<![CDATA[2010 - Humanization of Cities of Tomorrow]]> Home Agenda
08:00 - 09:00 Registration and welcome refreshments
 
09:00 - 09:05 Introduction by naseba
 
09:05 - 09:15 Welcome address by the conference chairperson
 
09:15 - 09:30 Inaugural address:
  Special opening address by His Excellency Abdul Rahman bin Khalifa Bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Thani
09:30 - 10:00 Keynote address:
  Urban planning excellence: Turning Qatar's 2030 National Vision into a reality.
-Mission and vision of Qatar’s sustainable future as a leading global destination.
10:00 - 11:00 Session 1: Thought leaders panel discussion:
  Economic development: Ensuring financial stability for the cities of tomorrow.
• Establishing a city as a recognised global business hub to ensure sustainable economic development.
• Identifying a city’s key resources and ensuring sustainable allocation of resources for the future.
• Supporting entrepreneurship and SMEs to boost economic growth.
• Sustainable economic diversification and a push for privatisation.
11:00 - 12:00 Session 2: Thought leaders panel discussion:
 

Environmental development: Preservation and protection of the natural environment.
• Finding a balance between expansion requirements and environmental protection.
• Climate change awareness and initiatives to develop an environmentally aware population.
• Exploring alternative energy solutions to power cities of the future.
12:00 - 13:30 Executive networking and pre-scheduled business meetings
 
13:30 - 14:30 Networking luncheon
 
14:30 - 15:30 Session 3: Thought leaders panel discussion:
 

Sustainable development: Building the cities of tomorrow.
• Developing an ‘environmentally attuned’ local population for a sustainable future.
• Creating national, regional and international cooperation for sustainable development and green building initiatives.
• Sharing best practices by global leaders.
15:30 - 16:30 Session 4: Thought leaders panel discussion:
  Human development: Elevating human potential in the cities of tomorrow
• Building world-class education facilities to equip citizens to fulfil their professional aspirations.
• Implementing healthcare systems to deliver a physically and mentally healthy population.
• Developing a sound social structure to provide equal opportunities for citizens.
• Improving human capital to enhance the competitiveness of global cities and deliver a motivated and capable workforce.
16:30 - 17:00 Chairperson's closing remarks
 
19:00 - 21:00 City Humanisation Awards
 
Day Two
08:30 - 09:30 Registration and welcome refreshments
 
09:00 - 09:15 Welcome address by the conference chairperson
 
09:15 - 09:45 Keynote address:
 

Stream one: Sustainable transport, infrastructure and energy

Movable cities: Transportation initiatives to meet the needs of fast-paced and fast-growing communities.
• Developing a transport master-plan to elevate Doha’s status as a business hub.


Stream two: Live, work, play: Destination branding

Cultural Revival: Heritage, history and the arts.
• Abu Dhabi’s Cultural District: The new arts capital.
• Creating a balance between modern, classic and cultural arts.


Stream three: Health and human development

Progressive healthcare systems: A paradigm shift in the distribution of healthcare facilities and services to cater to a city’s needs.
• Universal healthcare policies.
09:45 - 10:15 Keynote address:
 

Stream one: Sustainable transport, infrastructure and energy

Open skies: Airport upgrades and redevelopment initiatives to create a global gateway for the international community.
• Project update: Abu Dhabi International Airport.


Stream two: Live, work, play: Destination branding

Waterfront developments: An instant ‘facelift’ to transform a community’s image and appeal.
• Project update: Saadiyat Island.

 

Stream three: Health and human development

Smart cities: Linking technological advances to progressive urban planning.
• The plight for intelligent communities across the globe.
10:15 - 10:45 Keynote address:
 

Stream one: Sustainable transport, infrastructure and energy

Metro and railway expansions: Connecting cities of tomorrow through integrated railway project planning.
• Project update: The Middle East railway project.


Stream two: Live, work, play: Destination branding

Economic cities: Attracting international talent through business-friendly economic environments.
• Case study: Incheon Free Economic Zone.


Stream three: Health and human development

Progressive concepts in medical facilities panning and development.
• Case study on Saudi Arabia’s Sultan bin Abdulaziz Humanitarian City.
10:45 - 12:00 Coffee break, pre-scheduled one-to-one business meetings and visit to the pavilions
 
12:00 - 12:30 Keynote address:
 

Stream one: Sustainable transport, infrastructure and energy

Combating the effects of climate change: Protecting the sustainability of your city for future generations.
• Recognising the importance of energy efficiency in building and construction.


