DUBAI, 23 November 2004 — Arab leaders from across the Middle East will gather in Dubai next month to look at the future of the region. Rafik Hariri, former Lebanese prime minister will play a leading role in the event.
The Arab Strategy Forum, themed “The Arab World in 2020, will take place on Dec. 13-15 in Dubai under the patronage of General Sheikh Mohammed ibn Rashid Al-Maktoum, crown prince of Dubai and UAE minister of Defense.
Hariri will address issues such as the challenges being faced by the Arab region, possibilities of achieving integration between Arab countries and the economic ramifications of development.
The former Lebanese prime minister will share his experience in the spheres of business and economics to focus on how the issues and challenges faced by the Arab world should be addressed, reflecting his commitment to overcoming the obstacles to collaboration between Arab countries.
The objective of the forum is to encourage open dialogue between political leaders, experts and academics from around the world.
This year’s forum will examine challenging issues, including the improvement of political systems in the Arab world in light of the political and democratic reforms, the future of Islamic movements and their impact on governing systems, establishing a security system for the Gulf Region and its economic and social costs as well as the role the region plays in the new world order.
