Ras Al Khaimah sets platform for Arab business meet

Ras Al Khaimah is hosting the second edition of the annual Global Arab Business Meeting (GABM), which will run from October 9 – 10, 2011 at the Al Hamra Convention Centre, the Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (Rakia) which will co-host the event said in a statement.

The gathering expects over 300 business and government personalities and top decision makers from the Arab region and the rest of the world.

Rakia is co-hosting the event with the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development, which will also serve as a unique platform to highlight opportunities that have emerged in Ras Al Khaimah as a lucrative investment destination.

Rakia said it has achieved 27 per cent increase in the number of licences compared to 2009 and expects to surpass this number by the end of this year. The licences were issued to consulting/service companies, trading/general trading businesses, commercial companies, industrial firms and media businesses.

Alex Thomas, General Manager-Marketing & Promotions, Rakia, said in the statement, "The Global Arab Business Meeting has quickly established itself as a premier gathering of the most influential business personalities in the Mena region and from the rest of the world. This is a very timely initiative as it complements the growing influx of international investments towards the Arab world, capitalising on the region’s huge market potential and strategic location. The Global Arab Business Meeting is in line with Rakia’s continuing efforts to identify new ways to drive the economic growth of the region, particularly here in Ras Al Khaimah, by creating dedicated platforms that cultivate interaction and cooperation between Arab and international business leaders.”

The Global Arab Business Meeting will also announce the 2011 Arab Business Leaders of the Year, celebrating outstanding entrepreneurs who have been building and leading successful global firms of Arab origin.Organisers have also scheduled various activities to showcase key business, leisure, tourism and lifestyle amenities of Ras Al Khaimah, in addition to various social and networking activities.

Being held under the patronage and presence of HH Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, the 2nd GABM will also feature the participation of Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade; Mohd Abu-Hammour, Minister of Finance of Jordan; Makhdoom Amin Faheem, Senior Minister of Commerce, Pakistan; and Shri Kamal Nath, Union Cabinet Minister of Urban Development, India. Prominent private sector personalities from different countries are also attending the event.

The event is being organised by Horasis, an independent international organisation.