Abraaj Capital partners with Arab Strategy Forum

As both organising partner and key participant in the event, Abraaj Capital has demonstrated its commitment to this year's theme: "Creating opportunity from change."

Arif Naqvi, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Abraaj Capital, will spearhead the firm's participation in the event, speaking at two crucial and inter-related sessions. The first, "The Arab world goes global," examines the challenges and opportunities for regional firms expanding their horizons beyond the region. Among those joining Naqvi in this discussion will be Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties; and Sultan bin Sulayem, Chairman, Dubai World.

In a second session, "Enough pots for all this liquidity," Naqvi participate in a discussion of the impact of the recent oil boom and GDP growth on regional social inequality.

Frederic Sicre, Executive Director of Abraaj Capital, will serve as moderator for a panel debate titled, "Scapegoat or Savior? Business in the Arab world," that will ask why there is so little trust in the regional private sector - and how that trust can be restored.

Mustafa Abdel-Wadood, Managing Director of Abraaj Capital, will participate in a discussion of Arab CEO's confidence, "Inside the boardroom," which will reveal the current level of business confidence in the Middle East.

"Our support for the Arab Strategy Forum is based on a shared commitment to finding opportunities for growth in this period of regional transition," said Arif Naqvi, CEO of Abraaj Capital, the premier investment firm specializing in private equity investment in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia region.

He added, "The Arab world is now in the midst of dramatic change and unprecedented integration into the global economy. Will we manage this process of change - or will we be managed by it? And how can we ensure that the fruits of current growth will be shared by all members of society, across this broad and diverse region? These are hard questions indeed, and ones I look forward to discussing this week at the Arab Strategy Forum."

"This key meeting of influential leaders from business, government and civil society aims to foster a sense of community and common purpose," said Frederic Sicre. "Fostering this shared vision of the future is essential to shared growth. At Abraaj Capital, we believe wholeheartedly in this goal, which is why we are so pleased to partner with and participate in this key event."

The Arab Strategy Forum takes place from Monday, December 4 - Wednesday, December 6 at the Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai.