H.H. Sheikh Maktoum praises efforts of all involved in hosting the Annual Meetings

His Highness also praised the Dubai 2003 Organising Committee that is headed by H.E. Qassim Sultan, Director General of Dubai Municipality, and all the Dubai 2003 Subcommittees, for their efforts to guarantee the success of the UAE in hosting the Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

There are less than 10 days to go for the event.

Qassim Sultan conveyed the greetings of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum to all the workers in all the committees and all those who have been involved in Dubai 2003's efforts to host the Annual Meetings. The Head of the Organising Committee also conveyed His Highness' appreciation for the workers' dedication to showcase the UAE's abilities in hosting such global events.

"His Highness is more than committed to the success of the event that the Arab world is hosting for the first time ever since the Annual Meetings began in 1946," said Sultan.

He added that His Highness Sheikh Maktoum has urged all public and private sector organisations and nationals and residents of the UAE to display the civilized image of the country and to interact with the event, that will also launch a new conventions industry in the UAE.

The message from His Highness was conveyed to the members of the Organising Committee during the daily meeting. The meetings are now being held daily at the venue to oversee the final equipment and personnel checks and ensure that everything is in order for the Annual Meetings.

"We are committed to give our maximum effort to show the real image of our country and its tremendous abilities. The support of His Highness and his evaluation of our efforts is an incentive for us to redouble our efforts to host the best Annual Meetings ever," said Qassim Sultan.

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.