Global conference, Green Dubai World Forum 2008 opens at the Atlantis, Dubai

The Middle Easts largest photo-voltaic manufacturing plant to be set up in Dubai; plans revealed on the inaugural day of the two-day Forum

Dubai, October 24, 2008: The Green Dubai World Forum 2008 opened today at the Atlantis, Palm Jumeirah. The two-day event is being organized to commemorate the anniversary of the historic declaration on Green Dubai 2008 made exactly a year ago by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The historic declaration has enabled Dubai to take global leadership in sustainable development in light of climate change crisis threatening mankind.

The Forum, being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is being attended by key decision makers from both public and private sectors from around the world. During the two days, the Forum will focus on key issues of global concern regarding sustainability and environmental problems and possible solutions.

Mr. Hussain Nasser Lootah, Acting Director General of Dubai Municipality and Mr. Saeed Mohammad Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority addressed the delegates on the inaugural day of the Forum.

Mr. F. W. De Klerk, Nobel Prize winner and former President of South Africa, addressed the delegates in his role as the key note speaker for the evening. Mr. De Klerk said, The greatest obstacle in implementing a renewable energy system is not technology or money but lack of public awareness. Forward looking thinkers should inspire citizens and their political and scientific leaders about the incredible potential of renewable energy resources.

The highlight of the evening was the announcement by Mr. Sultan bin Sulayem, Chairman of Dubai World to set up the Middle Easts largest photo-voltaic manufacturing facility in Dubai. The virtual inauguration of the manufacturing facility was a very impressive ceremony.

The new facility, Solar Technologies FZE will be based in Dubai's Technopark. A 130 mega watt manufacturing plant will be set up, as part of the first phase of the project. The plant will go in to production in the last quarter of 2010. Subsequently, Solar Technologies will establish similar manufacturing plants in China, Mexico and Bulgaria, which will increase the total production capacity to 1 giga watt by 2015.

Mr. Dilip Rahulan, Chairman and CEO, Solar Technologies FZE, said: The potential of solar energy is unbelievable. The energy from sunlight striking the earth for 40 minutes is equivalent to the global energy consumption for a whole year. The mission of Solar Technologies is to accelerate the adoption of solar photo voltaic by rapidly expanding manufacturing capacity and significantly reducing the cost of solar modules through innovations and manufacturing excellence. We intend to become one of the largest solar photo voltaic module manufacturing units in the world over a period of time.

Mr. Rahulan, who is also a patron of the Green Dubai World Forum, said: Green Dubai World Forum 2008 is aimed at fostering the relationship between governments and private sector in order to achieve sustainable development in Dubai and the rest of the world. To carry its mission, the Green Dubai World Forum has developed an integrated value chain by involving world leaders in communities, inspiring them with strategic insights and enabling them through green and sustainable initiatives.

The speakers on the second day of the Forum include Mr. Chris ODonnell, CEO, Nakheel, Mr. Paul Hawken, environmentalist, entrepreneur, journalist and author, Professor Ray Bradley, Director of the Climate System Research Center at the University of Massachusetts and Mr. Jerry Yudelson, environmentalist and author.

The delegates were treated to a mesmerizing performance by noted fusion exponent and violinist Bala Bhaskar and his ensemble, which included singer K S Chitra. The performance, which was based on the theme of sustainable development, was specially prepared for the Green Dubai World Forum 2008.

The Green Dubai World Forum 2008 is sponsored by Middle East Centre for Sustainable Development (MECSD), Pacific Controls Systems LLC and Solar Technologies LLC.

About Green Dubai World Forum 2008

Green Dubai World Forum 2008 is being held to commemorate the anniversary of the historic declaration on Green Dubai, made on October 24, 2007 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The Forum will focus on key issues of global concern regarding sustainability and environmental problems and possible solutions.

For more information on the event, please log onto: www.greendubaiworldforum.org

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For further information, please contact:
Jumana Aman
Watermelon PR
Dubai, UAE
Ph: +971 4 2833655
Email: jumana@watermelonme.com

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