Roster of respected global statesmen confirmed for 2nd Abu Dhabi World Leadership Summit

The day long leadership and knowledge sharing forum this year is scheduled for the 21st November 2006 at the exclusive Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi.

The Abu Dhabi World Leadership Summit has emerged as one of the World's largest annual leadership forums, attracting more than 1300 like minded, successful business and political delegates from across the region last year. Global Events anticipates this number to reach the 2,000 mark this year.

The Summit is being held under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. This year the list of the distinguished speakers include The Hon. George Bush Sr., the 41st President of the United States, H.E. Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority, Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's first-ever Prime Minister and current Minister Mentor, H.E. Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, UAE Minister of Economy and Gerhard Schröder, former Chancellor of Germany.

Announcing the event, Mohammed Shareef Abdul Raheem, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Global Events said, "The last couple of years have seen UAE and the Middle East witness rapid economic growth, elevating the region to the position of one of the fastest growing in the world. As the host city, Abu Dhabi itself is a fine example of growth and achievement that has been guided by strong leadership. A chance to listen and learn from the experiences of globally renowned and eminent personalities all on one common platform is indeed a rare opportunity that we hope local and regional delegates will make the most of."

Commenting further, Mr. Abdul Raheem said, "The huge success of the Abu Dhabi World Leadership Summits debut last year highlighted the need for qualitative knowledge sharing forums in the region. We set very high standards and this year too we will leave no stone unturned to raise the bar and meet the high expectations from the event."

"This event is a serious content driven forum aimed at positively contributing to the efforts of nurturing Arab global leaders. This event is also attracting a high number of corporate sponsors which illustrates the significance and influence of this very special gathering - as well as the increasing importance of Abu Dhabi as a commercial centre." Said Ms. Julia Helbach, General Manager, Global Events.

The 1st Abu Dhabi World Leadership Summit last year has been remembered by the audience who attended as one of the most significant and unique events ever to take place in the Middle East. Sharing the platform to express their thoughts and experiences were an illustrious list comprising of The Hon. William Jefferson Clinton - 42nd President of the United States, Sir Richard Branson - British billionaire and CEO of Virgin, H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Bin Mubarak Al Nahayan - Minister of Education and Scientific Research and Chancellor, Higher Colleges of Technology, Benazir Bhutto - twice elected and first female Prime Minister of Pakistan, John Edwards - 2004 Democratic Vice-Presidential candidate and former Senator from North Carolina and H.E. Mohamed Ali Alabbar - Director General of Dubai Department of Economic Development and Chairman of Emaar Properties.

The Abu Dhabi World Leadership Summit brings some of the world's most influential minds and global ambassadors, all live and in person on one platform. The main aim of the summit is to empower delegates with knowledge from the experiences of some of the world's most powerful leaders apart from enhancing leadership development skills, competitive business development, management tactics, networking, relationship building among others. The format at the intensive one-day conference is an interactive one where the audience can directly interact with speakers through open discussions which add tremendous value through the exchange and debate on diverse perspectives.

After graciously hosting all delegates and guests last year, Emirates Palace - Abu Dhabi's enchanting landmark hotel will once again be the official venue for the Abu Dhabi World Leadership Summit 2006.