The U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council will host Mr. Fahad Al Gergawi, CEO of Dubai FDI, Mr. Saed Al Awadi, CEO of Dubai Exports, and a visiting delegation from the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) in Washington, D.C. The roundtable luncheon event will provide public and private sector stakeholders with an opportunity to learn more the investment climate in the emirate of Dubai and the opportunities available to American businesses. Members of the delegation will discuss the attractiveness of setting up a business in Dubai, particularly as a means of accessing the markets of the wider Middle East, as well as highlight the business opportunities generated by Dubai’s economic strength. For your reference, Mr. Al Gergawi and Mr. Al Awadi’s biographies can be found below.

Fahad Al Gergawi
Chief Executive Officer
Dubai FDI

Fahad Al Gergawi was appointed by the Government of Dubai as Chief Executive Officer of Dubai FDI, the foreign investment promotion agency in the Department of Economic Development (DED), in 2008 after he successfully led international business development initiatives for strategic organizations in the emirate.

Al Gergawi also serves as the Secretary General of the Dubai Green Economy Partnership, aimed to consolidate and integrate green initiatives and clean technologies into Dubai’s core economic competencies.

Fahad Al Gergawi brings a wealth of experience into his role at Dubai FDI. He is also one of the first graduates of the elite Mohammed Bin Rashid Program for Young Business Leaders, a member of the Young Arab Leaders Foundation UAE chapter and the MENA Director of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA).

A Communications graduate of the UAE University, Al Gergawi started his career in the Exhibition Department of the Dubai World Trade Centre in 1994. A year later, he moved to the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry as Executive Director for Trade and Industrial Development. Remaining in that role till 2004, Al Gergawi played a stellar role in the creation of various first-of-its kind business groups and councils in Dubai. He was also instrumental in helping Chamber members to expand their business internationally and promoting business opportunities in Dubai across numerous trade and economic forums as well as international missions.

Between 2004 and 2008 Al Gergawi was part of Dubai Holding as Executive Director of International Business Development at the Dubai Properties Group (DPG). He succeeded in creating global opportunities for DPG and attracting a wide range of international businesses, partners and investors into the Group’s ventures.

In his current role, Al Gergawi is focused on placing Dubai firmly on the global FDI map, by attracting regional and international investors to leverage opportunities across the various industries and sub-sectors in the emirate, and developing closer co- operation with key international investment partners.

Saed Al Awadi
Chief Executive Officer
Dubai Exports

Eng. Saed Mohamed Al Awadi, is now the Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Exports (DE), earlier being the Chief Operating Officer at EHS, the regulatory arm of Dubai World. Saed has over 20 years of experience in the Government and Private sector with in-depth local market and industrial expertise and knowledge that equip him with the necessary leadership skills to lead and guide organizations.

He holds a degree in Chemical & Petroleum Engineering, with a Masters in Environmental Engineering, supplemented by Executive MBA from Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania. His leadership skills have also resulted in several individual Excellence awards. His experience in establishing new companies/government entities (DEDC, Export Credit Insurance Company… etc.) has been derived from his vast experience in the Manufacturing, Recycling, Oil & Gas, Commerce, QHSE and Management.

Saed’s leadership / technical skills and management aptitude were evident during his earlier employment, where he quickly rose up in the ranks to manage more than 200 Engineering / Technical and Administrative personnel at Dubai World. His proficiency in managing large organizations, financial acumen (e.g. by converting EHS, a Cost Centre to a Profitable Company) and people management skills has justified the leadership position he is in today.

Saed is also a member of the Board of Directors of several institutions, like Emirates Standardization & Metrology Authority, Export Credit Insurance Co. of Emirates and other Venture Capital & Manufacturing Companies.

About Dubai FDI:

Dubai FDI, part of the Department of Economic Development in Dubai, provides essential information and invaluable support to foreign businesses looking to invest in Dubai’s thriving economy and take advantage of its global strategic importance.

Dubai FDI guides, advises and provides practical help on all aspects of business decisions and management, from determining the best legal structures to identifying investment opportunities and introducing a vast network of government and private sector contacts. From planning to implementation and beyond, Dubai FDI has the expertise, resources and knowledge to ensure a smooth journey to commercial success.

Vision:
To position Dubai on a global stage as a business opportunity for new initiatives and an essential base for successful business.

Mission:
To support, stimulate and sustain foreign investment in Dubai and ensure all ventures are consistently managed with commitment and dedication.

For more information, visit: www.dubaifdi.gov.ae

About Dubai Exports:

Dubai Exports strives to ensure the success of the exports sector in Dubai and the UAE, providing constant guidance, advice and practical support to both buyers and suppliers.

Dubai Exports develops long-term growth strategies to expand businesses and maximise the opportunities given by Dubai’s unique position as a natural trade gateway between the East and West.
Exceptional facilities and a logistics infrastructure that is unrivalled in the Middle East and among the most impressive and effective anywhere in the world make Dubai a global export capital.
Among our many services, we provide trade information, branding advice, financial, legal and foreign trade representation and access to potential buyers.
In order to achieve our goals, we work closely with other Dubai Government departments to simplify the export process. It is an exciting time for exporters in the UAE and Dubai Exports will provide you with constant support to make your business both prosperous and profitable.

For more information, visit: www.dedc.gov.ae