JEDDAH, 16 January 2008 — Jeddah Economic Forum (JEF 2008) is going high-tech with the introduction of an automated machine for registration of participants and the change of venue to the Jeddah International Exhibition and Convention Center on Madinah Road.

“We are introducing a new machine, developed specifically for us, and it will be available at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce & Industry premises for registration,” JEF President Sami Bahrawi told a press conference at the JCCI yesterday. The JEF 2008 is set from Feb. 23-26.

The machine is a self-operated one like an ATM machine and registration can be done on the spot against cash payment that the machine can receive. The machine will be available for registration at the JCCI a month before the start of the JEF. The other form of registration, available through its website, continues. Registration can be done in different categories - VIPs, heads of institutions, businessmen, students, journalists, etc. - under separate distinctive codes.

Bahrawi said that security considerations have been uppermost while moving the JEF’s new edition to the chamber’s own premises from the Jeddah Hilton where it was held for the last eight years. “We are making arrangements with Le Meridien Hotel on Madinah Road for our visiting keynote and other speakers and guests, and a security committee under the direction of Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal will take care of all security aspects,” Bahrawi added.

The exhibition venue is currently undergoing a massive renovation and extension plan for hosting the JEF. It will be a state-of-the-art venue for conferences and conventions and will be available for those staging such events. “Those interested may book the venue for their conferences or forums once the JEF ends,” Bahrawi said. “Value creation through allies and partners” is the theme of this year’s forum. Bahrawi said the list of keynote and other speakers will be issued as soon as a final confirmation is received from them.

According to an earlier announcement, some 35 political leaders, economists and heads of multinationals companies from 22 countries have expressed their desire to participate as speakers in the forum. They are expected to present 24 working papers as well.

He hoped that the participation of international experts in the forum would help expand the horizons of understanding of the Saudis engaged in identical fields, adding that the discussions about new economic cities were important because it would minimize mistakes.

Bahrawi said the forum would contribute significantly to the development of the economic, commercial, industrial and service perceptions in the Kingdom.