Abu Dhabi, UAE – Over 500 leading business executives, entrepreneurs, government officials and industry leaders gathered on December 10th at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers for the 14th Annual Business Groups Forum.
The Business Groups Forums, established in 2001, is an annual event to strengthen the ties between Abu Dhabi’s diverse business groups, that collectively represent thousands of companies operating within the UAE, and facilitate opportunities for collaboration and networking between them. It celebrates the contribution of the business groups in promoting trade and commerce in Abu Dhabi by holding a trade show in the afternoon followed by a gala dinner in the evening. Dignitaries in attendance included His Excellency Abdullah Al Saleh, Undersecretary of Foreign Trade and Industry of the Ministry of Economy, His Excellency Ebraheem Al Mahmood, First Deputy Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Chamber and Ambassadors from many countries.
The 2014 Abu Dhabi Vice Chairman, RToy Panzarella, remarked in his opening speech, “With the UAE government’s announcement that will be the Year of Innovation, we are proud to co-host this event which highlights the contribution of international business groups.”
Pakistan Business Council President, Dr. S. Qaiser Anis, stated, “We are honored to be a co-host of this important event and thank the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry for its support. The Chamber is a leading voice of the private sector in Abu Dhabi. This year’s Business Groups Forum is the epitome of innovation – bigger and better than ever.
Dr. Qaiser Anis, President of the Pakistan Business Council, thanking the Abu Dhabi Chamber for their support on behalf of the business community of Abu Dhabi.
During his keynote speech His Excellency Ibrahim Al-Mahmood, First Deputy Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Chamber , emphasized the importance of the Annual Business Groups Forum, and the business groups themselves, for the part they play in Abu Dhabi’s thriving economy.
Speaking to the business groups in attendance, His Excellency said “You realize the great opportunities Abu Dhabi offers for investors and businessmen, which comes under the umbrella of launching many initiatives and mega projects across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, with the aim of realizing economic diversification and encouraging companies to work in different pivotal sectors.” He added, “It is the strategy through which our wise government aims to establish a strong economic base, work on encouraging the spirit of innovation and creativity, implement a culture of excellence and superiority in the business environment, and grant the private sector a bigger role in realizing the economic vision 2030.”
His Excellency, Ibrahim Al-Mahmood, First Deputy Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Chamber , speaking about the important role of innovation in Abu Dhabi.
The trade show gave the public an opportunity to engage with the 25 international business groups of Abu Dhabi, and to learn more about how these groups can further commercial and business interests. More information about the business groups and their activities can be found in the Abu Dhabi Business Groups Directory 2014 published expressly for this event.
A highly anticipated event on the Abu Dhabi social calendar, this year’s Gala evening featured a live jazz band, celebrating the distinctive musical heritage of the United States, and a powerful percussion performance highlighting Pakistani culture.
Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and AmCham Abu Dhabi Board Members at the 14th Annual Business Groups Forum trade show.
Top corporate sponsors and supporting partners of the event included Etihad Airways , Nirvana Travel and Tourism LLC, Dubai Trading Agency, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, ChocoBlooms, Radio 2 and the International New York Times.