Former US Presidential Candidate Rudolph Giuliani to address Leaders in Dubai Forum 2008

He will discuss the topic of rebuilding optimism in international business and trade in keeping with this year's forum theme, 'Emerging Strategies for Tomorrow's Challenges.'

"We are delighted that Mr. Giuliani will be joining us again at Leaders in Dubai Business Forum"

said Lucy Mountain, Conference Director.

"Many things have changed since Giuliani was last with us in 2004 and he is the ideal person to discuss present relations and future trade opportunities between the Middle East and the United States. So many of our delegates continue to ask us to invite Mr. Giuliani back and we're guaranteed a fascinating session"

'Rudy' Giuliani is a former U.S. Attorney who prosecuted a number of high-profile cases, including ones against organized crime and Wall Street financiers. He served two terms as the 107th Mayor of New York City, from 1994 -2001, and was credited with initiating improvements in the city's quality of life and with a reduction in crime and unemployment - during his time in office, he converted New York from one of the most dangerous cities in America to the safest, thereby attracting more business and the creation of jobs. Giuliani gained international attention during and after the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center. His astute leadership during New York City's immense time of crisis won him overwhelming approval ratings and praise from people around the world.

Under his leadership, New York City became the best-known example of the resurgence of urban America. During the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center, Giuliani proved his loyalty to New Yorkers by actually walking the streets to encourage people to vacate the attack site. In 2001, Time magazine named him "Person of the Year" and he received an honorary knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in 2002. In 2008, he ran for the Republican Party nomination for the United States' presidential election, however, withdrew from the race on January 30, 2008, giving his endorsement to the republican candidate John McCain.

Giuliani is currently Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Giuliani Partners LLC, a business-consulting firm based on the principles of integrity, optimism and courage, which he founded in January 2002. He was soon thereafter awarded the honor of being recognised as '2002 Consultant of the Year' by Consulting Magazine. He also acquired Giuliani Capital Advisors (later sold) investment banking firm, and joined the Bracewell & Giuliani law firm, which changed its name when he became a partner.

In addition to Giuliani, confirmed speakers for this year's forum include James Wolfensohn, Mohamed ElBaradei, Tom Peters, Sir Winfried Bischoff, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Dave Ulrich, Geoffrey West, Thomas Frey, Rajat Gupta and David Taylor.

The forum, which has been organised by 'Leaders Presents' for the past five years, is expected to attract 1,500 participants from 40 countries. In its fifth year, the Leaders in Dubai Business Forum 2008 is the region's largest conference for the local and international business community to learn from leading experts and network with successful, like-minded individuals.

The forum is supported by Citibank, Amlak Finance, Etisalat, Al Mal Capital, Nokia and Wasl, the InterContinental Hotel, Cadillac and London Dairy. Media Partners include CNN and Al-Arabiya News Channel.