Dubai 2003 Organising Committee meets to discuss preparations for prestigious event

Mr. Sultan stressed the importance of showcasing the UAE, its achievements and its highly talented and skilled human resources through this prestigious international event. He expressed confidence that the meetings would be well organized as a result of the excellent preparations that are now underway.

Members of the Committee made an overview of the series of seminars that would be held in the run-up to the meetings among different categories of people including businessmen and professionals which are designed to promote and create more awareness of the event and also introduce the World Bank and IMF and their role in the global economy. Topics that will be covered include investment, international currencies and various other economic issues.

They also discussed the range of facilities that will be offered and the logistics undertaken for the benefit and convenience of the delegations arriving through Dubai International Airport, and the coordination between the Joint Secretariat of the World Bank Group and IMF and the Secretariat in Dubai.

Another matter that was taken up at the Organising Committee meeting was the tour itinerary that is being prepared for the visiting delegates including visits to popular souqs and shopping malls, museums and historical sites.

The Committee was also briefed on the construction work that is being carried out for the Dubai International Convention Centre - the venue for the meetings - and the new facilities at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund were first held in Washington DC in 1946. They are hosted by an international city one year in three. Dubai and the UAE were selected because of its highly developed transportation and logistics infrastructure, growing importance as a financial hub and its established position as an oasis of opportunity.

ENDS