Alabbar to illustrate Dubai’s success at Economist Roundtable conference

Dubai, February 4, 2005: Mohamed Ali Alabbar will deliver a keynote address on Dubai’s long-term vision to global champions of industry and academia attending the Economist’s Dubai Business and Investment Roundtable Conference in London on February 7. 

The Chairman of Emaar Properties and Director General of Dubai Department of Economic Development will illustrate the success of the Dubai model, globally acknowledged as the best kind of Arab prosperity. 

“Dubai has reinvented itself, moved ahead and has now become a beacon of hope for the whole region. The city has political stability, strong economic performance and a positive attitude to western business. It's the best kind of tangible and highly visible Arab prosperity and can be repeated elsewhere in the region,” Alabbar said a day before leaving for the one-day conference which will debate strategic issues shaping Dubai’s future. 

“But more needs to be done. Like HH General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum says, we have to stop talking about dreams; what must, and what must not be. We have to draw long term strategies, to initiate work partnership, devise new measures leading to real commitments. We have to deliver and deliver well because the world is looking at us very closely. Dubai has to move confidently to the year 2020,” Alabbar continued. 

The Roundtable conference sponsored by Emaar Properties will be characterised by an exchange of informed opinion and brings together business leaders, investors, senior members of Dubai’s government and Economist Group experts on the Middle East. 

Among the defining issues for discussion on Dubai’s future are: How will compliance with WTO regulations affect business in Dubai? Does the political and legal outlook mean property investments are safe? How will further Gulf integration alter the business and financial situation in Dubai? What are the realities of intra-regional trade? 

Dr. Omar Bin Sulaiman, Director General of Dubai International Financial Centre will also deliver a keynote speech on Dubai being a gateway to opportunity. Other speakers include Arif Masood Naqvi Executive Vice-chairman and CEO, Abraaj Capital; Stevan Koch Regional Director, General Motors; Mohammed Al Hashimi Chief Executive Officer, Amlak Finance; Carlos da Silva, Director of Operations IBM CEMA; Habib Al Mulla Chairman, Dubai Financial Services Authority; Anita Mehra Homayoun, Director, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Dubai Department of Civil Aviation; Ravi Patel Business and General Manager Eastman Kodak; Marwan Nadak Group Manager, SC Johnson; and David Wild Country Manager, DHL UAE. Delia Meth-Cohn Senior Consultant, Economist Corporate Network will be the conference’s chairperson.