Dialogue must be key driver in evolution of Arab world

The sentiment of unhindered discussion, which was resonated throughout the event by speakers and participants including Iran's top nuclear negotiator, Ali Larijani, was agreed to be one of the crucial factors in the Arab World addressing its issues and developing a holistic strategy for the continued growth of the region.

"A medium, such as the ASF, goes a long way to unifying the voices of Arab nations and consolidating the sentiments and issues facing the region, in order for everyone to better assess on how to overcome them," said Al Yousuf.

"Through open dialogue we can improve ourselves and affect change. The dialogue generated at the Arab Strategy Forum will hopefully help decision-makers better shape their policies for the future."

This year's ASF, which was 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, broke new ground by discussing previously unaddressed topics affecting the Arab World including sectarian violence and arts and culture.

"The ASF is a unique platform in the region that objectively addresses issues, both from an Arab and international perspective, which had previously been ignored. We are positioning the event as a secure environment in which to highlight the positives and negatives of the Arab World, to help effect change and achieve sustainable advancement," said Al Yousuf.

"The feedback to particular sessions that dealt with previously taboo subjects has been very positive and we expect the discussions here to start a trend throughout the region."

Summarising the opinions of government and business leaders at the ASF, politics and economics appear to be moving in different directions in the Arab World. Regional economies are currently moving forwards with the political landscape of the Arab World 'in a state of deterioration'.

Panellists assessed how the last 18 months saw the emergence of new alliances in the Middle East, precipitated by Hamas' ascension to power in Palestinian legislative elections to Hezbollah's recent successes in its conflict with Israel. However, some believed that these alliances were merely alignments and temporary solutions to dealing with the US and Israel.

Rami G Khouri, Editor-at-Large, The Daily Star, Lebanon, said: "These alignments are short-lived since none of the players have any answers to the socio-economic problems in the Middle East. None have come up with impressive political systems based on the rule of law and accountability."

The idea that the need for reform had reached a critical stage was not missed by governments, panellists believed, but the sentiment was that this change had to be acted upon by regional influences as foreign reform was not desirable.

Lakhdar Brahimi, Former Special Advisor to the United Nations Secretary General, said: "There is a consensus in our region that most of our regimes are not performing well and very serious reform is needed. This concern has reached the governments and they recognise this. However, foreign driven reforms and agendas are not welcome and do not work."

The need for political change was also linked to the sustainability of the current buoyant socio-economic conditions in the region.

Dr. Anwar Gargash, UAE Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs, warned that without political balance, socio-economic development would not continue in the future.

In addition, panellists agreed that the partnership between the public and private sectors can help bridge the gap between Arab governments and citizens.

Prince Faisal bin Salman Al Saud, Chairman of the Board, Saudi Research and Publishing Company, and a Co-Chair of the ASF 2006, said: "Privatisation is not a threat to the state; rather it is complementary to it."

The economic outlook for the Arab World painted an optimistic picture. Sultan bin Sulayem, Chairman of Dubai World, announced that the UAE Government is in the process of negotiating a Free Trade Agreement with China, which would significantly boost bilateral relations.

In addition, DAMAC Properties signed a USD 16 billion deal at the Forum to build the region's largest development project in Egypt.

However, Mohamed Ali Alabar, Chairman, Emaar Properties, issued a stark warning to businesses in the Arab World, stating that they should exercise fiscal prudence in response to record market liquidity.

"There is an immense amount of liquidity in the Arab market now, and it is affecting the way we operate. We tend to spend easily and extravagantly rather than thinking in the long-term. We have to spend our money wisely. If not, when the cycle goes down, as it will, the consequences will be painful. We need to tighten our belts."

The ASF, which attracted more than 600 distinguished participants and 115 worldwide speakers, earned its reputation as vehicle for change and a key driver in the reform and policy shaping of governmental and business organisations throughout the Arab world.

Among those participating in this year's event were influential personalities from the region's business, government and civil society sectors, and internationally-renowned politicians and business leaders.

Developed under the theme, 'Creating Opportunity from Change', this year's sessions were underpinned by bespoke knowledge and research on the Arab world, providing a unique information platform for the continued strategic development of the Middle East and North Africa on the global stage.