Abu Dhabi to host regional aviation base

The move was endorsed by the Cabinet following a request by the International Air Transport Association.

ABU DHABI // A regional aviation office will open in Abu Dhabi after a request by the International Air Transport Association.

The Cabinet endorsed the agreement with the IATA yesterday to support aviation in the region, the state news agency Wam reported.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said the agreement indicated the UAE had become a regional and international centre for aviation.

He said the office would add expertise and knowledge to Emirati cadres on streamlining international air traffic.

Other projects approved include the agreement with Turkey on electricity generation and extraction of brown coal from Elbistan province in southern Turkey.

Last January Abu Dhabi signed a Dh44.08 billion deal to develop coal-fired power plants in Turkey.

The Cabinet also approved agreements with Niger and Montenegro in aviation, and deals with France on technology.

A joint committee chaired by the foreign ministers of the UAE and Sri Lanka was also approved to bolster trade and tourism ties.

On the sidelines, Sheikh Mohammed honoured employees of the UAE Government Leaders Programme, the second batch of what he calls future leaders.

"Leadership is a continuous journey of achievement, development and changing the lives of people for the better," he said.