Alabbar is Co-chair of inaugural World Economic Forum's Global Agenda summit in Dubai

He joins Prof. Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of World Economic Forum, in the significant event that addresses the most critical challenges facing the world today.

More than 700 global thought-leaders have confirmed participation at the Summit, which will cover 68 topics ranging from demographic shifts, migration, urban management, gender gap, climate change, capital flows, financial empowerment, economic imbalances, trade facilitation and poverty alleviation, among others.

The outcome of the Summit, organised in partnership with the Government of Dubai, will be presented at the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting 2009 in Davos for further discussion and action.

Mr Alabbar said: "This is a tremendous privilege for the UAE, and Dubai in particular, to host this important summit, which comes at a time when global challenges in the financial sector are forcing policy makers and businesses to revisit their growth strategies for the future. Dubai is renowned as a city of pioneering ideas and flawless execution, and has built one of the strongest and most promising economies in the Middle East region. Despite being part of a tough neighbourhood the city continues to be a beacon of hope for the region."

He added: "Hosting the Inaugural Summit of the World Economic Forum's Global Agenda Councils is a testament to the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, whose visionary policies and commitment to action and execution make him a global thought-leader."

Mr Alabbar said that the Summit's showcase of considered perspectives from global leaders in academia, business, government and civil society will guide humanity towards a safe and secure future. "The 68 topics under deliberation have a far-reaching impact on the way governments function, businesses are conducted and how people meet everyday challenges. The Global Agenda Summit in Dubai thus paves the way for a new era of global socio-economic progress."

Mr Alabbar is a member of the Dubai Executive Council, the supreme body of the Government of Dubai with the mandate to synergise all growth initiatives in Dubai. He serves on the board of directors of the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD), the investment arm of the Government of Dubai.

The World Economic Forum has created the Global Agenda Councils, which are multi-stakeholder groups of the most innovative and relevant minds, to advance knowledge and collaboratively explore solutions to the most important issues in the global arena. Topics have been tailored to encompass specific industries including media, entertainment, Internet Ecosystem, Mobile Internet, metals and mining, and green construction.

The Expertise Councils will deliberate on design, marketing & branding, leadership, entrepreneurship, philanthropy and social investing, benchmarking progress, strategic foresight, emerging market finance, and sports & arts in society, among others. Global challenges such as infectious diseases, biomedical engineering, genomics, cyber crime, conflict resolution and international legal system are also part of the discussions. In additional Regional Councils will discuss the Future of Africa; Future of Latin America; Future of the Middle East; Future of China; Future of Russia; Future of Japan; Future of Australia and Future of Korea.