NEW YORK: On the occasion of its Board Meeting held in San Diego, CA, the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) is pleased to confirm the latest development in its global network: World Trade Center Abu Dhabi.

The World Trade Center Abu Dhabi will join nearly 330 World Trade Centers located in nearly 100 countries around the world, which share the common purpose of facilitating and developing two-way, international trade and business.

"For more than 40 years, the WTCA network has served as a major catalyst for bi-lateral commerce and global competitiveness," said Robert Frueh, Executive Vice President, WTCA. "Abu Dhabi, with its strategic geographic location and economic ambition, will no doubt contribute to the effectiveness of our network, and the WTCA's objective to promote prosperity through trade and investment." "The opportunity to become part of the dynamic WTCA network and open the World Trade Center Abu Dhabi will further solidify the Emirate's reputation as a thriving hub of international business and trade," said Deputy CEO of Aldar Properties Mohammad Al Mubarak "The success of every World Trade Center around the world is based on the premise of leveraging the reciprocity of the global WTCA network," said Alexander Anderson, Director of Member Services, WTCA. "The WTCA is continually developing opportunities to encourage this international connectedness, allowing our members to share insights, develop links and ultimately forge business ties." The launch of the World Trade Center Abu Dhabi follows the WTCA's recent announcements of new memberships confirmed, including the World Trade Center Bangalore, World Trade Center Nanjing, and World Trade Center Savannah.

Designed by world-renowned architects Foster '&' Partners, World Trade Center Abu Dhabi's central location and state-of-the-art facilities will benefit the companies located in the center. Those facilities will include a fully-integrated mix of office space, residential units, retail space, leisure facilities and hotel accommodation.

Located in the site of the old Central Market, the area holds a special place in the history of Abu Dhabi. This 12-acre single story market (souk) was the centre of all business and trading when Abu Dhabi first started growing as a city in the early 70's. The souk was host to nearly 1,000 traders and the hub of the city for more than 30 years.

WAM/MMYS