and agriculture being delivered by the Western Region Development Council and the Al Ain Municipality respectively.

The conference is an annual gathering of government and private sector leaders which enables discussions and updates on upcoming project and investment opportunities in Abu Dhabi’s diverse economy. - TradeArabia News Service