Qatar University College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) held a press conference yesterday to announce the upcoming conference on “Arabic Language and Identity” scheduled for April 17-18.

The conference is being organized by the Department of Arabic Language, as part of the College’s ongoing mission to advance dialogue on the importance of the Arabic Language to Arabic and Muslim communities around the world.

CAS Dean Dr Eiman Mustafawi and Department head Dr Ali Al-Kubaisi highlighted details of the event which is expected to draw over 200 academics, researchers, and language professionals from Qatar, the region and beyond.

Participants from Qatar will include representatives from the ministries of Education, Awqaf, and Culture, as well as colleagues from Education City institutions Georgetown University Qatar, and Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies, and independent school Al Jazeera Academy, in addition to faculty from the Arabic Language department.

Guest speakers will include chief editor of Al Arab magazine Prof Ahmed El Thoubib, noted linguist and professor emeritus King Saud University Prof Hamza El Mozaini, linguistics scholar Prof Saad Maslouh, and Arabic syntax expert and Director of the School of Languages and Cultures at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Prof Elabbas Benmaoum.

“This is a timely moment to hold such a conference where we can hear from some of the most prominent Arabic specialists on the relevance of the connection between the Arabic language and our common identity, and discuss the way forward to further strengthening the role of the language in our societies and how we can better serve the language in our daily interactions”, Dr Mustafawi said.

“Additionally, they will share how curricula can be changed to engage more effective teaching and learning of the language to make it more vibrant for students at all levels, especially in the primary and secondary schools,” she added.

Conference organizers received over 200 papers from around the world from which 21 were chosen for the event programme, Dr Al-Kubaisi said.

A group of 50 MBA students from the California State University - San Bernardino, led by Professor Vipin Gupta, Co-Director of the Global Management Center, visited the University of Wollongong in Dubai, as part of an academic trip that included meetings with various industry and business leaders.

The California State University - San Bernardino is listed among the 18 Most Innovative Business Schools in the World (European CEO Magazine, 2010).

The group spent the afternoon visiting different staff members at UOWD, discussing business and culture related issues. This was followed by two sessions in the Knowledge InExS series by UOWD. These included ‘Basics of Islamic Finance’ by Dr. Hela Miniaoui, an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Finance and Accounting at UOWD and ‘Doing Business in the Middle East - an annual study conducted across 183 countries by World Bank’ by Harshit H. Jain, a Dubai-based seasoned banker heading innoVention Solutions, a Consultancy and Training firm. These were the first two sessions in Knowledge InExS series for 2012 and more such programs are expected to take place throughout the year.

Later the group attended an interactive session featuring a panel of speakers who discussed various issues under the theme: “international business and marketing” including cultural peculiarities and misconceptions about the Middle East.

Taking part in the panel discussion, Khalifa Suhail Al Marar, Senior Associate, Corporate Strategy, Mubadala, Abu Dhabi, spoke about human capital and how Mubadala was driving new businesses, including GLOBALFOUNDRIES, which manufactures microchips for AMD, and is today the second largest such entity in the world. He briefed the visitors on UAE’s Vision 2030, which focuses on moving away from oil-based to knowledge-based economy.

Khalifa is an alumnus of UOWD and a graduate of the MSM program. His work experience covers National Bank of Abu Dhabi, Department of Economic Development (DED) - Abu Dhabi, and Advanced Technology Investment Company (ATIC).

Arun Joshi, a UAE-based market research consultant, spoke about the market research industry, and how the Middle East consumer has evolved with time. He provided insights into the complex mind of the region’s consumers, who could be at once conservative and liberal, traditional and modern. The consumers are governed by trust in this part of the world, and this poses a unique challenge to marketers.

Hermione Macura, a pioneer in TV journalism in the Middle East and an alumnus of UOWD, said the way to the hearts of the Middle East people was through food and culture, and shared her experiences in interacting with Emiratis, and singled out their hospitality and respect for women. She also threw light on the spirit of entrepreneurship, especially among UAE women.

Dr. Melodena Stephens Balakrishnan, Associate Professor, Faculty of Business and Management, UOWD and Chair & Founder of Academy of International Business, MENA Chapter, moderated the session.

As part of its ongoing efforts to positively engage with its employees and keep them up-to-date with the Company’s latest news and developments, PepsiCo-Jordan held its 2012 quarterly meeting with all its factory and main office employees.

The meeting, held on Wednesday 21st March at the PepsiCo-Jordan factory, was also attended by the Company’s General Manager Eng. Nidal Hamam, its Human Resources Manager Hawar Hijazi

The meeting shed light on PepsiCo-Jordan’s latest news and developments and highlighted its main goals and top priorities for 2012. The General Manager Nidal Hamam reviewed the Company’s results and achievements, whilst Ms. Hawar Hijazi the HR Manager discussed the company’s 2012 plans to improve the Organization Health and the Work Environment. The meeting also tackled a number of employee-related topics such as ‘General Safety - Our Top Priority’ as the company’s top priority.

The meeting also comprised a number of entertainment segments and competitions and gifts were distributed amongst the employees. The meeting was concluded with an interactive Q&A session with the Company’s department directors, followed by a dinner.

“We at PepsiCo-Jordan continuously seek to establish strong relations with our employees as they are the cornerstones of our successes and accomplishments. These meetings help create a sound work environment that promotes transparency, honesty and open communication channels between our employees and their managers. Through these meetings, we strive to keep our employees abreast of the Company’s directions, goals and aspirations. This further enables us to work together as one united team, build on previous achievements and continue to provide high-quality products to the local market,” commented Eng. Hamam.

Burj Khalifa, the world’s only ‘Global Icon’, now has a monument saluting the international collaboration that marked the accomplishment of the world’s tallest building. Emaar Properties, the developer of Burj Khalifa, has unveiled ‘The Burj Monument,’ 18 metres high and in stainless steel, in Downtown Dubai, near The Dubai Mall.

Located strategically on a visual plane aligned with the awe-inspiring magnificence of the tower, the monument draws its design inspiration from the three-core structure of Burj Khalifa, originally based on the floral architecture of the desert flower, Hymenocallis.

An architectural art that adds to the sculptures and art pieces in Downtown Dubai, The Burj Monument welcomes visitors to the 500-acre community, and serves to remind them of the global collaboration that has gone into making Burj Khalifa.

Engineers, designers, architects and skilled workers from more than 100 countries were involved in the making of the tower. At its peak of construction, there were more than 12,000 dedicated personnel on site ensuring the seamless progress.

The monument is also a token of gratitude by Emaar Properties to the people of Dubai and visitors from around the world, who have enabled the transition of Burj Khalifa from ‘History Rising’ to ‘A Living Wonder.’

Today, a fully functional lifestyle hub, Burj Khalifa is the luxury address of hundreds of families, features corporate offices, has the world’s first Armani Hotel, the world’s highest outdoor observation deck with an outdoor terrace - At the Top, Burj Khalifa, and the world’s highest restaurant, At.mosphere, in addition to a choice of leisure amenities.

Mr. Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, said, “Two years ago, with the grand inauguration of Burj Khalifa, Dubai demonstrated to the world that where there is determination, dedication and a clearly defined objective, we can push the boundaries of what humanity can achieve. In accomplishing Burj Khalifa, we had the unwavering support and encouragement of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, who in fact inspired us to develop the world’s tallest building.”

“We were fortunate to work with some of the world’s brightest minds in engineering, architecture, construction and design, on the venture. We also had the blessings of the people of Dubai, who welcomed the initiative and associated with it as an object of the city’s civic pride. The Burj Monument is our token of gratitude to everyone who has helped us accomplish the project, and a reminder to every visitor to Downtown Dubai that Burj Khalifa is a true reflection of what Dubai stands for - a global city that welcomes the world,” he added.

Much like Burj Khalifa, the Burj Monument also has a triple-lobed footprint, an abstraction of the six-petalled desert flower, Hymenocallis. The structure rests on a marble-clad base with three individually tapered and curved wings. While the inner skeleton of the monument is made of hot dip galvanized seamless steel pipes and stainless steel cleats, the cladding is brush finished stainless steel.

At 828 metres (2,716.5 ft), the 200 plus storey Burj Khalifa has 160 habitable levels, the most in any building in the world. The tower was inaugurated on January 4, 2010, to coincide with the fourth anniversary of the Accession Day of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum as the Ruler of Dubai.

Burj Khalifa utilised a record-breaking 330,000 cubic metres of concrete; 39,000 tonnes of steel reinforcement; 103,000 square metres of glass; and 15,500 square metres of embossed stainless steel. The tower took 22 million man hours to build.

