HH Sheikh Hamdan chairs Dubai 2003 Steering Committee meeting

The meeting was also attended by Patricia Davies, Head of the Joint Secretariat of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund delegation that is currently visiting Dubai.

The Steering Committee decided to name the Main Hall of the state-of-the-art Dubai International Convention Centre (DICC) - the venue of the Annual Meetings - after the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

The Committee also approved the setting up of a 25-metre high monument to commemorate the Annual Meetings in Dubai. The monument will be topped by a globe, bear the logo of the prestigious event, and will feature the flag of the UAE and the flags of all other participating countries.

The meeting was presented with an overview of the activity plans of the public relations committee aimed at promoting Dubai's image as a world-class centre for trade and finance to a large international audience.

The Steering Committee also discussed the forthcoming visit of Mr. Horst Kohler, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund next week and his agenda, which includes meetings with prominent UAE government officials.

HH Sheikh Hamdan ordered that a committee be established to ensure smooth coordination of all organizational and security issues. The Committee includes UAE Minister of State for Finance and Industry, Mr. Mohamed Khalfan bin Khirbash, who is also Vice-Chairman of the Steering Committee, Mr. Qassim Sultan, Director-General of Dubai Municipality and Major-General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Commander of Dubai Police.

The meeting approved the display of a colourful 16 x 24 feet mural at the Dubai International Convention, as part of an arrangement made by Dubai 2003 with the International Child Art Foundation (ICAF). The mural features the paintings of child artists from 50 different nationalities, who created it in 1999. It is the first time that this mural has been taken outside the United States for display. The committee also approved an exhibition showcasing the works of Arab artists.

The Committee also approved the participation of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the Arab countries aimed at supporting and creating an appropriate environment for generations to come by ways of expanding and activating the social community and the dialogue with government organizations.

His Highness also issued an order suspending all leave and vacation for heads and members of all Committees of Dubai 2003 until after 23-24 September to avoid any disruption to the activities or work, and to encourage all members to perform their tasks with dedication.