The Arab Strategy Forum 2004 attracts large number of registrations from all over the world

He also announced the launch of the new website for the Arab Strategy Forum www.arabstrategyforum.ae.

Al Yousuf said, "The theme of the Forum, 'The Arab World in 2020' and the prominent speakers from around the world have in fact encouraged the participation of officials from the private and public sectors from the regional countries."

He said, "The Forum which will be held under the patronage of H.H General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defence will feature more than 50 speakers that will include Heads of State, key Cabinet Ministers, representatives of leading public authorities, non-government organizations, academics, experts, opinion-influencers and decision-makers from all around the world."

The Vice Chairman of the Arab Strategy Forum Organizing Committee added, "The Organizing Committee has received a large number of registrations from experts, academics and officials from the Middle East & North Africa and mid & South Asia. The number of registrations are expected to increase."

The new website is designed to provide comprehensive information about the Forum's objectives, programme and speakers.

Nabil Al Yousuf, said, "The website will be informative as it will provide all the relevant information related to the event, which will be held in Dubai from December 13-15, 2004. We have designed the website to facilitate the registration process as well. The website will also include detailed information on the event's programme, sessions and workshops and information related to previous Forums."

He added, "The website will be continuously updated with information relevant for visitors and participants. This will help build a strong network with all who are interested in the issues related to the Arab World."

Al Yousuf said, "The Forum is an annual meeting that brings together CEOs of Government Departments, experts, academics and representatives of NGOs from around the world under one roof to discuss the political, economic and social challenges faced by the region and encourage results-oriented partnerships and alliances between and among business, government, academic, intellectual and other leaders of civil society.

He said, "The structure of the Forum is designed to promote a constructive and collaborative approach to regional issues. The Forum includes plenary sessions of featured speakers and panel discussions, seminars, workshops, working lunches, bilateral meetings and various networking events."

The Arab Strategy Forum will be held under the overall theme of 'The Arab World in 2020. The Forum will discuss and outline the key factors that influence the region's regimes and the trends in governance. It will also discuss political reform and development and the march towards genuine democracy and the impact of the shift towards transparency.

Eight pre-eminent local and international organizations have come forward to offer their unstinted support for this year's Arab Strategy Forum. The premiere annual event has six Organizing Partners and two Media Partners. They are Emirates National Oil Company Ltd (ENOC), Abraaj Capital, PricewaterhouseCooper, DaimlerChrysler Middle East, National Bank of Dubai and Gulf News, in addition to our Media Partners Al Sharq Al Awsat and CNN. The Arab Strategy Forum will provide valuable insights, which will help in improving the status of the Arab World.