Top knowledge influencers and experts to drive vibrant discussions at first Knowledge Conference

• More than 40 Elite speakers include Sir Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web, and Jimmy Wales, co-founder of Wikipedia

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, November 26, 2014: Prominent knowledge influencers and experts from around the world are set to address some of the most critical issues related to knowledge transfer and localization during the first Knowledge Conference, which will be held from December 7 to 9, 2014, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Dubai.

Organized by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation (MBRF) on the theme ‘Empowering Future Generations’, the conference, which is the first event of its kind in the region, will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and under the direction of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of MBRF.

“The first Knowledge Conference offers a unique opportunity for participants to listen to some of the most well-known personalities in the field of knowledge dissemination. During three days of thought-provoking discussions, these top knowledge influencers and experts will share their insights and first-hand experiences which will contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the Arab world,” said H.E. Jamal Bin Huwaireb, Managing Director of MBRF.

Among the notable speakers on the opening day of the conference, Sir Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web, and Jimmy Wales, co-founder and promoter of the online non-profit encyclopedia Wikipedia, will address a session on the creation of knowledge through innovation and integration. The session will also be addressed by Prof Chizo Nakajima, Professor of Corporate Law and Governance and Director of the International Centre for Integrity and Governance at the London Guildhall Faculty of Business and Law.

At the opening session, Khalid Al Wazani, Chief Economist, Strategist & Founding Partner of Issnaad Consulting, Jordan, and Prof Peter Stokes, Deputy Dean of the University of Chester Business School, UK, will analyze the transition from a knowledge society to a knowledge economy in the context of the Arab region.

Hussein Lootah, director general of Dubai Municipality, will be among the prominent speakers in the third session that will explore how local knowledge pool can be created in the Arab region. The session will also look at the UAE as a success story in the area of producing and localizing knowledge.

Dr. Hassan Hussein El-Bilawi, professor of Sociology of Education at Helwan University, Cairo; Moudi Al Homoud, former minister and prominent figure in the field of education and research in Kuwait; Ziad Al Drees, Saudi ambassador to UNESCO; and Yousry  El Gamal, former Minister of Education in Egypt, will speak during on the second day of the conference on integration of Arab youth in the process of knowledge transfer and localization.

On the concluding day of the conference, Dr. Lana Mamcg, Jordan’s Minister of Culture, will be among the top luminaries who will evaluate the most important features of the Arab Knowledge Index, which will be launched during the conference as an annual indicator of the status of knowledge in the Arab world.

The final session will witness the participation of Riz Khan, prominent media personality, Lt. General Dhahi Khalfan, Deputy Chairman of Police and General Security in Dubai, Hamdi Kandeel, reputed Egyptian journalist, H.E. Essam Sharaf, academic and former Prime Minister of Egypt, Prof Peter Giblin, Board Member of American University of Cairo and management expert who works with senior level decision makers. During the session, these high profile figures will examine how the recent events in the Arab world have affected the values of the society.

Registrations for participation in the conference are open for individuals, government and private sector representatives as well as local, regional and international stakeholders in dissemination, transfer and localization of knowledge.

For registration and for further information on the first Knowledge Conference, visit the conference website: www.fkc.ae

About Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation (MBRF):

MBRF Launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai in May 2003. The Foundation has conceptualized innovative ventures aimed at elevating the status of Dubai and the UAE on the regional knowledge map since 2013. Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation aims to empower future generations to devise sustainable solutions that address challenges in the knowledge and research domains in the Arab world. Under the key pillars of culture, entrepreneurship and education, the Foundation is committed to disseminating knowledge throughout the region through fostering ideas and innovation and funding research projects, activities and initiatives.