Qatar Airways prepares to host World Economic Forum Round Table

The Qatari capital is ablaze with colourful banners promoting the high-profile event at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Doha between 1-2 April 2005.

The Round Table will bring together more than 200 global leaders from business, government, academia, society and the media to share their insights on commercial, political and economic developments in the region.

Government ministers, members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Arab Business League and leading figures from the International Monetary Fund and World Bank will be joined by CEOs, managing directors and chairmen of major companies from the region, as well as political media commentators.

Qatar Airways will play the key role in organising the event and flying delegates from around the world to Doha.

The Ministry of Commerce will host a special media working lunch during which the role of pan-Arab TV, radio and press in the Middle East will be discussed.

Delegates will be given VIP treatment on arrival at Doha International Airport, where a special welcome desk and Al Maha Service meet and greet staff will receive visitors and guide them through the necessary immigration formalities.

The Round Table will also be the launch pad for the second Arab World Competitiveness Report 2005, which will outline issues of economic growth and regional competition. The first edition of the Arab World Competitiveness Report in 2003 helped create awareness among Arab business leaders and government officials for the need to enhance competitiveness in the region to foster economic growth and generate jobs.

As a strategic partner of the World Economic Forum, Qatar Airways will host a second Arab Competitiveness Round Table in Doha in Spring 2007.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said: "We look forward to welcoming such distinguished delegates to Qatar for what promises to be a thoroughly thought-provoking event."

"The Arab Competitiveness Round Table will help establish Qatar as a pivotal policy centre in the Middle East. Trade is the lifeline for any economy and as the Middle East has emerged into a powerful economic trading region, it is vital for business and political leaders to share their thoughts on how we can remain competitive and enhance our global competitiveness."

Al Baker will be among a panel of delegates from around the world taking part in one of the sessions, "Creating an Investment-friendly Climate in the Arab Region."

Other topics covered during sessions at the Round Table will cover: What will it take for the Arab World to Catch up in the Competitiveness Race and Creating Women as Dynamic Agents of Change in the Arab World.