Team Atlantic Environment (TAE), a collaborative business development effort of the provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador, has been approved for funding to lead an environment-focused trade mission to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) Conference and Trade taking place in Abu Dhabi, UAE in January 2008.

The UAE is a leader in world energy production and has built a successful economy with oil and gas revenues  Its leaders understand that carbon resources are finite and are working to build advanced tourism and business services sectors.

There exist tremendous opportunities for Atlantic Canadian firms and organizations in the UAE. Environmental degradation owing to energy production, coupled with the demand for a clean, healthy environment for tourists and businesses, means that the environment sector is booming. According to the World Bank, the UAE alone will invest $46 billion over the next decade in environmental and pollution control projects.

TAE is recruiting companies to participate in a trade mission to the WFES 2008 in Abu Dhabi, UAE, January 21 - 23.
 
Trade mission delegates will have the opportunity to participate in the trade show exhibition and conference. TAE will also provide a professional matchmaking service to ensure that companies meet their business development objectives for the mission. Pre-mission training on cultural and business practices in the UAE will also be provided to delegates.

The cost to participate is $500, including pre-mission training, matchmaking fees, use of the TAE booth at the trade show and networking events. Companies are responsible for their own meals, airfare, ground transportation and hotel expenses.

About the World Future Energy Summit
WFES08 will attract businesses, researchers, policy makers and academics from around the world and will provide a first class forum for exhibiting and selling environmental services and technologies.

WFES08 will showcase the latest innovations in environmental technology and will play host to decision makers for the largest environmental projects in the region. This is the key regional event where investment opportunities are identified, project funds are secured, and deals are made; and where investors, suppliers and clients converge.

Where & When
World Future Energy Summit
Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

If you are interested in participating or learning more about the UAE, please contact your provincial representative:

New Brunswick                    
Lynne Tompkins
lynne.tompkins@gnb.ca

Nova Scotia
Thomas Rankin
rankintr@gov.ns.ca

Newfoundland & Labrador
Amy Warren
amy@neia.org

Prince Edward Island
John Hughes
jshughes@gov.pe.ca

Environment Sector Opportunities
Owing to growth in the UAE across numerous sectors, a wide variety of opportunities exist with regards to the environment. Key areas are energy-related environment services and technologies, renewable energy, waste management and remediation.

Energy-Related Environment Services and Technologies
The UAE has a thriving offshore energy sector. Aside from exploration and production, the UAE conducts a great deal of downstream, value added production in the form of refining, gasification and plastics. Environmental services and technologies related to these activities are in high demand.

Renewable Energy
The UAE has made a commitment to the research, development, integration and use of renewable energies. Wind, solar, hydrogen and waste-to-energy services and technologies are in high demand. MASDAR, the presenters of the 2008 World Future Energy Summit, are in the planning stages of the development of a $1.5 billion 'Sustainable City' which will be zero carbon and zero waste. Renewable energy and waste management services are in high demand for this project.

Waste Management
The UAE has indicated a willingness to better manage its solid waste through reduction, recycling and reuse. Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is in the planning stages of implementing a municipal solid waste management system. Dubai, one of the most rapidly developing cities in the world, is also looking to expand its waste management capabilities.

Remediation
Owing to traditional practices in upstream and downstream energy sector activities, there is a high demand for remediation expertise. Many brownfield and contaminated sites exist. The rapid expansion of ocean side resorts and villas is creating a demand for a clean, healthy environment in which to vacation and live.

Education and Training
The UAE is rapidly developing its education and training capacity through partnerships with educational institutions around the globe. There is a high demand for administration, cirriculuum development and implementation and delivery of education programs. Opportunities exist for the public and private school systems, universities, and technical training institutions.
 
Frequently Asked Questions 
Where is the UAE located?
The UAE is situated on the western side of the Persian Gulf. The UAE is well situated as a trade and investment hub for Europe and the Asian Continent.

How has the UAE developed such a vibrant economy?
The UAE possesses some of the highest reserves of oil and gas in the world. The country has made a concerted effort to diversify the economy away from traditional resources toward an integrated service-oriented economy. Visionary leadership and investments on the part of the countries' rulers has made the UAE a success story for the region.

Is traveling to and staying in the UAE expensive?
Flight access to the UAE is excellent. Many business travelers from Atlantic Canada heading to the region fly through Montreal and then Frankfurt. There is also a direct flight available from Toronto to Abu Dhabi.

Depending on when you buy, flights can be reasonable - expect $1400 - $2000 CAD. Though hotels in the UAE look very opulent, business travelers can find very reasonable rates ranging from $130 - $200 CAD per night.

Is the UAE safe for travelers?
The UAE has an extremely low crime rates. Proper precaution, however, should be exercised when in crowds. Traffic and pedestrian accidents are also common, so extreme caution should be exercised when crossing intersections and crosswalks.

Certain companies may be eligible for funding to reduce the costs of doing business internationally. To find out more about available programs, please contact your provincial TAE representative.