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Opening Ceremony

Sunday 6 October morning - 09.30-12.00 am

The opening ceremony took place as follows:  

  1. Introduction
  2. Part 1
  3. Part 2

Introduction

  • Promotional video
  • Interlude

Part 1

  • His Excellency Dr Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuami, Minister of Infrastructure Development and President of the Federal Land and Maritime Transport Authority

  • Claude Van Rooten, President of PIARC

  • Welcome address by representatives of the United Arab Emirates
    In his opening speech, His Excellency Dr Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuami, Minister of Infrastructure Development and President of the Federal Land and Maritime Transport Authority, reviewed the origins of the Congress and stressed the importance of having chosen the United Arab Emirates and the city of Abu Dhabi as hosts. He concluded his speech by wishing that all the work carried out during the Congress could serve to enrich everyone's knowledge.
    His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan then officially launched the ceremony.
  • Welcome address by Claude Van Rooten, President of PIARC
    Claude Van Rooten, in his capacity as President of PIARC, welcomed all the participants and warmly thanked the hosts and the organising committee.

Part 2

  • Patrick Malléjacq, Secretary General of PIARC

  • Marie-Claude Petit, President of PIARC's Communications Commission

  • Claude Van Rooten, President of PIARC

  •  The sponsors of each Award

  • Introduction to the Congress and the programme by Patrick Malléjacq, Secretary General of PIARC
    Patrick Malléjacq, Secretary General of PIARC, officially launched the Congress programme. He explained that the rich programme of this edition was based on a selection of 387 papers. He reminded all that the sharing of ideas, best practices and projects was more important than ever because of the many changes that the future holds in store.
  • Presentation of the PIARC 2019 Awards by Marie-Claude Petit, President of the Communications Commission, and the sponsors of each Award
    Marie-Claude Petit, President of PIARC's Communications Commission, took the stage to present the PIARC Awards, which aim to promote professional excellence, research, innovation and successful projects in all areas of road and road transport.
  • Closing
    Claude Van Rooten went back on stage to present the new PIARC logo through a film.

Find all the pictures of the Congress!