The Arab Thought Foundation announces the start of preparations for its 6th Annual Conference 'FIKR6' in Manama

Through these events, ATF reaffirms its commitment to the issues concerning Arabs, which affect their current situation as well as future generations. The Fourth Arab Education Forum will attempt to forge a link between education requirements and the Arab labour market, and understand the needs of the Arab people versus the requirements for economic development.

The Second International Translation Conference has also come as a result of ATF's dedication to promoting Arab culture and creating an environment to attract literary intellectuals from all over the world. In developing strategies and new techniques to assist in the translation of world languages, the Arab society will benefit.

The Arab Thought Foundation also announced the start of preparations for its Sixth Annual Conference, Fikr6, to be held in Manama, Bahrain in December 2007, under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain. The conference will focus on the issues facing Arabs who, while striving to compete on the global stage, need to develop a strategy to ensure a lasting Arab identity and preserve the Arab culture and heritage against the wave of globalization.

Arab Thought Foundation will now apply a new theme, focusing on the business issues in the Arab World, in order to highlight the Arab position in a rapidly changing world. ATF will continue its collaboration and coordination with individuals and groups involved in Arab Culture, as well as international and regional institutions concerned with Arab affairs. Together they will work to advance the Arab nations and improve efforts to resolve issues facing the Arab world.

His Royal Highness, Prince Khalid Al Faisal, President of the Arab Thought Foundation, said: "The Arab Thought Foundation seeks to create an Arab identity that embraces the modern world, while upholding the rich Arab traditions - culturally, socially, and economically. As such, the Board of Trustees of the Arab Thought Foundation hopes that Fikr 6 will raise awareness of the untapped human resources existing in the Arab world."

A specialized team has been organized to assemble leaders in business, technology, media and government from the Arab Nations, as well as their international counterparts, to discuss issues and strategies that are affecting and shaping both the region and the world.

The Arab Thought Foundation has also announced the launch of the Fikr 6 website, www.arabstrategies.org. This site will provide daily updates on the news and preparations for the conference, as well as an opportunity for participants to add their comments and views.