The other art pieces that adorn Downtown Dubai, described as ‘The Centre of Now’ include renowned Spanish sculptor Xavier Corbero’s Gathering, a collection of ten figurine sculptures made of basalt, Colombian figurative artist Fernando Botero’s Horse 2007, Kuwaiti sculptor Sami Mohamed Al Saleh’s Al Sidra and Syrian artist Lutfi Romhein’s Together.

Downtown Dubai, anchored by Burj Khalifa, is one of the most prestigious lifestyle communities that features The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination which welcomed more than 54 million visitors in 2011; and The Dubai Fountain, the world’s tallest performing fountain, in addition to luxury hotels, homes and offices. The development also features one of the city’s popular galleries, The Pavilion. The 3.5 km long Emaar Boulevard hosts regular lifestyle events such as the popular Emirates Classic Car Show Festival.

THE BATTLE OF THE KITCHENS

The first Battle of the Kitchens in Abu Dhabi will take place on Friday 16 March at Le Méridien Abu Dhabi, starting from 4pm with an after event buffet dinner for guests. Tickets are AED 190 (sold through TimeOut tickets) per person and include the live viewing of ‘The Battle of the Kitchens’, one non alcoholic welcome beverage, and a selection of food from various buffet stations throughout the evening. A cash bar is also available for guests.

Three of capital’s finest culinary teams from Le Méridien Abu Dhabi, Hilton Abu Dhabi Hotel, and Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi will compete in a series of mystery ingredient competitions at the ‘Battle of the Kitchens’. Kicking off on Friday 16 March at Le Méridien Abu Dhabi, this event is an opportunity for the hotels’ kitchen brigades to showcase their culinary prowess in front a reputable judging panel, and public audience.

“Although ‘black box’/mystery ingredient competitions have taken place at trade shows or within hotels themselves, the impetus behind this three part series is to demonstrate that in the midst of global brands, celebrity chefs and wide scale food festivals, top tier talent from the hospitality industry should take center stage”, states Sascha Winter, the creator of the ‘Battle of the Kitchens’ concept, adding, “it’s their time to shine in the communities in which they work and live in.”

How it Works - The Black Box

At the start of the 90 minute competition, all three teams will receive a magic basket containing mystery ingredients of which they will be asked to prepare a composed dish highlighting these items. Additional items from a common use pantry are also at their disposal, as well as a fully functioning and state of the art cooking station and appliances. Once the first course is created, plated and judged, a secondary basket will reveal additional mystery ingredients for the second course/round of the competition.

Ingredients can range from the common place such as chicken breasts, carrots, ice berg lettuce to the bizarre, including lesser known and used items such as gummy bears and beef jerky.

The Judges

The distinguished panel of judges include Chef Uwe Micheel, President of the Emirates Culinary Guild (ECG), Suzanne Husseini, celebrity chef, TV presenter, and author and Michael Wunsch, General Manager of Barakat.

Le Méridien Abu Dhabi

Daniel Brooker, Executive Chef

For this New Zealand native with more than 13 years of experience, much of his younger years were spent in apprenticeship and later working in some of New Zealand’s top restaurants and casinos, including Sky City, a world class entertainment complex with gaming facilities.

No stranger to competition, Brooker’s last grand slam was the coveted ‘Chef of the Year’ award at the Salon Culinaire in the 2011 Gulf Food. From his time in New Zealand, he went onto diverse locations such as Oman and Kazakhstan before taking his present position as Executive chef at Le Méridien Abu Dhabi. Defining his cooking style as simply classic and modern, Brooker prepares himself for the battle by running some practice runs with the team to make sure everyone is conscious of the ticking clock.

One ingredient that he hopes not to find in the mystery box is gummy bears.

Rodrigo Menendez, Executive Sous Chef

This Argentinean chef of 14 years is no stranger to the kitchen or academia. With certificates from his homeland and Spain, including a Masters in ‘Advanced Techniques in Gastronomic Services’, as well as a culinary degree from Buenos Aires, Argentina, he also cites mentors who helped develop his personal cooking style – Ramon Freixa, two star Michelin chef from Spain and Ramon Salto, the current executive chef of the of the W Hotel in Doha.

When asked what his signature dish is, Menendez simply responds that it is any dish that is fresh and natural, with a healthy dose of respect for the flavor profiles of each ingredient. As well, his culinary style leans towards the Mediterranean and Japanese kitchens.

Going into the kitchen battle, Menendez hopes to remain focused and organized in order to pull off highly accomplished dishes. Though not phased with any ingredient he may encounter in the mystery box, he hopes that whatever ingredient is given are the best ones for extracting flavor and provide the best yield.

Bandula Kirthiratna, Pastry Chef

Training as a pastry chef in his native homeland of Sri Lanka, Kirthiratna has worked primarily in the Arabian peninsula, in both Saudi Arabia and Qatar. A pastry chef with over 18 years of experience, he is widely regarded for his award winning dessers, wedding cakes and petite fours, gaining him recognition from the Emirates Salon Culinaire (Gulf Food).

Citing his signature dish as being Dark Chocolate with Wild Beery Marmalade, he also professes a tendency towards uncomplicated desserts and developing a good representation on the plate of flavours, colours, textures and aromas.

There is no mystery ingredient that Kirthiratna is afraid of from the mystery box.

Middle East first for UAE-based Coffee Planet - next generation vending machines launched - high quality bean-to-cup coffee with fresh milk available in just 44 seconds

UAE-headquartered Coffee Planet, the Middle East’s leading coffee company is expanding its reach across the region with the introduction of a new stand alone state-of-the-art intelligent vending system designed to bring the brand’s signature fresh bean-to-cup experience to an even-wider audience of coffee lovers.

Set to launch in the region in April this year, the hi-tech German-developed machines are the Rolls Royce of the vending systems’ world. They deliver high quality coffee with a 100% freshly brewed coffee, guaranteed in just 44 seconds, dispelling the myth that it is not possible to get a great coffee from a vending machine.

But the real advantages for Coffee Planet and its franchisees lie in the way that these state-of-the-art machines use wireless GSM technology. Machines can be remotely monitored from Coffee Planet’s Dubai head office, with the ability to adjust the settings of each individual unit.

“This technology also enables us to receive and review up-to-the-minute data on usage from the total number of coffees sold over a certain period to actual milk consumption, plus it can issue refill alerts as well as flag maintenance issues. Theoretically, these machines should never run out, maximizing its return on investment,” said Robert Jones, Business Development Director, Coffee Planet.

The Coffee Planet machines can pour 100 cups of premium coffee each and every hour, using a built-in easy-to-use payment system.

“This is ideal for locations, such as transport, leisure and business hubs with high consumer footfall, including international airport terminals, metro stations, public parks and business towers, as well as university campuses,” added Jones.

The attractively designed and branded Coffee Planet vending machines will be launched as single unit franchises in the UAE and across the Middle East, and will only use 100% Arabica coffee beans freshly roasted in Coffee Planet’s own Dubai roastery.

“For the first time in the Middle East, this next generation of intelligent vending machines takes the coffee-to-go experience to an entirely new level. We want to change peoples’ perceptions that vending machines merely offer poor quality beverages. This machine is the result of years of development and is the most technologically advanced vending system on the market. Add our beans and you’ve got a great cup of coffee available at the touch of a button,” commented Jones.

Achieves up to 500/420 MB/s Sequential Read/Write Speeds; Available In A Variety of Capacities and Form Factors

Dubai - February 16, 2012: SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK), a global leader in flash memory storage solutions, today announced the SanDisk® X100 solid state drive (SSD) for client computing markets. The SanDisk X100 SSD is available in capacities up to 512GB1 and utilizes multi-level cell (MLC) technology, a SATA 6Gb/s high-performance interface, advanced multi-streaming features and tiered caching technology.

The drive offers up to 500/420 megabyte per second (MB/sec)2 sequential read/write speeds, and enables a user to copy a 4GB high-definition movie in less than 10 seconds*. In addition to the standard 2.5 inch form factor, the X100 SSD also comes in mSATA and customized thin form factors to address the emerging ultra-thin laptop market. SanDisk offers a wide variety of configuration options, including standalone and dual drive caching solutions. 

“With the introduction of the X100 SSD, SanDisk now offers OEMs a complete selection of SSD storage choices,” said Kevin Conley, senior vice president and general manager, cli-ent storage solutions, SanDisk. “From the smallest BGA form factors of the iSSD to the economical lower power U100, all the way up to the high performance and high capacity points of our new X100, SanDisk offers a solution to meet the needs of notebook, desk-top and ultra-thin laptop manufacturers.”

The SanDisk X100 SSD achieves long-term reliability through robust, continual back-ground error checking and advanced NAND recovery mechanisms.  The drive is available now for sampling to PC manufacturers and production-volume shipments. 
 
Specifications

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced that Samsung’s Digital Media & Appliances (DMA) business, which encompasses Visual Display, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, and Digital Imaging, posted global revenues of USD 14.36 billion for the fourth quarter of 2011, up 4 percent year-on-year. The businesses registered an operating profit of USD 508.5 million in the fourth quarter. Samsung’s reinforced lineup of LED TVs, including premium models for advanced markets and region-specific models for emerging markets, has improved quarter-on-quarter sales.

“Since the launch of Samsung’s Smart TV range, we have managed to bring in strong numbers every quarter. Samsung’s aim to outperform the market and enhance profitability through marketing and sales expansion of premium products such as LED TVs and Smart TVs supported by customized TV applications has materialized into the great numbers we saw for DMA in the fourth quarter,” said Vinod Nair, General Manager of CTV at Samsung Gulf Electronics.

In the Gulf region, Samsung Smart TVs currently hold 45 percent market share. Samsung’s dominant position in the region is spurred by the demand for digital convergent products, consumer adaptability towards new technology, and locally relevant content and applications found in Samsung’s Smart Hub. The Smart features that constitute the Smart Hub include: AllShare, Search All, Samsung Apps, Second TV, Web Browser and Social TV.

“In the Gulf market we recorded a 21 percent increase year-on-year in digital media and appliances’ sales for the fourth quarter of 2011,” he added.

For the year, the Digital Media business’s combined global revenue totaled USD 51.82 billion, with operating profit up 229 percent on-year to USD 928.67 million.

Sales of LED TVs grew strongly during the fourth quarter on traditionally high seasonal demand, achieving 40 percent growth on-quarter. Against this, Samsung outperformed the market by focusing on sales of premium models, shipping over 55 percent more LED TVs compared to the previous quarter.

In 2012, weak seasonality in the first quarter will see an on-quarter decrease in demand, although overall market growth is expected for the year, driven by strong growth momentum in emerging markets. In developed markets, Samsung will leverage its premium LED television offerings to lift sales as LED TV sales rise to account for more than 60 percent of the global flat panel TV market in 2012.

Overall, Samsung posted global revenues of USD 42.19 billion on a consolidated basis for the fourth quarter, a 13-percent increase year-on-year. For the quarter, the company posted consolidated operating profit of USD 4.72 billion, representing a 79-percent increase year-on-year. Consolidated net profit for the quarter was USD 3.56 billion. The fourth quarter global results brought Samsung’s full year 2011 revenue to an all-time high of USD 147.19 billion, up 7 percent from the previous year. Global Net income registered USD 12.24 billion, down 15 percent compared with 2010, while operating profit was USD 14.49 billion, a 6-percent on-year decline.

Insurance House PSC (IH), an Abu Dhabi based insurance company which commenced operations on 10 April 2011, has reported a loss of Dhs2.47m for the period commencing, 11 April until 31 December, 2011. This translates to a marginal loss of 2 fils per share.

Total assets grew to Dhs264m, compared to Dhs125.8m on the date of commencement of business. Gross Premiums Written cross Dhs15m.

Commenting on the results of the company, Mohammed Alqubaisi, Chairman of IH, said, “This is a remarkable achievement for a start-up company, which commenced operations less than 8 months ago.”

“In terms of brand recognition and acceptability as a stable insurance services provider, Insurance House has made rapid strides. We are already enlisted as an approved insurance provider with reputed insurance brokers across the UAE and have also successfully attracted top-tier local and international companies as our clients. This is evidenced by Gross Premiums written in excess of Dhs15m in a very short span of time,” added Alqubaisi.

During the calendar quarter ending 31 December 2011, the company inaugurated 2 new branches in Dubai and Sharjah. This is in line with the planned branch expansion strategy of the company into key target markets across the UAE, in addition to its home base, Abu Dhabi.

According to Mohammed Othman, General Manager, of Insurance House, “IH is now fully associated with the Traffic Police departments in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which is mandatory to issue motor insurance policies covering vehicles registered across the UAE. Additionally, IH has also signed contracts with renowned agency garages across the UAE to facilitate seamless services to our valued customers.”

“Insurance House has also expanded the reach of its Health Insurance coverage by making state-of-the-art medical facilities affordable to UAE residents, thereby contributing its might towards building a healthy nation of UAE nationals and expatriates,” Othman added.

