Leading local and global organizations support the first annual Young Arab Leaders Forum

The three principal sponsors are Aramex International, National Bank of Dubai and Nokia Corporation. Special events sponsors include Daman, Future Pipe Industries and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Knowledge Partners include Shell International and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Hewlett-Packard will provide its technical expertise as a technology partner.

Abdulhamid Juma, Deputy Director General of the Dubai Development and Investment Authority and Chairman of the Organizing Committee said, "As you are aware, the Young Arab Leaders was launched to strengthen the role of young leaders in continuing the development of the Arab region as a whole and develop the links between its members. Our Annual Forum is the most important event in the Agenda of the organization, giving us all a chance to gather after a full year of work to shape and discuss our Agenda for 2006."

"We are pleased to be joined by a delegation of some of the most influential organizations and entities. All these organizations share a special concern for the development of Arab youth and join the Young Arab Leaders in putting together concrete initiatives to make a difference. The participation of these organizations in sponsoring the Young Arab Leaders Annual Forum reflects their commitment to the advancement and growth of the region and their support for the next phase of development across the Arab world. We share with these organizations the desire to enable the next generation of Arab leadership to play a significant role in making their future a success story," said the Chairman of the Organizing Committee.

According to Mr. Hussein Hachem, Aramex Vice-President for the UAE, "Young Arab Leaders brings together some of the brightest minds of the region and encourages the types of debates and discussions that inspires our youth, providing them with the platform they need to start building their future.

He added, "The Aramex brand was built with the minds and determination of the youth from this region. Their belief in themselves and their potential has driven us to the success we are experiencing today, reaching every corner of the globe and continuing to reach further."

Tareq Al Gurg, Senior Manager, Corporate Banking of the National Bank of Dubai said, "The Young Arab Leaders community has grown tremendously in different sectors across the region, motivating a predominantly young population to work towards a new and brighter future for the Arab world."

He added, "We, at the National Bank of Dubai, are extremely proud to be associated with this year's meeting and take pride in our ongoing commitment towards incorporating more Arab youth in the workforce. Our sponsorship this year is testament to the Bank's dedication towards developing key sectors and promoting future leadership in the region."

"We are honoured and proud to be part of this event and to be supporting the aspiring youth in the UAE and Middle East in general," said Eddie Maalouf, General Manager Nokia Middle East and North Africa. "This sponsorship is very much in line with Nokia's global stance of supporting youth and education in the aim of providing better opportunities for young people around the world."

Dr. Omar Bin Suleiman, Director General of Dubai International Financial Centre said "The youth represent the most important wealth for the nation, and on their shoulders rests the responsibility for change and progress and from herein is the importance of the young Arab leaders."

He added, "Our interest in Young Arab Leaders is in line with the efforts of the centre in developing the region and this is what we hope to achieve from the program and activities of the Young Arab Leaders Forum."

Shehab Gargash, Managing Director, Daman, "Daman is proud to be a sponsor of the Young Arab Leaders Annual Meeting, held this year in Dubai. We are particularly happy to have the opportunity to join in welcoming all delegates as the host of the Inaugural Dinner. The Young Arab Leaders is an organization that has contributed to creating the dynamic environment across the region that has driven private sector innovation, and that environment has been a key driver of our growth here at Daman across the past five years.

Rami Makhzoumi, President and CEO of Future Pipe Group said, "The Young Arab Leaders will act as the cornerstone to the prosperity for within and as the hope and model for those outside." He emphasized by saying, "The Future Pipe Group strongly believes that Young Arab Leaders is a commendable initiative that has incredible potential; an initiative that is made up of the right people in the right structure and for the right reasons."

Shell's representative Hussain Mahmoodi, Head of External Affairs Manager, Shell Markets (ME) Ltd said, "Shell's commitment to support and nurture young Arabs has been a long and sustained effort. We have recognized the importance of providing employment opportunities to UAE Nationals and have focused on encouraging young entrepreneurs in the region. Our Intilaaqah program has been a hugely successful regional initiative to support the efforts of young men and women striving to set up and run their own businesses."

He added, "Shell is pleased to support the YAL Forum. This forum creates the necessary environment for future leaders to grow and develop, and contribute to the overall progress of the region."

Patricia Trodd, Marketing Communications Manager of HP said "The Young Arab Leaders Forum brings together expertise in specific fields to develop an action plan for the future - as the leader in ICT, HP is honored to be part of this initiative and to contribute to the development of the region. HP believes that innovation is a critical component of success and commends the Executive Committee of the YAL for its commitment and foresight."