JEDDAH: Gauge from the sheer volume of participants and visitors, the recently concluded Future Makkah 2011 was no doubt a success, with eyes set on the next edition of the event. Organizers of the Makkah International Urban & Infrastructure Development Event revealed that several high-profile projects were discussed during the latest event, which gained the support of many leading companies including platinum sponsors Jabal Omar Development Co, and Elaf Group, and silver sponsor AECOM. Ziyad Bin Mahfouz, President of Elaf Group of Companies, said: "We consider it an honor to sponsor Future Makkah since the event provided an excellent opportunity to meet with key government and private sector entities that are involved in the development programs of the Makkah Region and the rest of the Kingdom. Future Makkah provided an outlook of the government's vision for Makkah City and we certainly welcome this unique opportunity to showcase our own projects that complement the development plans of the government. Under the visionary leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and driven by the vision of Prince Khalid Al Faisal, Makkah is undergoing a transformation that will ultimately benefit the pilgrims, while helping create more opportunities to boost the social and economic growth of the Makkah Region. It was certainly a very productive trade event for us and we are definitely looking forward to a more successful and bigger event next year." Ibrahim Al-Fati, Manager, Makkah Hilton & Towers, said: "There is a continuing challenge for both the government and the private sector to continue to enhance the infrastructure facilities that will accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims and religious tourists. Future Makkah certainly provides the perfect platform to support the development initiatives in the region and create greater awareness about the new opportunities that have emerged. We are pleased to be part of the event and to share our own expertise and ideas, particularly in terms of raising the quality and standards in the Kingdom's hospitality sector." Muhamad Al Amir, Vice Chairman of the Committee, Council of Saudi Chambers National Real Estate Committee, said: "We have seen increasing development activities in key areas across the region. With growing adoption of the latest technologies and best practices, we expect the development projects to proceed smoothly over the years. Moreover, we believe that this is a critical transition period and dedicated trade events such as Future Makkah will certainly provide excellent opportunities to identify new business prospects and to generate fresh ideas that will complement the government's development strategy." Abdulhadi Al Mureeh, MD, National Solar System, said: "With the increasing development projects being implemented in the region, there is an urgent need to develop more strategic communication channels between the government and the private sector. Future Makkah is definitely one important networking event where key stakeholders of the development programs in the region can interact and discuss the latest challenges and opportunities in line with ongoing development programs in the Makkah Region. With power consumption expected to double in 10 years from 43 GW to 71 GW and eventually reach 120 GW in 20 years, we are at a critical stage where we should be able to identify the most suitable technologies and resources that will support the spiraling energy demand. Future Makkah is a great venue where leading global suppliers of energy equipment and technologies can showcase the best available solutions for the Kingdom." Deep Marwaha, Group Director, IIR Middle East, said: "The encouraging response from trade exhibitors and visitors underlines the success of our efforts to establish Future Makkah as a premier business-to-business networking event that supports the Makkah Development Plan. Numerous exhibitors have already expressed their long-term commitment to the event, manifesting the importance of Future Makkah.
