Gulf Construction Online - Construction summit attracts 25 experts

Expo News

Construction summit attracts 25 experts

01 October 2008

As many as 25 industry leaders will take to the stage to highlight regional and international case studies at the forthcoming Leaders in Construction Summit, which will be held in Dubai next month.

The annual event, which is in its third year, will be held from November 2 to 5 at the Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort and Towers and will comprise a two-day conference as well as two masterclasses.
Organised by International Quality and Productivity Center (IQPC), the global provider of tailored, industry-driven conferences, the event will focus on addressing the drive for sustainability in the Middle East’s construction industry.
The conference will deliberate new sustainability initiatives, partnering and alliances in order to secure a brighter future for generations to come, not just environmentally, but also socially and economically. The event will also serve as a platform for developers, contractors, designers and consultants to address the shortage of highly-skilled staff and the rapid price escalation of key materials.
Key speakers at the event will include Aldar Properties CEO Ronald Barrot, Arup director Roger Wood, Arabtec CEO Riad Kamal, and Khaldoun Tabari, vice chairman and CEO of Drake & Scull.
“With the Gulf’s construction industry having witnessed an unprecedented rate of growth in recent years, the summit represents an excellent opportunity for the different elements of the industry to meet under one roof, and discuss the opportunities and challenges these times of spectacular growth pose, and find solutions and to build partnerships that will result in mutual business growth,” comments Barrot. “I will be very happy to share with the industry experts Aldar’s unique experience in building sustainable developments to support Abu Dhabi's long-term growth.”
Wood will present a keynote case study on Dongtan, China, entitled ‘The Future of Eco-Cities’.
“The master-planning work Arup carried out for Dongtan has helped to trigger a global push towards more sustainable urban environments,” he explains. “The Middle East is increasingly recognising the importance of considering sustainability within the built environment and I am looking forward to sharing some of our learnings at the conference.”
Kamal, meanwhile, says: “Leaders in Construction is the definitive meeting place for the region’s biggest developers, contractors, designers and consultants. I am truly excited about being part of the expert speaking faculty this autumn.”
And Tabari comments: “This unique event combines the full spectrum of perspectives across the construction industry. Leaders in Construction will provide a critical insight into the future of the Middle East and the personalities involved in shaping that future.”
Attendees will be able to immerse themselves in topical discussion through a high number of panel sessions and extended 50-minute roundtable sessions.
In addition to the latest topics, this event will consider innovative solutions to the longer-standing problems faced across the industry.
Other speakers at the summit include: Dr Nader Mohammed, regional managing director, Emaar International; Kez Taylor, managing director, Alec; Dusan Mills, executive director, development and project excellence, Limitless; Rod Stewart, regional managing director, Hyder Consulting Middle East; Adnan Al Hammadi, rail construction director, RTA; Natasha Gangaramani, director, Al Fara’a Properties; Rami Dabbas, CEO, Aqaar; Grahame McCaig, general manager, Dutco Balfour Beatty; Nigel Harvey, general manager, Murray & Roberts Middle East; and Bishoy Azmy, CEO, Al Shafar General Contracting.