Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates to make first UAE visit at GLF Arabia 2008

The forum, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, will also feature Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qassimi, UAE Minister of Economy.

This event will take place for the second time in the UAE, which is a key part of Microsoft's ongoing effort to promote technology to help foster social and economic well-being in the region. The theme for this year's GLF will be "Accelerating Arab Competitiveness". Over 200 government and business leaders from across the Arab world will discuss three key themes of the Forum: enhancing government competitiveness through capacity development, innovation and government modernisation.

Charbel Fakhoury, general manager, Microsoft Gulf said, "The presence of Bill Gates at GLF Arabia 2008 underlines the company's long-term commitment to creating meaningful partnerships with the government sector in the Middle East. Microsoft is using its considerable resources and know-how to promote competitiveness, foster talent and transform the technological landscape in the Arab world."

The programme for this year's Forum, which was officially announced at a media roundtable at Microsoft offices in Dubai, will feature a combination of keynote presentations, practical case studies, interactive panel discussions and informal meetings to explore ways to fuel government modernisation, boost productivity and ensure citizen participation in the digital revolution. Participants are encouraged to share experiences and best practices related to economic development and governance.

The Forum will also examine ways to enhance investment to improve digital education and build a stronger knowledge economy and Gates is expected to speak on many of these topics. During the course of his Abu Dhabi visit, the Microsoft chairman will travel to Dubai for a series of high-level discussions — details of Gates' schedule will be announced in due course.

"We are very pleased and proud to be able to welcome Bill Gates to our country for the first time, and to bring to the region this unique discussion platform, which will allow government and business leaders to discuss specific measures to boost regional economic competitiveness," Fakhoury said.

"GLF Arabia 2008 is a prime example of how the private and public sectors can work together for the greater good."

GLF Arabia 2008 is a part of a global series of events organised by Microsoft to support improvements in economic development, job opportunities and education. Through its government partnerships, the company aims to broaden digital inclusion, bringing the benefits of technology to 250 million people by 2010, with the ultimate goal of raising living standards around the world.