Knowledge Economy Conference starts in Jeddah

Sunday, 13 January 2008
By Adel Al-Malki

JEDDAH - