Driven by a massive oil windfall and a bold vision, Abu Dhabi economic model has become a case study on making best strategic use of oil revenues and foreign investment in the development of a diversified, competitive and knowledge-based economy providing ample growth opportunities while ensuring employment and prosperity to the local population.

Abu Dhabi economic vision, which has been formulated by the Emirate’s leadership, involves massive investment in the energy sector, basic industries, infrastructure, tourism, real estate and knowledge-based industries. The Emirate’s leadership is also on target with its plan to integrate Abu Dhabi into the global economy through increased competitiveness, downsizing of government, and huge investment in education and human resources development.

Abu Dhabi economic vision is expected to involve the spending, over the next ten years, of more than US$300 billion on major projects in Oil, Gas, Basic Industries, Infrastructure, Real Estate, Tourism and other industries.

Abu Dhabi Economic Forum (ADEF 2008) will bring together more than 1000 eminent government and business leaders from over 25 countries to discuss Abu Dhabi’s brand of economic development, business and investment opportunities in the second largest economy in the Gulf region. ADEF 2008 high profile speakers and participants make it an ideal venue for networking with policy makers, corporate leaders from Abu Dhabi and the other emirates of UAE and many other countries in the region.

ADEF 2008 will be held on 3-4 February 2008 at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Deputy Supreme Commander of Armed Forces. The forum is organized by Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Department of Planning & Economy of Abu Dhabi’s government.

Main topics to be addressed will include:

• A Vision of the Economy
• Government Agenda.
• Investment and Project Opportunities in Basic Industries, Infrastructure and Real Estate.
• Banking and Finance.
• Tourism.
• Education & Healthcare.
• Gulf companies rise to global eminence.

ADEF 2008 list of sponsors includes: Citigroup, Etisalat, Gulf Capital, Shuaa Capital, Global Investment House, Al Jaber, Gulf Investment Corporation, Jorinvest, Al Qudra Holding and Al Hanno Group. Media partners are CNN and Al Arabiya