Ohmae opens 'Leaders in Dubai 2005'

Addressing the opening session of 'Leaders In Dubai 2005' - the international leadership summit - the man known as 'Mr Strategy' told a packed audience of 1,500 delegates: "The progress today of Dubai probably is a very good example of globalization of economy and of a country that can clearly position itself on the world map."

Ohmae told delegates that globalization is now a must for business and countries. "Local success is no longer sustainable," he said.

And the man who has played an important role in assisting Asian Governments to develop future oriented-regional strategies, said corporate strategy today is about change.

"The whole world is about change. Information technology will also allow you to dominate even if you come from a small county. IT-based prosperity is now shifting power from the state,"

he said.

Ohmae said the key to attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) is now regionalization with a focus on specific industries. He warned that a one-size-fits-all approach to attracting FDI will no longer apply.

"You can no longer be a Jack Of All Trades - that's now a no-no in attracting Foreign Direct Investment," he said. "Generic attraction will no longer work."

Ohmae was the first in a powerful leadership line up of nine speakers to take the platform at 'Leaders In Dubai,' which runs at the Madinat Jumeirah Conference Centre in Dubai until Tuesday night (November 29).

Tuesdays session will see four key speakers take the platform including Spencer Johnson, author of the best-selling 'Who Moved My Cheese?'; former Malaysian Premier Dr.Mahathir Bin Mohammed; branding guru Scott Bedbury and former South African President, F. W. De Klerk who is widely credited with sowing the seeds for the break-up of the republic's former apartheid regime.

'Leaders In Dubai' is organized by LEADING MINDS, a division of the Institute for International Research, the world's leading business information company.

"This second 'Leaders In Dubai' has been extremely well received with delegates from some of the biggest names throughout corporate Arabia," said Christina Thostrup, International Event Director, 'Leaders In Dubai.'

"This event is aimed at giving leaders of today a unique opportunity to confront the significant issues of tomorrow. The speakers offer groundbreaking thinking on a wide range of topics - all with one unified intention - to create impactful leadership approaches."

Citigroup Private Bank, Emaar Properties, Etisalat, Nokia, MasterCard International and Saudi Oger are headline sponsors of the event.

Official partners are Dubai Municipality, ETA Star, Global Investment House, Kuwait Financial Centre Markaz, Octara, Prime Limousine, and TCS Express Worldwide. Audi is the official car partner and HP the official IT partner. Media partners include CNN, Al Arabiya News, Al Hayat, AME Info, Gulf Business, Gulf News and Oman Economic Review.