The 4th Connect- World CEO Forum kicks off in Dubai tomorrow

Despite the economic downturn and lack of sponsorship the organisers Global event management stated that they had gone ahead with the forum because they felt it important to maintain the stance that the Middle East is still a great place to do business.

"We are bringing delegates from around the World to meet local businesses and we emphasise this is a Global gathering, so when Bahrain stepped in to sponsor we decided we would give it our 100% commitment and stage the event for the 4th time," said James Magee from Global Event Management, (GEM).

"Tough times call for re-doubling of effort to sustain business, promote growth and create networking opportunities where business development and partnership forming is key," he added.

The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) and Tejari are key sponsors, as is the US Export Council who have launched a tri-partnership between Global Event managements Connect - World CEO Forum, and Tejari and is designed to stimulate more business between the US and the Middle East.

Omar Hijazi the CEO of Tejari will deliver a presentation, 'How to Save your Way Out of the Financial Crisis; Tejari Case Studies from the Top Users'



Trevor Stokes of Bahrain's EDB will deliver a presentation, 'Bahrain Connecting the World', which will be watched by many delegates keen to hear what USP's Bahrain has during tough Economic times.

Morris Reid BGR Group will deliver insight into the new Presidents of the United States office titled, 'doing business with the Obama Administration', which promises to be an exciting view from inside the Whitehouse.

"Cunning are bold, we are pioneers, we get brands talked about, so it is a great time for us to be expanding, (during an economic slow-down), we felt the time was right and Global event management the best partners, so yes, we are expanding whilst others are closing shop and laying people off," said Mark Voysey. "Cunning Middle East is one of our most exciting ventures and we promise to share some fabulous news during our presentation."

Over 150 International delegates have already began communicating through the platforms and the team at Global event management and Tejari have worked around the clock for 6 months match-making and making business connections for all the delegates.

A Gala dinner will take place on the event lawns of the Jumeriah Beach hotel on Tuesday 17th in aid of the charity Fresh 2o. To Enable the provision of clean water for drinking and sanitation purposes globally.

"It is important to remember there are always people less fortunate than yourself - particularly in tough economic times," added Magee from Global Event Management who have supported Fresh 2o for the last few years.

As much as a sixth of the world's population today still lack essential access to clean water and sanitation. This crisis kills one child every 17 seconds and five million people each year. fresh2o's mission is to alert the world to this crisis and contribute to a global initiative which aims to reduce by half the number of people without access to safe drinking-water by 2015.

Innovative photographer Candice, a pioneer of the underwater portrait, has devised an incredibly impactful series of images using celebrity icons with a global presence. These extraordinary portraits are designed to connect, engage and motivate consumers worldwide, alerting the globe to the fresh water crisis.

Income raised through the fresh2o vision is channelled into communities through partner organisations, whose essential expertise in sanitation and fresh water supply ensures the most direct injection of help exactly where it is needed. Skilled knowledge and labour in community mapping, well-drilling, pump and pipeline construction and cultural liaison are managed and implemented at the grass roots level breathing life back into waters sustaining so many.