World Summit on Innovation & Entrepreneurship to be held in Muscat from April 1-3, 2006

To be held in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, from 1 - 3 April 2006, this conference aims at helping emerging nations achieve global competitiveness through initiative and innovation by creating practical solutions that address the most pressing issues facing emerging markets as well as those of the Arab world. The 2006 World Summit on Innovation & Entrepreneurship will unite 800 of the world's leading innovators and entrepreneurs who will come together to improve the state of the global economy. WSIE has so far confirmed more than 85 renowned business, political and social leaders as speakers from across the globe, organizers announced at a press conference held in Muscat today.

Speaking at the event, H.E. Eng. Ahmed Al Dheeb, Undersecretary of Oman's Ministry of Commerce and Industry, said: "It gives us immense pride to host the World Summit of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Sultanate of Oman, which is on the threshold of an economic revolution and is one of the most promising emerging markets. With nearly 10,000 graduates passing out every year, the government strives to ensure that the talent is best utilized in the job market. We are confident that the Summit will help young Omanis acquire the necessary skills to professionally run a small business. Moreover, it will help identify the role that young Omanis can play in providing job opportunities and inspiring others to start their own businesses."

The initiative to host the Summit in the Sultanate also epitomises the fact that Oman, in line with its Vision 2020, aims to showcase its diversified business opportunities and environment, thereby reducing its dependency on oil.

HE Al Dheeb added: "The Summit is being hosted at the right time as it highlights the growing importance of not only the Sultanate but the entire Middle East region. Through this endeavour, we wish to engage young nationals in creating jobs for themselves, thereby improving their livelihoods. I am confident that the Summit will benefit each one of us to share our ideas and forge new partnerships that will help people living in emerging markets like Oman."

Also speaking at the press conference, Mr. Sultan Al Habsi, President, Public Establishment for Industrial Estates said: "The Word Summit of Innovation and Entrepreneurship is an ideal opportunity for the private sector in the Sultanate to meet the government representatives from all over the globe. We are delighted to host the Summit here because we are confident that the deliberations will come up with innovative solutions and opportunities benefiting both parties."

He further added: "At the forum, private sector delegates from around the world can share their experiences and discuss how to encourage and develop national and regional entrepreneurship. We are confident that the forum will make a significant contribution to the economic development of the country and provide a framework for outstanding experience for young Omanis."

The three-day conference will present a knowledge-sharing platform for the economic growth of emerging nations. Having confirmed a strong line up of leading international figures such as Dr. Deepak Chopra, Mr. Michael D. White, Chairman & CEO of PepsiCo International Businesses, Mr. Jeff Jacobs, President of Global Development, Qualcomm, Dr. Johnathan Lord, Chief Innovation Officer, Humana, Dr. David Polinchock, Founder & Chairman, Brand Experience Lab. A number of leading regional experts will also be speaking at the conference, including, Mrs. Haifa F. Al Kaylani Founder & Chairman Arab International Women's Forum , and Dr. Thuraya Al Arrayed Senior Executive Saudi Aramco. All speakers are regional leaders in their fields coming from diverse backgrounds and covering different expertise.

The WSIE aims to provide a knowledge sharing platform which will focus on six key initiatives: improving infrastructure, empowering human development, enabling sustainable development, making innovations foster better governance and legal reforms, sharing reports from leaders on stimulating growth ventures and ultimately exploring the impact of innovation trends on our future lives.

On his part, Sam Hamdan, Chairman of the Global Leadership Team (GLT), the strategic development and execution leader of the event, stated: "We are honoured to be bringing such an array of political and business figures together for this Summit. WSIE will create a network community for innovators and entrepreneurs who share the focus on emerging nations. Top representatives from the regional and international business community will communicate how emerging nations can best prepare themselves for global competition."

He highlighted the significance of holding the summit in the Middle East, "a region that is witnessing phenomenal growth in non traditional industries. This growth will need to be sustained beyond the initial boom and therein lies the challenge."

He concluded by saying: "We are of the opinion that the new generation of Arab Leaders and young businessmen of the region will ensure the region continues to grow beyond just the boom."

GLT is a strategic leadership consultancy organization with core competencies in planning, capacity development, alliance management, and market innovations. The organization has a documented track record delivering powerful solutions for a cross section of prestigious clients ranging from leadership capacity building to alliance management for global live events and productions, for a cross section of prestigious clients.