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> Virtual summit aims to mobilise private sector engagement in regional infrastructure projects

> Speakers from Abu Dhabi Investment Office, DHA, Government of Dubai's Department of Finance, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health, Ministry of Municipal & Rural Affairs & Housing (MOMRA) and Saudi Water Partnership Company, and more to participate

MEED is set to host the second edition of its Mena PPP Virtual Think Tank, a one-day virtual summit bringing together a number of key stakeholders to discuss public-private partnership (PPP) frameworks.

Taking place on Wednesday 30 June 2021 from 9:30am onwards, the summit will welcome a number of influential speakers from Kuwait's Ministry of Electricity & Water, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health, Dubai Health Authority and more. 

Given the falling oil prices and economic pressures from Covid-19, there has been an increasing strain on government budgets, presenting an opportunity for private companies to join forces with the government to build ambitious yet feasible projects.

From social schemes, to municipal and transport projects, there are a range of opportunities for governments and the private sector to collaborate.

According to MEED’s 2020 report on PPP in the Mena region, there are 242 PPP projects worth an estimated $232bn currently being developed. It is also promising to note that nine out of 14 countries in the region now have a PPP law and a dedicated PPP unit in place. 

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Following an incredible reaction to 2020's inaugural Mena PPP Virtual Think Tank, which saw more than 700 attendees, MEED has put together an immersive agenda for its 2021 event, with interactive panel discussions, fireside chats, and breakout sessions with industry leaders.

The summit aims to provide viewers with an understanding of the regulatory frameworks for PPP, along with an opportunity to connect with an influential community of experts committed to boosting infrastructure development in the Mena region. 

The Mena PPP Virtual Think Tank is a must-attend event for anyone doing business in the Middle East and North Africa
Richard Thompson, MEED editorial director

“Expanding the role of the private sector in the delivery of public services and infrastructure is the most important area of opportunity for business in the Middle East," says MEED editorial director Richard Thompson.

"Whether it is providing electricity, operating schools, or maintaining street lighting, privatisation and PPPs are providing major new opportunities for investors, developers, contractors, manufacturers and operators. There are long-term financing opportunities for banks, and high-value advisory roles for lawyers and consultants. And, in a world where digital data technology is essential to improving efficiency and reducing energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, there are huge opportunities for technology providers.” 

“But PPP is still an emerging sector,” says Thompson. “And it is introducing many new challenges, particularly in regulation and policy."

More information

> Mohamed al-Dhaheri, head of infrastructure partnerships, Abu Dhabi Investment Office, UAE will deliver the keynote opening address on unlocking the development of future PPP projects post pandemic.

> This will be followed by an update on the Mena PPP project landscape by MEED.

> The first panel discussion at the summit will explore how PPP contracts can fuel economic recovery in the Middle East region, how the pandemic is changing the PPP landscape, and what opportunities will be available for the private sector post Covid-19. Speakers from Oman's Ministry of Finance, the Government of Dubai's Department of Finance, the World Association of PPP Units & Professionals and the International Finance Corporation will participate in this panel. 

> Throughout the virtual summit, viewers can tune into three sector specific breakout tracks: Energy and Water Infrastructure; Transport Infrastructure; and Social Infrastructure.

The Mena PPP Virtual Think Tank is supported by our partners ACE Consulting Engineers Moharram Bakoum, GE Healthcare, GHD, Mowah and Saudi Water Partnership Company.

The virtual summit is free to attend, but pre-registration is required here. 

The Mena PPP Virtual Think Tank brings together key regional stakeholders from government and the private sector to identify the PPP opportunity in the Mena region and to understand the PPP challenges. Attendees will have a chance to network with peers in the industry and discuss collaborative and innovative approaches to delivering key projects, to harness alternative models for project financing, and, ultimately, to pave the way for a better quality of life in the region
Richard Thompson, MEED editorial director