Steve Forbes, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Media; Mohammed Al Shaibani (middle), Director General of The Ruler's Court, Government of Dubai; and another executive at the conference. THE Forbes Global CEO Conference opened Sunday in Dubai with Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as the keynote speaker. The Forbes Global CEO Conference is being held in Dubai and the Middle East for the first time from Oct. 21-23. This year's conference gathers more than 50 prominent global business leaders participating as speakers. Now in its twelfth year, the event provides a high-level platform for more than 400 top CEOs, entrepreneurs, tycoons and thought-leaders to discuss and debate issues of global concern. A stellar cast of speakers from the GCC region and around the world have come together to exchange insights on today's risks and opportunities. They include: Steve Forbes, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Media; Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, Chairman of Kingdom Holding Company; and Mohammed Al Shaibani, Director General of The Ruler's Court, Government of Dubai and CEO & Executive Director of the Investment Corporation of Dubai. Under the theme of”The Race Ahead”, the conference will examine how policy and business leaders are facing critical challenges in the global competition for prosperity. Panels will analyze the state of the world economy and focus on the best strategies for success in global business. Sessions will also highlight the latest trends in sectors such as finance, energy and commodities, technology and innovation, entrepreneurship, rising cities, as well as the best practices in philanthropy and leadership. Al Shaibani will conduct a “‘Meeting of Minds” one-on-one dialogue with Steve Forbes to examine global economic issues at the opening gala dinner. Alwaleed will join Steve Forbes in a special dialogue to exchange views on the world economy and investment prospects on the following day. Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, will engage in a conversation with Steve Forbes at the gala dinner at the Armani Hotel at the Burj Khalifa. – SG
