The new investment opportunities in Abu Dhabi and the critical role of the private sector in the emirate's economic diversification program will be the key topics at the upcoming 'Abu Dhabi Conference 2009.'

The conference, to run from November 10 to 11 at The Emirates Palace Hotel, will be jointly organised by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (DED) and Meed Events.

Announcing the complete agenda and the line-up of speakers of Abu Dhabi Conference 2009, the duo said the event had been tailored to support the emirate's aim to achieve a seven per cent economic growth through 2015 and increase the GDP share of the non-oil sector to 50 per cent.

The conference will kick off with a pre-conference reception hosted by DED for speakers, ambassadors, government officials, local dignitaries and all delegates of the event.

Key government officials led by Nasser Al Sowaidi, chairman of Abu Dhabi DED; Mohammed Omar Abdullah, DED undersecretary; and Fahad Al Raqbani, deputy director general, Abu Dhabi Council for Economic Development, will open the formal discussions with key messages focusing on Abu Dhabi's strategies to develop essential non-oil sectors, including energy, petrochemicals, metals, transport, education, healthcare and tourism.

Nasser Al Sowaidi said, 'This year has witnessed the issuance of the new Law on the Establishment of the Department of Economic Development, which confirms our futuristic approach in the development of a knowledge-based economy, and gives the highest priority to sustainable economic development.'

'The issuance of the new law and the new tasks it mandates demonstrate the commitment of the wise leadership to achieve the Economic Vision 2030 with its broader and more comprehensive meaning across the geographical spread of the Abu Dhabi and the economic spread of its various economic sectors”, he noted.

'The conference will emphasise on our strategic Economic sectors according to a road map that is due to cover the next twenty years,' he added.

Edmund O’Sullivan, chairman of Meed Events, said the conference offers an ideal platform for major stakeholders of the economic diversification initiative in Abu Dhabi to conduct networking activities, discuss pressing issues and identify fresh opportunities to further enhance the future economic landscape of the emirate.'

The conference agenda reflects the changing dynamics of the Abu Dhabi economy, particularly with regards to the growing investment and business opportunities for the non-oil sector, he added.-TradeArabia News Service