AL ABBAR TO OPEN SUMMIT, IBM TAKES A KEY ROLE

Solutions for e-world organisational effectiveness tabled at Dubai’s first business symposium – October 22-23 2000

Mohamed Al Abbar, director general of Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED) is to give the opening address at the upcoming Summit Dubai business symposium on organisational effectiveness in the e-age, according to organisers, Global Management Consultants.

News of IBM joining the blue chip corporate collection as a showcase exhibitor and a co- sponsor is also confirmed.

"Summit Dubai gained the support of DED many months ago and we have recently received news that Mr Al Abbar will officially open the event and deliver the first day keynote presentation," said Saira Azhar, chief executive officer of Global and Summit Dubai.

According to Azhar, Al Abbar’s address will lead the two-day conference : "As is his legend, Mr Al Abbar is expected to deliver a forthright, visionary but realistic view of Dubai’s regional and global role in the New Economy," she said.

She also revealed that IBM is to work a product showcase and will host the launch day luncheon for more than 220 government representatives, local dignitaries, leading business influencers and members of the press. She said that IBM is seeking to provide a guest speaker for the luncheon : "This will further fuel the weight and substance of the e-age dialogue, debate and learning that will be imparted throughout the event." The name of the speaker is yet to be announced.

Other speakers include Summit’s main sponsor, Microsoft, American Express, Andersen Consulting, Arthur Andersen, Bywater, Cisco Systems, Fusion Consulting, Hay Group, Motorola and Oracle.

Azhar said that in all cases the presentations will be made by one of the top three decision-makers within the respective speaker companies. In addition, Summit Dubai will also stage product showcases, with IBM being joined by leading players such as Acer, CacheFlow, Compaq, Cupola CTS and MiddleEastOnline.com.

Summit Dubai, which is also supported by Dubai FM and Gulf Business, will be held at Emirates Towers Hotel October 22-23 2000.