Stream two: Live, work, play: Destination branding

Game On: Sports investments to attract global enthusiasts.
• Abu Dhabi as an international sports venue.
• Highlighting milestones: Formula 1 and the Laureus Sports Awards


Stream three: Health and human development

Raising the bar: Empowering the local workforce through workforce development initiatives.
• Qatar Foundation’s Qatarisation programs and initiatives.

 
12:30 - 13:00 Keynote address:
 

Stream one: Sustainable transport, infrastructure and energy

Clean and green communities.
• Sustainable waste management and infrastructure initiatives.
• How do communities living in extreme climate conditions ensure the sustainability of the community?


Stream two: Live, work, play: Destination branding

Iconic architecture: Designing and developing internationally recognised structures.
• Showcasing Abu Dhabi’s Guggenheim Museum.


Stream three: Health and human development

Affordable housing: Access for all to quality community living through private sector investment.
• Project update: Barwa Housing Programme.


 
13:00 - 13:30 Keynote address:
 

Stream one: Sustainable transport, infrastructure and energy

Smart roads:  Utilising intelligent transport systems and road and route planning strategies to ease traffic congestion in high traffic cities.


Stream two: Live, work, play: Destination branding

Destination marketing: Marketing concepts and branding strategies for tourism authorities to create a perfect city promotion campaign.


Stream three: Health and human development

Sustainable agriculture: Supporting local food production across the Middle East.
• Encouraging environmental stewardship, farm profitability and prosperous local farm communities.
13:30 - 14:30 Networking luncheon
 
14:30 - 15:00 Keynote address:
 

Stream one: Sustainable transport, infrastructure and energy

Exploring new transportation concepts to promote ‘walkable cities’ in rural and suburban communities.


Stream two: Live, work, play: Destination branding

Nature calling: Parks and preservations to highlight a city’s natural beauty and landscape.


Stream three: Health and human development

Privatisation in the education sector .
• Creating an ideal environment to attract internationally recognised educational institutions to establish a local presence.

 
15:00 - 15:15 Networking coffee break
 
15:00 - 15:30 Keynote address:
 

Stream one: Sustainable transport, infrastructure and energy

Solar power: Capitalising on the power potential of solar energy.
• Energy potential of the region’s deserts.


Stream two: Live, work, play: Destination branding

Attracting global travellers.
• Creating a 360 degree experience for global travellers.
• Linking transportation, hospitality and tourism sectors.


Stream three: Health and human development

Emergency health and safety initiatives.
• The importance of emergency response health and safety protocols.
15:30 - 15:45 Chairperson's closing remarks
 
15:45 - 17:00 Executive networking and visit to the pavilions
 
]]> Why Attend “The Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning of Qatar is proud to endorse the Humanisation of Cities of Tomorrow Summit and reaffirm Doha’s commitment to creating livable communities of the future. We look forward to welcoming regional and international leaders driving urban progression and sustainable development.”
H.E. Sheikh Abdul Rahman Bin Khalifa A. Al Thani - Minister of Municipality & Urban Planning

 

The mission

  • Bring the private and public sectors together under one roof for  a high level forum of discussion, debate and business opportunities.
  • Give experts the opportunity to discuss innovative projects that are shaping the future success of leading global cities.
  • Discuss and implement strategies to make these plans a reality.

The vision

  • Create a global knowledge-sharing platform to support, recognise and encourage projects that address the diverse needs of the community.
  • Develop strategies needed to create the most effective livable communities of the future.

The objectives

  • Facilitate efficient knowledge sharing and exchange on issues of humanisation to create the best livable communities of tomorrow.
  • Provide an interactive environment that allows international delegates to share, network, and exchange ideas and strategies for the development of humanitarian cities.
  • Act as a global facilitator of humanitarian efforts.
  • Become the platform on which international organisations can share their humanisation ideas and projects for future city development.
  • Support investment opportunities for regional and international developments.
  • Showcase the latest products and services upon which the cities of tomorrow will be built.
  • Facilitate international exchange of information and ideas among educators, business organisations, consultants, architects, designers, commercial entities and international organisations.

Stream two: Live, work, play: Destination branding

  • This stream brings together high profile people pushing the latest developments in tourism, culture, art, nature conservation, hospitality, sport and more.
  • Explore several important topics including cultural revival, the benefits of waterfront developments in cities, business-friendly economic environments and the plus side of sport investments.

