Abu Dhabi sets decks for global summit

Abu Dhabi will play host to the first Global Aerospace Summit from April 16 to 17. The biennial event, being organised by Mubadala this time round, is expected to attract over 500 participants from 350 local and international companies in the aerospace sector. "Abu Dhabi has been putting itself on the map in terms of aviation," said Daniyal Quraishi, commercial director of the event. "It's a very exciting market for everyone." Quraishi said Abu Dhabi was chosen for the event because it came across as a "neutral" location. "Abu Dhabi is not pushing a specific agenda," he said. "Abu Dhabi's the perfect place, neutral place for all the leaders to come together. The organising committee expects a number of major announcements and collaboration deals to take place at the event. "It's an opportunity for the key players in this region and the key international players to meet and possibly discuss partnerships… and we're facilitating these meetings for them," Quraishi said. Industry leaders from Boeing Commercial Airplanes, EADS/Airbus, and Virgin Galactic among others have confirmed their attendance. Airlines such as Etihad Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, flydubai, CSA Czech Airlines, Pakistan International Airlines, Gulf Air and Thai Airways will be taking part in addition to a number of international airport groups.