Microsoft Government Leaders Forum Arabia 2005 begins in Dubai

The two-day event brings together more than 120 high-level government officials and business leaders from across the Middle East. The goal of the forum is to drive discussion around how the private sector can work in cooperation with local, regional and central governments to explore the partnerships necessary for growth through technology. The GLF will focus on discussions around four main themes: 'Growth and Economic Development', 'Governance and Modernization', 'Social Development and Education' and 'Public/Private Partnerships'.

Her Excellency Shiekha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qassimi, United Arab Emirates Economy and Planning Minister, opened the forum, following introductory remarks from Ali Faramawy, vice president, Microsoft Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). On Monday, Steve Ballmer, chief executive officer of Microsoft Corp. will present a keynote at the event that will underscore the company's commitment to continuing expansion of innovative and cooperative government and education programmes that support economic development opportunities in the region.

"We are excited to host the Government Leader's Forum for the second time in the region. It is a great opportunity for Microsoft to learn more about the needs of governments, and how we can contribute more to the modernization of government services and education, in order to better serve the communities of the Middle East," said Ali Faramawy, vice president, Microsoft Europe, Middle East and Africa.

As part of today's event, Microsoft also announced further developments on the company's commitment to develop IT solutions that will improve services for citizens and increase IT access through the participation of the Government of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing in a Windows Integration, and the availability of the MSN Arabia Souk Windows and the MSN Partners-Bar in English and Arabic.

• Government of Dubai, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing Windows Integration will allow tourists and potential visitors to the UAE Department of Tourism and Commerce website to download dynamic wallpapers, screensaver, and icons featuring local images of the area. Developed in conjunction with the government, this access to local content will help promote tourism to the region and drive excitement around commerce in the UAE.

• MSN Arabia Souk Windows is a website designed to promote local Microsoft partners and ISVs who are developing Arabic software in the region. The first portal for localized software in the region, the website will give customers a full resource to look for software products from partners, and buy online and will also help to promote local developer/ISV community.

• MSN Arabia Partners-Bar: An integral part of the MSN Arabia Partners/ISV Site will be an integrated search bar that allows users to filter search results on the partner site. A smart piece of technology, the bar will log categories that have been searched and automatically prompt the user when new content has been added. In addition, it will eventually include a chat function so that customers can talk to partners in real time.