Programme and speaker list unveiled for ASF 2006

The impressive speaker list, which boasts a line up of 114 regional and international leaders from the government, business, political and media sectors, underpins the importance of the ASF as a holistic forum for the strategic development of the Arab world.

Nabil Al Yousuf, Vice-Chairman, ASF Organising Committee, said: "We have assimilated top-tier decision makers, thought leaders and industry captains from the Arab world and beyond, to bring diverse perspectives to the table. The level of participants and speakers is a clear indication of how this event is viewed as an important forum for addressing some of the most challenging issues facing the Arab world today."

Being led by seven Co-Chairs, which include personalities such as Dr. Eric Schmidt, Chairman of the Executive Committee and Chief Executive Officer of Google, and H.E. Dr. Youssef Boutros Ghali, Egyptian Minister of Finance, the speaker list is the largest to date.

Distinguished government leaders speaking at the event include Ahmed Nazaf, Prime Minister, Egypt; Sheikha Haya bint Rashid Al Khalifa, President, UN General Assembly, United Nations, New York; Lakhdar Brahimi, Former Special Advisor to the Secretary-General, United Nations, New York; Saad Hariri, Majority Leader in Lebanese Parliament and Head of Future Movement; and General Wesley Clark, Former NATO Commander.

More than 30 industry leaders from the global business community will also address the event, including Francois Barrault, President, BT International; Jeroen Van Der Veer, Chief Executive, Royal Dutch Shell; Kevan Watts, Senior Vice President and Chairman, Merrill Lynch International; Mohammed Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties; Mohamed Al-Mady, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (Sabic); and Sultan Bin Sulayem, Chairman, Dubai World.

"The Arab world is now widely regarded as a key player that exerts a major influence on international affairs. As such, our speakers and participants reflect this global reach," added Al Yousuf.

The event, which is being held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, will showcase speaking sessions by some of the world's top thought leaders.

Among those comprising this panel are Abdeslam Maghraoui, Director, Muslim World Initiative, United States Institute of Peace; Graham Allison, Douglas Dillon Professor of Government Director, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University; Ghassan Salame, Professor, International Relations Institut d'Etudes Politiques and Senior Advisor to the United Nations Secretary-General; and Mustapha K Nabli, Chief Economist and Director, Social and Economic Development Group, Middle East and North Africa Region, the World Bank.

A detailed programming for ASF 2006 has also been unveiled, with a new format being initiated to better position the event as a holistic, interactive medium that fosters change and innovation.

Focusing on four distinct tracks - Governance, the CEO Agenda, Arab Society and Socio-Economic - the ASF is being earmarked as the leading Arab platform for strategic thinking and the main launch pad for regional programmes and initiatives.

"The programme is designed and facilitated to enable participants connect with high-powered information networks, and gain a keen insight into the outlook for the Arab world," said Yasser Saeed Hareb, General Coordinator, ASF.

Dodsal, the engineering, procurement and construction multinational and infrastructure developers is the exclusive partner for ASF 2006. The organising partners for the event include Abraaj Capital, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Gulf News, HP, National Bank of Dubai, Qatar Airways and Shell.

Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) and the Al Shaya Group will jointly sponsor the high powered forum. The UAE's latest telecommunications provider, du, is the official technology partner for the three day meet.