Global financial crisis highlighted in discussions at Leaders in Dubai Business Forum 2008

Carrying the theme of 'Emerging Strategies for Tomorrow's Challenges,' the forum's discussions are expected to concentrate on the ramifications of the global credit crunch and the subsequent meltdown of the financial system on regional economies. The election of Barak Obama and his expected foreign policy positions will be discussed and debated.

Expected to attract 1,500 participants from over 40 countries, Leaders in Dubai brings together more than 20 international speakers and hundreds of regional business leaders including James Wolfensohn, Rudolph Giuliani, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Rajat Gupta and Dave Ulrich. Moreover, five of the Arab world's most influential business leaders will participate in Al-Rouad (the Pioneers in Arabic) panel debate. Speakers include: Sameer Al-Ansari, Ahmad Abdulkarim Julfar, Fadi Ghandour and Mohammad Al-Jasser.

"The current global economic crisis provides us with a unique opportunity to be bold and creative in our effort to make sustainable business practices a matter of fact rather than a matter of personal preference,"

said Fadi Ghandour, founder and CEO of Aramex.

"It has become obvious that CSR (corporate social responsibility) and good governance are by far the most important features of any company that takes all its stakeholders seriously and embraces both financial and non-financial returns on investments. Our primary focus, therefore, should be on how to make them essential corporate attributes rather than just worthy but novel pursuits."

Apart from the financial crisis, major issues concerning globalisation, human capital, diplomacy and corporate motivation are set to be discussed.

"The Leaders in Dubai Business Forum takes place this year while major structural shifts are occurring in the world," said Lucy Mountain, Conference Director. "I believe that if world leaders are prepared to collaborate on a global level, by truly looking for innovative and effective long term solutions to these global issues, the world business community may be able to bring better assess the current risks and begin to develop solutions aimed at restoring global confidence in the now shattered financial system."

The Leaders in Dubai Business Forum 2008 is supported by Citi, Nokia, Amlak Finance, Etisalat, Al Mal Capital, wasl, the InterContinental Hotel and Cadillac. Media Partners include Al-Arabiya News Channel and CNN.