Dubai Holding executive chairman Mohamed Al Gergawi has been selected as one of the 12 mentors of the World Economic Forum on Growth to be held in Dalian, north-eastern China, from 6-8 September 2007. The list of mentors includes Craig Barrett, Chairman of Intel Corporation, US, and Sir Martin Sorrell, Group Chief Executive, WPP, UK.
Dubai Holding incorporates seven entities: Dubai Group, Dubai Properties, Tatweer, TECOM Investments, Jumeirah Group, Sama Dubai and Dubai International Capital. The company has created a strong foothold in various industries by developing
pioneering initiatives covering numerous sectors, including healthcare, technology, finance, real estate, education, telecommunication, entertainment and leisure, energy, communication, industrial manufacturing, biotechnology, hospitality and aerospace. Each Dubai Holding operating company focuses on key areas that dynamically support the development of Dubai as a world-leading hub for commerce, leisure and finance.
Al Gergawi said: “The UAE has become a major growth engine for the region’s economy. The country has significantly contributed to making the Arab world an active business and commercial focal point, attracting investment and competing at the global level. We believe the World Economic Forum in China has come at an opportune time as China and the rest of Asia are playing an increasingly important role in balancing the global economy. The UAE, due to its economic and geographic advantages play an equally pivotal role in the global trade as well. This makes the UAE’s participation in this forum essential.”
He added: “In addition, the importance of Asia as an investment destination, and the accelerated economic growth in China and other Asian countries make it imperative that we change our perception of these states from just a source for skilled manpower to states with substantial investment capabilities. While Asian investments in the world are fast increasing, the share of the Arab region is still negligent.”
The World Economic Forum on Growth is also the inaugural annual meeting of Global Growth Companies, which will bring together emerging companies from around the world with the World Economic Forum’s top experts and leaders of industry. More than 300 companies from the new Global Growth Community will attend the forum in Dalian. The forum will host more than 1,200 participants including experts, leaders of industry and government officials.
Dubai Holding has been one of the strategic partners of the World Economic Forum. The partnership has been in force since the beginning of the World Economic Forum on the Middle East held at the Dead Sea, Jordan, more than two years ago.