Dubai's investment summit, a major post-war event

A month ago and the timing of the first International Investment Summit to be held May 3-5 in Dubai looked a little unfortunate. Now with the war winding down in Iraq this will probably a defining conference marking the return of high level speakers and delegates to the Middle East circuit.

Its subject is also highly relevant to the post-war Middle East, and cuts across all the political and economic issues that make the region what it is today: by one token the biggest economic opportunity in the modern world outside China, and by another a region with many fundamental social, economic and political problems.

Personal invitations from His Highness Crown Prince General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum have assured the highest quality of speakers. Regional celebrities include, Prince Abdullah bin Faisal bin Turki Al Saud, governor of the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority, Henry T. Azzam, chief executive officer of Jordinvest, Dr Mohammed Khalfan bin Khirbash, UAE finance minister of state, as well as many senior bankers.

From the international community come, Peter Sutherland, BP and Goldman Sachs chairman, Professor Norbert Walter, chief economist of Deutsche Bank, Tony Allum, chairman of Halcrow, and an array of top bankers from around the globe. Secretary General of the OECD, Donald Johnston and UNIDO director general Carlos Magarinos will address the opening session after Sheikh Mohammed.

Sessions will focus on topics such as 'building the right grounds for investment' and 'the role of foreign direct investment in developing countries'. There will also be a look at 'investment trends in tourism, entertainment and real estate' in the region.

This is certainly building up to be the first important conference in the post-Iraq war era, and Dubai's growing reputation for hosting strategic events will reach new heights with this event.

The conference is being organised by the Dubai Development and Investment Authority, with IIR Holdings acting as secretariat. For further details visit the website, www.iisummit.com.