Press Release

Tuesday 7th November, 2006

SHEIKH NAHAYAN OPENS ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE CONFERENCE SPONSORED BY ALDAR PROPERTIES - Excellence in Engineering Forum Hosted by Higher Colleges of Technology

ALDAR Properties PJSC today announced the opening of the third Engineering Excellence Forum in association with Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT). The event was officially inaugurated by HE Sheikh Nayahan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Higher Education and Chancellor of HCT.

The one day conference in Abu Dhabi will be attended by industry leaders within the real estate and construction industry of the UAE. It is designed to offer an open forum for discussion of issues surrounding this important economic sector and to devise a plan for future best practices moving forward.

The inauguration by Sheikh Nahayan recognises the significant importance of the real estate industry within the current and future growth plans of the emirate’s economy. Abu Dhabi currently enjoys the highest GDP share per capita and is one of the fastest growing modern world capitals.

ALDAR Properties Chief Investment Officer, John Shaw, was a key presenter at the ceremony and commented: “I am looking forward to a lively, informed discussion on the future development of Abu Dhabi. We will aim to formulate a plan with all those present today, to continue to actively and positively contribute to the sustainable development of this thriving world class economy.”

The Abu Dhabi Government has deliberately chosen a measured pace of development. This is to allow time for considered and sustainable projects and to ensure that sufficient infrastructure is in place to maintain a steady growth.