Technology and leadership in education can drive regional development, says HP's Hanania

Speaking during the build-up to the 'Leaders in Dubai' event, where HP has been appointed technology supporter, Hanania pointed out how the use of technology is helping governments, enterprises and individuals operate within the global economy and its ever increasing rate of change.

With up to 2,500 delegates tipped to attend the ground-breaking event at Dubai International Convention Centre on November 29-30. Hanania commented that, "We live in a world where processes are becoming digital, mobile, virtual and therefore personal, and we are looking at ways to help accelerate the growth of the regional economy through investment in innovative research and development projects. These projects will help develop the regional workforce which is part of HPs ongoing drive to ensure we have local expertise in our regional offices."

HP, the largest IT company in the Middle East with more than three times the market share and double the revenue of their nearest rivals, continues to invest in the region, not least in providing educational and training initiatives to enable the digital revolution in the Arab community.

Hanania said: "Middle Eastern countries have understood the opportunity they have to integrate up-to-date technology alongside reforming their education systems and accordingly making IT an integral part of the process of change.

"Education is the catalyst to any region's development, and corporations have a social responsibility to contribute to the communities where they operate around the globe."

Seven experts from the worlds of business, politics and academia will debate the most effective styles of leadership at Leaders in Dubai.

The speaker line-up will feature Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York, who led the city through its recovery process after September 11, and Jack Welch, the charismatic former CEO of General Electric, who will speak via video-cast.

From the academic world, Michael Porter, a Professor of Harvard Business School, will take to the stage, as well as Lester Thurow, Professor of Management and Economics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and acknowledged as a world expert on the new global economy.

Joining them will be Tom Peters, said to be the "Ur-guru (super guru) of management"; Alvin Toffler, the world's most influential futurologist; and Frank Maguire, the best-selling author and communications expert who steered programmes for FedEx and American Airlines.

Mohamed Alabbar, Director General of Dubai's Department of Economic Development and a Business Leader in Dubai, will hold a live bi-lateral debate on values-based leadership with Giuliani.

Alongside these global speakers, a number of leaders from Arabia - both business and semi-government sectors - will be on hand to debate issues and strategy.

The event, which is tipped to be the biggest business event in Dubai since Dubai 2003, the Annual Meetings of the Joint Secretariat of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, will be held at the Dubai International Convention Centre on November 29 - 30.

Leaders in Dubai is sponsored by EMAAR, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), Citigroup, Shell, Nokia and Visa International. Its international media sponsor is CNN and technology sponsor is HP.

The event is organised by Leading Minds, part of the IIR international group. Leading Minds specialises in presenting the latest thoughts and groundbreaking ideas from pre-eminent international business authorities.