Top executives to speak at Arab Aviation Summit 2016

Top executives from the regional aviation and tourism sector will gather on December 5 in Jordan to explore the latest industry developments and future trends at the Arab Aviation Summit.The lineup of experts to speak in the event include Dr Bandar Fahad al-Fehaid, president, Arab Tourism Organisation of the Arab League; Abdel Wahab Teffaha, secretary-general, Arab Air Carriers Organisation (AACO); Marwan bin Jassim al-Sarkal, CEO, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq); Aqel Biltaji, mayor of Amman; and Fouad Attar, managing director of Airbus Middle East.In addition, a number of industry figures will join the summit to discuss trends that have influenced the sector, and propose ways for better collaboration to propel aviation and tourism towards greater and sustained growth. The panel discussion entitled ‘The role of the private sector in developing Arab aviation and tourism’ will tap into the contributions from private enterprises in a sector driven by public funding. Similarly, conversations will revolve around the role of tourism in promoting culture and diversifying the economy of popular destinations, the need to review industry policies in the region and the future of aviation and tourism in the light of innovations in technology and social media.“Airbus Middle East is on the front lines in helping sustain and drive the future growth of the regional aviation industry. Being part of the Arab Aviation Summit offers us an ideal platform to engage with industry peers, contribute to the ongoing conversation and create new thought leadership initiatives that promotes the growth of the industry as a whole,” said Attar.The event will also witness the inauguration of ‘Airbus Little Engineer’ workshop, an award-winning initiative dedicated to nurturing young minds and enhancing public understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through interactive and tailored programmes. The Arab Aviation Summit is an industry initiative organised annually to shed light on trends, insights, and opportunities driving the continuous growth and development of the Arab aviation and tourism industry.Key findings and outcomes from the summit are compiled and developed into a white paper report, which is later presented to regulators and decision makers from both public and private sectors, and followed up by a course of action. Held under the patronage of Jordan’s Minister of Tourism and Antiques, Lina Annab, the summit’s agenda this year will focus on the theme ‘Linking Cultures, Driving Economies’.Panel engagements at the summit will be moderated by Richard Dean, co-host of ‘The Business Breakfast’ show on Dubai Eye 103.8 FM radio.