ACE GCC 2010 CONFERENCE 17-18 October, Sheraton Hotel, Abu Dhabi As part of its remit to assist member firms working internationally, ACE organises the annual GCC conference and takes part in other events of interest to consultancy and engineering firms.  This two-day conference will address issues ranging from entry strategy to guidance on contract risk management. With the support of the ACE Middle East Group, this conference is aimed at supporting UK plc to improve business performances and endorse relevant training for professional engineering staff. The Middle East is still a key market for engineering projects with an exceptional level of development and numerous innovative schemes underway. Markets in the region still offer significant opportunities in particular with government funded infrastructure in Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Oman and Saudi Arabia. This conference will draw together senior engineering and construction professional working in the region to explore current and future opportunities in the GCC countries, sharing knowledge and lessons learned as well as unite to resolve the challenges they face. The conference will be opened by HE the Ambassador Dominic Jermey and will be chaired by ACE Middle East Group chair, Ian Clarke of Mott MacDonald. Previous conferences have drawn senior management delegates and eminent speakers from the legal, insurance, client and health and safety sector. Speakers will include: HE Dominic Jermy OBE,  British Ambassador Ali Rashid Ahmed Lootah, Nakheel Alan Thomson, Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company Rod Macdonald; Buro Happold Ian Clarke; Mott MacDonald Gurjit Singh; Sorouh Realo Estate PJSC Nelson Ogunshakin OBE; ACE Michael Earp; Willis Ltd Phil Dowrick; UKTI   GCC 2010 Conference event highlights Two days of business critical content, designed to provide you with solutions to challenged and the gateway to opportunities beyond the UAE Opportunities in Saudi Arabia and Iraq with contributions from UKTI and AMERELLER Featuring leading clients from across the UAE covering the transport infrastructure, real estate, social infrastructure and utilities infrastructure markets An evening of direct networking at the Drinks Reception, sponsored by Mott MacDonald.   Key Topics Business opportunities and challenges in the region Entry strategies to Saudi Arabia and Iraq Valuable insight on the clients perspective Legal, insurance, health and safety, regional commercial and cultural implications of working in the GCC region Appropriate forms of consultancy appointment Key effective risk management and mitigation strategies Business strategies to overcome the economic squeeze and staying ahead in a competitive market place Realities of funding and financing projects Facts and figures: Why ACE's GCC Conference is beneficial to your firm The IMP Forecasts estimate nominal gross domestic product (GDP) in the GCC region as being $1.02 trillion dollars in 2010, and £1,118 trillion i 2011. The IMF forecast a real growth rate across the GCC region of 4.9% in 2010 and 5.2% in 2011. A recent study by research company Business Monitor International (BMI)  revealed that the GCC countries are predicted to invest of £119.6 billion in infrastructure projects over the next decade with the majority of the capital spending expected to be int he rail sector. In 2009 17% of ACE members reported that the middle east was their biggest market of growth, and 25% indicated that they expect to enter the middle east market within the next three years. Who should attend? CEOs, directors, associates, managers, engineers, quantity surveyors, architects and legal personnel. For further information on the ACE GCC 2010 Conference contact Naomi Bari, ACE international business manager on nbari@acenet.co.uk or 44 207227 1890. Download the 2010 two day business programme and booking form here    Read last years program "Working in the GCC - Addressing the Legacy of Credit Crunch"

	Day one: 17 October 2010   Nelson Ogunshakin OBE, ACE chief executive  ACE View on the Middle East     Phil Dowrick UKTI, business specialist UKTI's overview: Hotspots and business opportunities in the GCC       Alan Thomson Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company, managing director  Utility demands in a developing region       Andrew Seymour TDIC, infrastructure director Heritage tourism and development in Abu Dhabi     Terrence Allen  Allied Investment Partners, managing director Regional Economic Recovery        Michael Earp  Willis, executive director   Insurance risk management insurance requirements in the GCC     Raid Abu Manneh, Mayer Brown, partner Legal Guide to the GCC: Dispute avoidance and resolution Joanne Emerson, Norton Rose Middle East, of counsel  Legal Guide to the GCC Kingdom of Bahrain      Roger Button, AMERELLER Legal Consultants, head of Middle East Construction  Overview of FIDIC contracts     Nelson Ogunshakin OBE ACE chief executive ACE Legal View     Day two: 18 October 2010   David Connolly, Halcrow, projects director  Yas Island project      Andrew Greaves, Trowers & Hamlins, partner The regional PPP market     Chris O'Donnell, Nakheel, chief executive officer   Dubai: Future plans      Gurjit Singh, Sorouh Real Estate PJSC, chief operating officer A client perspective: UAE     Rod Macdonald, Buro Happold, chairman  Opportunities and guide to working in Saudi Arabia and Libya      Roger Button, AMERELLER Legal Consultants, head of Middle East construction Opportunities and guide to working in Iraq     Brian Colquhoun, Mott MacDonald, regional health and safety manager   Regional health and safety presentation Build Safe UAE Members Charter