Building the female workforce is a regional challenge, say Welch and Schneidermann

Schneidermann pointed out that women are a largely untapped resource in modern organisations, citing the example of the rate of unemployment for UAE national women is the highest among all groups in the UAE labour market at 8.3 per cent.

She explained: "Many sectors, including the tourism and hospitality sector can lead a nationalisation drive, but this drive requires both investment and commitment."

The challenge of women's professional career development was addressed by Jack Welch, the world's most admired CEO, during his final years at the helm of General Electric. Welch will participate at Leaders in Dubai on Monday, November 29 via video-cast from his base in the United States.

In his 20 years at General Electric, Mr. Welch transformed the company into a dynamic and revered powerhouse. His management innovations and skills are recognised around the globe.

He launched the General Electric Women's Network in 1998 at a time when only 6 per cent of all middle management positions were held by women. Today the figure has risen to 12 per cent.

Meanwhile, six years ago, just 10 per cent of senior executives at the company were female; this figure has risen to 14 per cent today.

Schneidermann said: "Jack Welch has shown how a company such as GE can address issues that affect it's profitability and overall success from the grass roots up, and we will be able to hear his tips at the event."

Appearing in Dubai for the event are six of the world's most influential business leaders, including Rudy Giuliani, the former Mayor of New York, who was instrumental in rebuilding the city after the September 11th terrorist attacks.

Joining Giuliani on stage are: Tom Peters, the management ur-guru; best-selling author Frank Maguire; MIT's Professor of Management and Economics, Lester Thurow; the influential futurist, Alvin Toffler; and 'people' expert Frank Maguire.

Up to 2,500 delegates are expected to attend Leaders in Dubai, organised by Leading Minds, a company in the international group, IIR. It will be the biggest business conference at the Dubai International Convention Centre since the Annual Meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund in September 2003.

Leaders in Dubai is sponsored by EMAAR, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), Citigroup, Shell, Nokia and Visa International. Al Hayat, Ameinfo.com, CNN and Gulf Business are the event's key media partners and the support hotel is The Fairmont, Dubai.