Current destination branding developments in the Middle East

  • Qatar’s bid to host the 2022 World Cup is full of potential for expansion and development plans for Doha.
  • Abu Dhabi’s 5.55km long Yas Marina Circuit - which hosted the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2009 - can host up to 50,000 people and allows for two events to run simultaneously.
  • The capital’s Saadiyat Cultural District - featuring several museums, art galleries and architectural icons - aims to fuel the imagination, foster interaction and encourage people to embrace a common bond of creativity.

Stream one: Sustainable  transport, infrastructure and energy

  • This stream unites the driving forces behind  the latest developments in roads, transport, infrastructure, electricity, water, power and more.
  • Explore several important topics including the transport initiatives required to meet the needs of fast-growing communities and the importance of airport re-development.
  • Dissect the region’s metro and railway expansions as well as the impact of global warming in the Middle East and the role of energy efficiency in the initial phases of project planning and development.

Current transport, infrastructure and energy developments in the Middle East

  • The GCC railway project - running 2,000km from the Kuwait-Iraq border to Oman - should become operational in 2017 at an estimated cost of US$25bn. The cost will be shared among the six GCC members, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
  • What is claimed to be the world’s first carbon neutral city - Masdar City in Abu Dhabi - is currently under construction with completion due in 2014. It will initiate and encourage renewable-energy research, development and innovation.
  • The New Doha International Airport - NDIA - is scheduled to open in July 2011, creating a new home for Qatar Airways and bringing with it an influx of tourism and expansion.

Stream one: Sustainable  transport, infrastructure and energy

  • This stream unites the driving forces behind  the latest developments in roads, transport, infrastructure, electricity, water, power and more.
  • Explore several important topics including the transport initiatives required to meet the needs of fast-growing communities and the importance of airport re-development.
  • Dissect the region’s metro and railway expansions as well as the impact of global warming in the Middle East and the role of energy efficiency in the initial phases of project planning and development.

Current transport, infrastructure and energy developments in the Middle East

  • The GCC railway project - running 2,000km from the Kuwait-Iraq border to Oman - should become operational in 2017 at an estimated cost of US$25bn. The cost will be shared among the six GCC members, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
  • What is claimed to be the world’s first carbon neutral city - Masdar City in Abu Dhabi - is currently under construction with completion due in 2014. It will initiate and encourage renewable-energy research, development and innovation.
  • The New Doha International Airport - NDIA - is scheduled to open in July 2011, creating a new home for Qatar Airways and bringing with it an influx of tourism and expansion.
]]> News Tourists want their hotels green

November 23rd, 2009 - Sustainable tourism is becoming increasingly important for the region’s hotel industry as consumers become more concerned about the environmental footprint hotels leave.

The UAE hotel sector was one of the worst offenders in terms of its effects on the environment, analysts and hoteliers said at the Middle East Hospitality Expansion Congress in the capital.

“It’s always about the environment versus hotels,” said Noel Massoud, the chief executive of Jinan Hotels and Resorts, a new hotel management company in Abu Dhabi that specialises in eco-hotels.

To read the full article, visit The National. 

GCC urged to reduce power subsidies

The GCC"s subsidy policy on power costs should be revisited, as the cheap cost of energy in the region will spur unsustainable growth rate, experts have warned.
According to Dr Adnan Shihab-Eldin, former secretary general of Opec, demand for power in the region is still growing at seven to 10 per cent per year, causing a big pressure on providers of utilities.
In addition to growing economy and population, government subsidies have also resulted in massive, and sometimes excessive, usage of the expensive energy.
"Subsidies in the GCC vary. On average you are talking about 60 to 70 per cent, varying from almost a 100 to 50 per cent," Eldin told Emirates Business on the sidelines of the Utilities Expansion Summit. "Currently, the subsidy system is inconsistent with conservation and preservation. The subsidies have to be removed, but it is not necessary to withdraw the subsidies outright.

To read the full article, visit Business 24/7.

GCC nuclear summit tackles future developments of energy

May 21st, 2009 - Dr Mahmoud Nasser Al Deen, Advisor to the Secretary General at the League of Arab States said that discussions have started within the Arab Atomic Energy Agency bodies to reach a clear position regarding the possible use of nuclear energy as a source of electricity.
He was speaking at the first GCC Nuclear Summit in Dubai, on behalf of Amr Moussa, the Secretary General.
He said others involved in the discussions are the League of Arab States secretariat, the Council of Arab Ministers of Energy and the member states themselves.
Many Arab countries have contacted the IAEA for advice and assistance. Some of them have signed memoranda of understanding with nuclear countries and taken their first step toward the building of their first nuclear power plants.

To read the full article, visit Gulf News.

 

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