The 2nd Al Gharbia Development Forum was told this morning that more investment is needed in housing and social infrastructure to support the drive to increase business activity and employment in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi.
“We need to develop first-class infrastructure in the form of schools, clubs and social facilities,” the forum was told by chief executive officer of the Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations (Adco) Abdul Munim Al Kindy.
“There are a lot of challenges in the Western Region due to lack of residential areas,” the forum was told by Tarek Al Ameri, manager for private schools at the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC). “Having residential areas close to existing schools would reduce costs.”
“Those interested in investing in education can work with the government and explore the viability of more private schools in the region,” Al Ameri said.
The Western Region accounts for 60 per cent of Abu Dhabi’s land area and is the location of more than 90 per cent of the activities of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) group, but less than 10 per cent of Abu Dhabi’s population lives there. The seven principal settlements include Delma Island and Sila close to the border of Saudi Arabia and near the location of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC).
The Al Gharbia Development Forum has been organised by MEED for the Western Region Development Council.
Sponsors of the Al Gharbia Development Forum
- Lead sponsor: Zonescorp.
- Diamond sponsor: ADNOC
- Platinum sponsor: Al Foah
- Silver sponsors: Etihad Rail and the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry
- Conference sponsor: Drake & Scull
- Community partner: ENEC
- Clean Energy Sponsor: Masdar.
For more, see www.meed.com.