'Brilliant minds' convene for Dubai innovation summit

Designed to foster innovation, development and peace in emerging nations, 2008 WSIE is organized by the Global Leadership Team (GLT) and exclusively presented by Nakheel; one of the world's largest real estate developers and part of Dubai World.

More than 800 attendees are expected over the three days of innovation theatres, interactive workshops and thematic experiences to build a foundation for increased innovation.

'Our goal is to inspire collaboration among leaders from all walks of life to use innovation as the catalyst for development and peace worldwide,' said Sam Hamdan, Chairman & Chief Strategist for the Global Leadership Team and the Architect of the WSIE.

"This summit provides an unparalleled experience that is designed to facilitate a change of perspective that will forever alter the way leaders look at their business, their partnerships, their future, and the world.'

The 2008 WSIE presents an impressive line-up of remarkable leaders and personalities including designers, policymakers, technologists, communicators, spiritual gurus, economists, storytellers, humanitarians, chief executives and musicians from across the globe.

During the three-day summit, delegates can expect to hear and network with Paul Kagamae, President of Rwanda; Michael Ahern, Minister of Innovation Policy of Ireland and Guillermo Zu'iga Chavez, Minister for Finance of Costa Rica.

"Nakheel is pleased to present WSIE in Dubai, a city distinguished for its innovation and contribution to shaping the future state of the world,' said H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, Nakheel.

'As a key player in Dubai's transformation, Nakheel is built on innovation. We pioneer new methods of development and strive to rise above the status quo by committing to do things more responsibly. Exchanging ideas with world leaders is an important part of creating and sustaining future societies.'

Some of the most innovative international executives who will be gracing the dais at 2008 WSIE include Innovation Chiefs Nick Donofrio of IBM and Padmasree Warrior of Cisco Systems; Dan Shine, AMD; Jack Lord, Humana; and pioneering CEOs Sandy Westlund-Deenihan of Quality Float Works, David Rolston of Forterra, Alex Lee of OXO International, Mark E. McGough of Pentadyne Power Corporation and Kari Stefansson of deCode Genetics.

"To be a true visionary, one must embrace innovation as an everyday practice and a business priority," according to Padmasree Warrior, Cisco Systems Chief Technology Officer. "The industry experts participating in the summit are amongst the best in the world. These business savvy visionaries will outline the thrills and challenges in bringing innovation to markets."

The 2008 WSIE will round out key messages using modern science, music, art and comedy with the help of distinguished speakers and performers like Mark Yu, Pianist Prodigy, Icon Rives, Storyteller, Dana Zohar, Philosopher; Yosra, Goodwill UN Ambassador; Cameron Sinclair, Architecture for Humanity Guru, Zhongxiang Zhang, Energy Aficionado; and Neil G Turok, Inspiring Scientist and Artist and Activist Mishel Elefteriades.

'As an explorer and inventor, I am always trying to find ways to make the seemingly impossible happen - which requires innovation as a way of life,' Bill Stone, CEO of Stone Aerospace said.

'The powerful combination at this summit, gurus from across the globe dissecting and analyzing innovation from every angle, tells me the WSIE is the place to be.'

2008 WSIE is supported by the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), multiple agencies of the United Nations, the African Union and leading international business councils and multinational corporations. Strategic sponsors include Sorouh, HP, Agility, Geopost, Nokia Siemens Networks and PepsiCo.

Business and technology leaders with global interests in collaborative innovation, knowledge development, economic diversification, global citizenship, cross-cultural understanding and entrepreneurial advancement are expected to attend the event.