United Arab Emirates signs memorandum of understanding to host Summit on the Global Agenda in the upcoming years

Representatives of the World Economic Forum and the Government of the United Arab Emirates met on Tuesday in Dubai to sign a Memorandum of Understanding that marks the official start of preparations for the 2010 Summit on the Global Agenda. The United Arab Emirates will host the Summit in Dubai from 29 November to 1 December 2010.

 Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, and André Schneider, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of the World Economic Forum, signed the Memorandum of Understanding.

The Summit will bring together over 700 participants of the most innovative and relevant minds from over 90 countries – leaders from academia, business, government and civil society – to address some of the most pressing issues on the global agenda.

On this occasion,  Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi stated that "the Summit on the Global Agenda positions the UAE uniquely as a global hub for world class thinkers and thought leaders to meet, capture the best knowledge and challenge prevailing assumptions whilst proposing solutions that can be integrated into global decision-making processes. The Summit will also present excellent opportunities for leading UAE innovators and thinkers to engage with their global peers from over 60 countries. The Summit was inaugurated and continues to take place in the UAE, which is a testament to our distinguished track record in hosting important international summits."

"This unique global brainstorming of the world's top experts around over 60 global issues provides unique insights into the global agenda and has become an intellectual backbone for the Forum's activities. This important meeting for the Forum would not be possible without the continued and excellent support of the UAE," said André Schneider.