Seven of the world's most influential leaders headed to GCC

More than 2000 of the region's top business people are expected to attend the Leaders in Dubai Business Forum 2006 in November to meet with international influencers including Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan, former Disney boss Michael Eisner and renowned corporate strategists, C K Prahalad.

This is the third time the Leaders in Dubai Business Forum has been held and organisers are expecting a record attendance.

Seven internationally respected speakers have been signed up ranging from philanthropists and creative thinkers to respected business leaders and one of the world's highest profile and controversial military commanders.

For the first time the keynote speakers will be joined by members of Al Rouad who make up some of the leading Gulf nationals in the business world.

They include Maha K Al-Ghunaim, founder, vice chairman and managing director of Global Investment House, Kuwait; Faisal bin Juma Behoul, founding and managing partner, Ithmar Capital, UAE; Ibrahim Belselah, CEO I Capital, UAE; Esam Yousif Janahi, CEO and board member of Gulf Finance House, Bahrain; Ibrahim Al Asmakh, chairman, Regency Group, Qatar; and Yousef Al-Essa, CEO, Addax Investment Bank, Bahrain.

"Leaders in Dubai is the largest annual meeting of successful like-minded individuals in the Gulf and it is having a major influence in the region," said event director, Alan Kelly.

"The knowledge and discussion generated during the past 24 months by delegates has been integrated into companies around the Gulf and 286 companies and more than 900 delegates have already registered to participate this year."

"Imagine being able to sit down with creative thinkers like Edward de Bono or discuss future trends with famous economist and forecaster, Harry S Dent Jnr. That's what the forum offers.

"Business leaders around the Gulf are being given access to a goldmine of knowledge and expertise," he said.

Louise Jeffreys, marketing manager for the event, said the organising team was building on a community spirit among delegates.

"We have already seen a steady stream of bookings from delegates who have attended the first two events.

"This year, repeat delegates will become part of the Leaders in Dubai Business Forum community, giving them access to learning materials and speaker content through the online Resource Bank, as well as priority booking for seats and exclusive speaker events."

The forum has an impressive line up of sponsors including Citigroup Private Bank, Global Investment House, Zabeel Investments, CNN, Al Arabiya, Cadillac, SP Jain Center of Management, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, TCS Express Worldwide; FT Business Financial Times; Emirates Today; The Bankers; AMEInfo, Gulf Business and 103.8 Dubai Eye.

The Leaders in Dubai Business Forum 2006 will be held November 28 and 29 at the Dubai International Convention Centre.