2nd Abu Dhabi Business Forum kicks off tomorrow

The 2nd edition of the Abu Dhabi Business Forum 2017 kicks off on Monday, 2nd October, at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

A number of authorities and departments in Abu Dhabi will participate in the forum, organised by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Department of Economic Development–Abu Dhabi. Participants will include the Health Authority, the Department of Education and Knowledge, the Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities, the Department of Culture and Tourism, ZonesCorp, as well as numerous companies operating in different sectors in Abu Dhabi, including construction, real estate, private education, healthcare, tourism, industry and workers residential cities.

The Abu Dhabi Business Forum 2017 aims to strengthen the strategic partnership between the public and private sector in Abu Dhabi, as well as overcome the challenges of the private sector in the emirate. The forum also seeks to raise awareness about increasing the contribution of this sector to the GDP, and its role in developing sustainable economic and social development in Abu Dhabi.

Khalifa Bin Salem Al-Mansouri, Acting Under-Secretary of the Department of Economic Development-Abu Dhabi, said that holding panel discussions with the private sector on the legislations of the business environment, and activating the partnership policy by establishing active communication channels, would enhance such a collaboration and contribute, at the same time, to magnifying the position of the private sector and its role in realising the objectives of Abu Dhabi's strategic plan.

He pointed out that the Department of Economic Development–Abu Dhabi has prepared a report on the general challenges which economic facilities in Abu Dhabi face, and it will be presented to the participants at the event.

Mohamed Helal Al-Muhairi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, said that the 2nd edition of the forum attracted a large number of companies operating in Abu Dhabi and the UAE, as of Sunday evening. Over 1,000 people, including representatives of public and private companies, have confirmed their attendance.

"The forum will act as a platform to inform businessmen and investors in the emirate about the investment opportunities that are offered by public establishments, and that contribute to increasing the role of the private sector in the sustainable and comprehensive economic development process in the emirate," he said.