Greg Norman announced as keynote speaker for Arabian Hotel Investment Conference

The Australian champion has been closely involved with golf development in Dubai for several years, entering an alliance with Nakheel for the construction of six themed courses including one that will recreate his favourite golf holes from around the world.

"I have been a regular visitor to Dubai for two decades, and I have followed the city's meteoric development very closely," he said. "Dubai has truly established itself as a global destination, and the government has wisely decided that its strategic future is that of international business and tourism - I think Dubai's growth spurt will maintain its current pace for years to come."

Integral to Dubai's development is the promotion of sports as a key attraction, a route that has been favoured by Dubai authorities since the opening of the initial Emirates Golf Club, home of the Dubai Desert Classic nearly 20 years ago. In fact, speakers at the conference will discuss The integration of sports in the hospitality industry, highlighting future developments such as Dubai Sports City.

Jonathan Worsley, the founder of Arabian Hotel Investment Conference, said: "Greg Norman has been an inspiration for sports fans around the world; his ventures into the tourism and leisure industries have been equally noteworthy. His keynote speech, coming at the end of the conference, will finish proceedings off with a swing!"

The Arabian Hotel Investment Conference will run from April 29 - May 1, 2006 at Dubai's Madinat Jumeirah conference centre. The conference is organised by Jonathan Worsley, managing director of International Hospitality Services and MEED Conferences. Details of AHIC can be found on www.arabianconference.com.

Platinum sponsors at the 2006 event are: GuestInvest; Kingdom Hotel Investments; Nakheel Hotels & Resorts and Rezidor SAS Hospitality.

Gold sponsors are: Accor; ALDhiyafa Holdings Company; Arabian Travel Market; Armani Hotels & Resorts; Cendant Vacation Network Group; Deloitte; Emirates; Euro RSCG Furness; Fairmont Hotels & Resorts; Government of Tanzania; Group 32 Snow Dome; Gulf Air; Hamilton Hotel Partners; Hilton International; HVS International; IFA Hotels & Resorts; Integra TV; InterContinental Hotels & Resorts; Interval International; Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels; Jumeirah; Kempinski; Marriott International; Morgan Stanley; Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts; OBM International; Port Ghalib Egypt; Rotana Hotels; RSP Group; Shaza Hotels; Sidley Austin; Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide; TRI Hospitality Consulting Middle East, Turks & Caicos and UG Recker.

Media sponsors are: AME Info, CNBC Arabia, Global Hospitality Resources, Hotelier Middle East; HOTELS, Sleeper and TTN.

Supporters are: Dubai Convention Bureau, Emirates Academy of Hospitality; International Hotel & Restaurant Association; International Business Leaders Forum, Villeroy & Boch; the World Travel & Tourism Council and WOW Travels.