Sheikh Ahmed reviews preparations for World Bank Group - IMF Annual Meetings

Sheikh Ahmed, accompanied by senior Dubai 2003 officials, inspected the various facilities, witnessed the live testing of various equipment and the final touches that are being put in place and reviewed the preparations for the meetings that are being held in the Arab world for the first time ever. His Highness also met with Patricia Davis, Head of the World Bank Group and IMF Joint Secretariat. The tour came after the meeting of the Dubai 2003 Organising Committee.

The Dubai International Convention Centre boasts the latest technology and equipment that is currently available anywhere in the world for hosting large conferencing facilities.

Dubai-based Emirates, the world's fastest-growing international airline, is an Official Partner of Dubai 2003. It took off in 1985 with just two leased aircraft. In the 12 months leading up to 31 March 2003, passenger numbers rose by 25.6 per cent to 8.5 million and profits by 94 per cent to a record US$ 247.1 million, thanks to its bold "business as usual" strategy. Its aircraft are carrying the Dubai 2003 colours around the world.

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