Ras Al Khaimah Conference 2008, organised by Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA), the government body responsible for the socioeconomic growth of the emirate, in partnership with business intelligence firm Middle East Economic Digest (MEED), began today (Sunday, January 27, 2008) at the Al Hamra Fort Hotel in Ras Al Khaimah.
The two-day conference, being held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, has brought together an impressive line up of prominent industry figures, thought leaders, international and regional investors, and key government officials, who are looking to explore and discuss various investment opportunities in the emirate.
Delivering the keynote address at the Conference, Dr. Khater Massaad, CEO of RAKIA said, “The RAK Conference will provide a platform for the participants to completely understand the numerous opportunities Ras Al Khaimah has to offer, while being able to share ideas and views, and discover new paradigms of investment in the emirate. Under the visionary leadership of H.H Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the RAK Investment Authority was set up to fulfil the vision of the Government, which is to build a diverse economy that enjoys strong and sustainable growth by attracting domestic and foreign investments, in the process creating wealth and raising the standard of living of the people of Ras Al Khaimah.”
During his address, Dr. Massaad also stressed on the importance of private sector contributions to economic development of the Emirate. “The private sector has a big role to play in the socio-economic prosperity of the nation, and we have to make sure that the private sector is provided with the appropriate regulatory framework to operate efficiently and productively. In this regard, the role of the government is primarily to create the optimum environment for enterprise planning by providing sufficient infrastructure support.”
At the conference, Raman Iyer, Technical Director and General Manager of RAKIA, provided an overview of RAKIA’s projects, highlighting the various investment opportunities available through the Authority, and briefing the audience about its history, vision and mission.
The morning session also featured an address by Edmund O’Sullivan, Chairman of MEED Events, in addition to speeches by representatives from KPMG, Global Investment House, Khoie Properties and Rasmala Investments. The highlight of the afternoon session was a keynote address by H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, followed by panel discussions and case study presentations.
Speaking at the Conference, H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi outlined the vision and mission for the future of Ras Al Khaimah, highlighting the importance of attracting investors from domestic and foreign markets to build a sustainable long-term economy. “We are continuing to implement ongoing initiatives to strengthen our partnerships with investors so as to create the optimum environment for the development of enterprise and industry in Ras Al Khaimah,” H.H. said.
The RAK Conference 2008 agenda also features informative presentations by renowned organisations, including RAKIA, Al Tamimi & Company, Global Investment House, Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries (JULPHAR), Halcrow International Partnership, KPMG, KHOIE Properties, Rakeen, RAK Properties, RAK Tourism, Hilton Hotels and Rasmala Investment.
Sponsored by Al Hamra Real Estate, Al Hamra Village, Amana, Khoie Properties, RAK Ceramics and Rakeen, the Conference will also host an interactive workshop that will serve as a practical guide to establishing business ventures in the emirate.
