DUBAI, 2 November 2006 — The organizing committee of the Arab Strategy Forum (ASF), which runs from Dec. 4-6 in Dubai yesterday announced the use of pioneering technology to ensure efficient management of the conference and to provide participants with unrestricted, real-time access to information on the forum’s multi-layered agenda.
Specialized PDA devices — a small, portable handheld being sponsored by du, the new telecom operator in the UAE and ASF’s technology partner — will be provided to each participant, enabling instant access to session details and the facility to book a place at a specific segment of the forum. The PDA will also allow attendees to coordinate meetings with others at the event by a two-way messaging system.
Yasser Hareb, coordinator general of ASF, said: “We’re continually striving to raise the bar in event organization and to better position the ASF as one of the world’s leading strategic-thinking platforms. The development and implementation of the technological solutions at this year’s event will be instrumental in achieving our goals and allowing participants to maximize the benefit of the ASF.”
Osman Sultan, CEO of du, said: “By using customized, high tech devices, ASF aims to change the traditional way of organizing and managing conferences. As the technology partner for the event, we understand the necessity to stay ahead of the curve and are facilitating the technology to do so. This initiative is completely in line with our commitment to offer customized solutions and we’re confident this year’s ASF will far exceed expectations on every front.” Interactive touch screens are also being developed exclusively for the event, providing key governmental, economic and social statistics and research details for all Arab countries.
