International Committee

  • 1.  Architecture Trade Mission: UAE & Saudi Arabia

    Posted 06-03-2015 03:22 PM

    ARCHITECTURE AND ENGINEERING TRADE MISSION: UAE & SAUDI ARABIA;
    WITH OPTIONAL STOP IN DOHA, QATAR

    Explore the Markets in UAE and Saudi Arabia

    The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration (ITA), with support from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) (http://www.aia.org) and the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) (http://www.acec.org), is organizing an Architecture and Engineering Services Trade Mission to the United Arab Emirates & Saudi Arabia with an optional stop in Qatar

    Where Business is Personal

    In the Middle East, business is done on the basis of personal contacts and meetings. U.S. companies need to travel to the region to develop strong working relationships with locally based architects, developers, and local officials.

    Why UAE and Saudi Arabia?

    • Design Opportunities in UAE United Arab Emirates (UAE) represents a major market for U.S. exports and serves as an important regional hub for American companies. Abu Dhabi has started the new Midfield Terminal airport expansion; it is also building new hotels and international museums on Al Maryah and Saadiyat Islands.
    • Design Opportunities in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia offers one of the biggest opportunities in the region for firms in the architecture and engineering services sector. There are $960 billion worth of projects planned or under way in Saudi Arabia, of which, more than $700 billion are megaprojects, or large master planned developments of more than $1 billion.
    • Best Prospects. Master Planning (regional); Port Re-development; Airports/other transportation infrastructure facility architecture; Healthcare Facilities; Hospitality; Mixed-use projects; Sports & Entertainment; and Educational Facilities.

    Apply Now, Space is Limited https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/TM/6R0P

    Date: October 18-22, 2015
    Venue: Abu Dhabi, UAE; Riyadh & Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Optional Stop: Doha, Qatar
    Deadline: August 15, 2015

    Cost:

    • UAE & Saudi Arabia fee: $3,300 for small or medium-sized firms, $4,400 for large firms & trade associations. Each additional representative is $750.
    • Qatar optional stop fee: $700 for small or medium-sized firms, $800 for large firms & trade associations. Each Additional representative is $700.

    Contacts

    Arica Young
    (613) 317-7538
    arica.young@trade.gov

    Eugene Alford
    (202) 482-5071
    eugene.alford@trade.gov


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    Derek Washam
    Manager, Federal & International Programs
    The American Institute of Architects
    Washington DC
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  • 2.  RE:Architecture Trade Mission: UAE & Saudi Arabia

    Posted 06-05-2015 08:29 AM
    Friends and colleagues,
    With the recent international focus on the World Cup scheduled for Qatar and the lack of protections in that country for "guest" construction workers resulting in thousands of reported deaths I have some questions about the ethical basis for the AIA to encourage trade of architectural services with Qatar without having a parallel program in place to work with their government to improve the lot of their guest workers. Does the AIA have such a program or position statement in place? Are such considerations taken into account when agreeing to join in with other organizations (including our own government) to encourage trade of professional services in areas where workers are not protected?
    Please, keep your responses respectful as I am asking the question respectfully.
    Note that the question is mine alone, and does not necessarily reflect the views of my employer.

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    Julie Hoffman AIA, EDAC
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