Commenting on the company’s Investment Strategy, Alqubaisi said, “IH’s Investment Strategy is robust, well thought out and clearly documented in the Investment Policy Manual that covers asset selection criteria, asset allocation guidelines and exit strategies. We have contracted a Professional Investment Manager, FH Capital Limited, for Investment Portfolio Advisory and Management Services. Substantial investments are already made in carefully selected high investment grade albeit liquid instruments that should generate healthy and consistent returns on a sustained basis.”

According to Othman, “Operationally, IH is fully equipped with state-of-the-art IT Systems, well documented operating policies & procedures and claims handling processes. We have been able to attract to our ranks, top caliber insurance professionals with extensive experience in the UAE market. Our operating cost model is very efficient and rapidly scalable in line with business growth. This should give us sustained advantage in a highly competitive market, especially if premiums across insurance classes come under pressure.”

More than 15% of the company’s current work force comprises of UAE nationals, manifesting its strong commitment to the development of UAE nationals in the insurance sector. This is way ahead of the minimum required quota set by the UAE Insurance Authority. IH is also committed to the “Go Green” initiative for environmental protection. All paper used throughout the company is made from recycled materials only.

Looking ahead, Alqubaisi said, “We look forward to 2012 with optimism and have set ambitious business growth targets and branch expansion plans. Our strategy is sound and we have the necessary mechanisms & structures in place to grow profitably and maximize returns for our shareholders.”

Faced with a worsening debt crisis and the real prospect of a recession at home, several major European companies seeking new investment opportunities will be attending the annual Qatar Projects 2012 conference which will take place in Doha on 5-8 February at the Grand Hyatt Hotel.

More than $106 billion of major projects will be awarded between now and 2022 in the Gulf state, with significant investment in oil and gas, heavy industry, electricity generation and water desalination, social infrastructure and transportation links, figures from MEED’s 2011/12 Qatar Projects report.

Infrastructure spending will dominate the next five years with around $65 billion due to be invested in a series of new transportation schemes including the new $11 billion Doha International airport, the $6 billion Doha port project and a $25 billion metro and railway.

“More European architecture and construction firms are expected to head to Qatar as it invests heavily in building a world-class infrastructure system both for the FIFA World Cup Finals in 2022 and for Qatar Vision 2030,” said Edmund O’Sullivan, Chairman, MEED Events.

Despite an expected slowdown this year, the outlook for the economy of the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas remains positive with GDP growth projected at 6 percent, according to International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts.

British engineering firm Atkins is the latest European company to be awarded a project in Qatar after it won a US$107 million contract earlier this month to set up a Central Planning Office for infrastructure and transport contracts, its second major contract win there in recent months.

“This latest contract win in Qatar strengthens our position in the region even further as we are working with government stakeholders to help them to deliver the most comprehensive and integrated infrastructure investment programme in the region’s history,” said Uwe Krueger, Chief Executive, Atkins.

Atkins is one of several European firms attending the conference. Others include Mott MacDonald, Foster + Partners and GMP Architekten.

Leading multi-disciplinary engineering consultancy, Hilson Moran, is another European company that is increasing its focus on Qatar after it opened its second GCC office in Doha last year.

While last year’s conference attracted a record-breaking 644 attendees, the 2012 event has been expanded to include more client-led presentations and case study analysis, providing an in-depth look at the mega projects and investment and construction opportunities available. Increased focus on market research data with detailed sector profiles and forecasts providing invaluable future project information will add a new dimension to the debate with two days of interactive discussion.

Separate conference streams will focus on energy projects covering petrochemicals, power and water, as well as road, rail, aviation, real estate, social infrastructure and sports sector initiatives.

The confirmed list of speakers includes; H.E. Abdulla Bin Saoud al-Thani,

Governor, Qatar Central Bank; Engineer Nasser Ali al-Mawlawi, President, Ashghal; Remy Rowhani, Director General, Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry; George Nasra, Managing Director, IBQ; Engineer Saad Ahmed Ibrahim al-Mohanadi, CEO, Qatar Railways Company; Khalifa al-Sowaidi, Managing Director, QAFCO; Monjid Abdelmajeed, Managing Director, REDCO Construction - Almana and Engineer Jalal Yousef al-Salihi, Director Infrastructure Affairs, Public Works Authority (Ashghal)

Qatar Projects 2012 is sponsored by International Bank of Qatar and Redco Construction - Almana. The official conference partner is Qatar Petroleum, supported by the Ministry of Business and Trade and Ashghal.

For more information on Qatar Projects: www.qatarprojectsconference.com