Washington, DC

The U.S. – U.A.E. Business Council hosted Dr. Khater Massaad, Advisor to the Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) and CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA), for a roundtable discussion and luncheon on Tuesday, May 11, 2010. The luncheon was attended by representatives from U.S. companies and organizations compromised from multiple commercial sectors and with diverse economic objectives. Government officials from both the U.S. and the U.A.E. were also in attendance.

Mr. Danny Sebright, President of the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council, kicked off the event with opening remarks followed by a brief film presentation illustrating the investment potential and geographical landscape of RAK. Following the viewing of the film, Mr. Sebright introduced Dr. Massaad.

Dr. Massaad, a leading business authority in the Middle East, spoke to the assembly with pride and optimism about the investment and economic potential of RAK. Dr. Massaad highlighted the “open” regulations and economic policies currently in place in RAK as well as the emirate’s strict adherence to the economic rules and regulations of the U.A.E.

During his passionate and transparent remarks, Dr. Massaad made the strong point that between 2005 and 2009, over 6,000 companies, representing 800 industries, had opened business operations in RAK. Dr. Massaad went on to mention that over 70,000 jobs had been created during this same period of time.

Dr. Massaad illustrated his business acumen and wealth of global economic insight to the group of professionals assembled for the luncheon and encouraged the assembly to learn more about the thriving industry in RAK.