Leaders in Dubai wins international audience

"The geographic spread of registrations has surpassed our expectations and points to international demand for leadership focus and also to Dubai's growing reputation as a global convention hub," said Jessica Sutherland, General Manager, IIR Exhibitions, which is organising the event.

"While we had anticipated strong demand from the Middle East and neighbouring territories, commitments from the USA, France, Belgium, Denmark, Switzerland, Indonesia and Thailand have been credible windfalls."

'Leaders in Dubai,' which will run at the DIIC from November 29-30, is to be addressed by former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, who is making his first appearance in the Gulf; Tom Peters, the management ur-guru; best-selling author Frank Maguire; MIT's Professor of Management and Economics, Lester Thurow and the influential futurist, Alvin Toffler. Jack Welch, the ex-CEO of General Electric, will address the event via a live video cast.

"What is equally satisfying is the extremely high calibre of delegate registered," said Sutherland. "The profile includes chairmen and presidents of major corporations, CEOs, Managing Directors, Chief Financial Officers, brand managers and leading governmental officials.

"The spread of industries from which registrations have emerged has also thrown up some significant statistics with banking and finance, pharmaceuticals, petroleum, manufacturing and aviation being the key sectors interested in leadership issues."

To date, over 1,900 delegates have registered for 'Leaders in Dubai,' which has attracted the support of heavyweight business ambassadors from throughout the Middle East.

"By the time the doors open on 'Leaders in Dubai' we anticipate a packed audience of 2,500 delegates," said Sutherland.

'Leaders in Dubai' will be the biggest business conference at the DIIC since the Annual Meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund in September 2003.

"The high profile of the event is evidenced by the fact that it has attracted global and regional brands as key sponsors," said Sutherland. "These include Citigroup Private Bank, Nokia, Emaar, Shell, Visa International, SABIC, as well as Al Hayat, Ameinfo.com, CNN and Gulf Business as key media partners."