Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor welcomed a senior French delegation at his office on Tuesday November 11, 2014. Majdi Abed, French Consul General to Dubai, introduced Al Habtoor to Anne-Marie Idrac, Special Representative of the French Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development for Economic Affairs with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Also present was François Sporrer, Regional Manager-Middle East for the French Trade Commission, and Jean-Claude Daupeyroux, Head of the French Economic Service. Present from the Al Habtoor Group was Mohammed Al Habtoor, Vice-Chairman and CEO and Ahmad Otaiba, Director-Member of the Board.
The group discussed the potential for increased opportunities for French companies in Dubai and further collaboration with the Al Habtoor Group of companies.
Al Habtoor said, “Dubai is offering an abundance of opportunities to international companies whether it is through investment or jobs. This is where the growth is. The economy is thriving. ”
Mrs Idrac, who has held several key senior positions in France, including government positions and CEO of French rail operator SNCF, is on a two day official visit to the emirates. Her visit includes attending the official inauguration of the Dubai Tram, which opens today. The Dubai Tram was built by a consortium which includes French company Alstom.
Alstom is also involved in the Al Habtoor Group’s Al Habtoor City project on Sheikh Zayed Road. The multi-use development will incorporate three five star hotels on one plot along with three high-rise residential towers on the upcoming Dubai Water Canal. It will also be home to the regions first permanent Franco Dragone Entertainment Group water-theme production.
Al Habtoor said he would like to encourage more French companies to the UAE, particularly large engineering and construction firms. “The UAE is spending trillions of dirhams on landmark projects. This is how a country is built. It creates healthy economic activity, generates jobs, and attracts visitors to the country.”
In the past Al Habtoor has hosted groups of French SMEs in Dubai to show them the potential business opportunities in the emirates, particularly Dubai. François Sporrer thanked Al Habtoor for his ongoing support of French businesses.