IBBC has held its first major networking event in Dubai, to accommodate the demand from its members, who operate from Dubai as a regional business hub. Vikas Handa, the IBBC UAE Representative said over the last few years UAE has emerged as the hub for companies doing business in Iraq, prompting IBBC to open a representative office in Dubai. I am delighted with the turnout of over 90 delegates, which was more than double the expected attendance. UAE Ministry of Economy, British Consul General and Oil, Gas and Infrastructure majors attended.Sponsored by Amec Foster Wheeler, the event brought together leading oil, gas and power companies as well as Infrastructure corporations. Key speakers included Zaid Elyaseri, Country Manager of BP Iraq and Mr Zohdee Mohd Faiz of Petronas who addressed the audience. Delegates were also generally engaged with discussing several business opportunities and the chance to learn from each other.A key insight to emerge was from the UAE Ministry of Economy representative Miss Hindi Al Youha, who announced that an Iraqi delegation from the Iraqi industry ministry would be visiting UAE in September to follow up on collaboration between the regions.

IBBC will be holding its Autumn Conference at The Address Hotel, Dubai Marina on 12 November which will be attended by IMF and World Bank focusing on business in Iraq post ISIS, rebuilding Iraqi infrastructure as well as the latest opportunities in Oil & Gas sector. Should anyone wish to attend the conference or any future IBBC events, please contact [email protected]

CONTACT: Christophe Michels (IBBC Managing Director): 020 7222 7100;

E-mail: [email protected]; Website: www.webuildiraq.org

If you are based in the Gulf and Dubai please contact Vikas Handa directly at: [email protected]