In an unprecedented milestone that reflects the advanced level it has reached, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), represented by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) will- for the first time since it joined the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the first time for an Arab country since 1995- chair the World Radio Communications (WRC) Conference 2012 during 23 January-17 February 2012 in Geneva, Switzerland. The conference will be chaired by Engineer Tariq Al Awadhi, Executive Director Spectrum and International Affairs, Spectrum & International Affairs Dept. who is also the head of the Arab Spectrum Group which was established following a resolution made at the Arab Information and Telecommunications Ministerial Meeting of the Arab League. Al Awadhi was selected to chair the conference during the informal meeting of heads of delegations participating in the conference last Sunday.

The UAE Delegation at this informal meeting comprised of representatives of the TRA, governmental and non-governmental entities, and members of the national committee which was assigned with the preparations of the WRC Conference that will host more than 3500 participants from more than 153 countries, more than 100 participants from the private sector, a number of regional and international organizations members in the UN, a number of ministers, heads of telecommunications authorities worldwide, and other VIPs.

H.E. Ambassador, Obaid Salim Al Zaabi, the UAE permanent representative at the UN in Geneva, expressed his happiness over the decision for the UAE to chair such an important conference. He attributed this achievement to H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and his brothers the Rulers of the Emirates.
Commenting on the event, Al Zaabi said: “The UAE participation in such important international events related to the ICT sector witnessed a significant growth in the past few years. This growth is a result of the leading position achieved by the UAE in the telecommunications sector regionally, and its endeavor to elevate the sector globally, which are both part of the UAE’s long-term objectives under the directives of our visionary leadership. We are proud to see that one of our citizens is chairing the meeting of an international conference that discusses critical issues related to the ICT sector. This is a clear testament to the young talents of the UAE who can deliver great achievements for the country.”

H.E. Mohamed Nasser Al Ghanim, TRA Director General said: “I would like to congratulate H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates; his brothers H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, Ruler of Dubai; his brother H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces; and his brothers the Rulers of the Emirates on the occasion of chairing the WRC meeting by the UAE. This milestone proves the right vision of our leadership in terms of the UAE’s future and its quest to achieve higher levels in all fields including ICT. This achievement will give us the momentum to continue our hard work to achieve our goals.”

The UAE participation in this event will be a dynamic one. Its delegation consists of 45 selected renowned members in fields of spectrum management from both governmental and non-governmental entities. The conference will discuss a number of issues on its agenda, to name few: issues pertaining to fixed and mobile services, broadcasting services, satellite services, mobile satellite services, fixed satellite services, and aviation services, etc.

The following TRA and UAE delegates have been successfully appointed at the Study Groups of ITU-R for the study cycle 2012 – 2015: Nasser Bin Hammad is Vice Chairman Special Committee on Spectrum matters related to Regulatory Nature, Saleh Al Massabi is Vice Chairman Study Group 3 on matters related to Propagation, Nasser Al Rashedi is Vice Chairman Study Group 1 on issues related to Spectrum Management, Khalid Al Awadhi is Chapter Rapporteur for Chapter 4 related to Space issues, Mohammad Saad Al Marzooqi is Vice Chairman Study Group 6 on matters related Broadcasting, Mohammad Al Mazrouei is Vice Chairman CPM for the preparation of next WRC.

“This is another milestone that will be added to the records of the UAE at the international level. I would like to attribute it to H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates; his brothers the Rulers of the Emirates; and the people of the UAE,” commented Eng. Al Awadhi on chairing the conference. “I would also like to extend my gratitude to the TRA Board of Directors, members of the board, H.E. Director General, and all other TRA members for the confidence that was placed on me. I hope that our collaborative efforts will achieve success during this conference. Our agenda for this year includes a number of highly important topics which we will discuss in details taking into consideration their importance, and their social and economic benefits to all countries in general and to radio communications’ users in particular.”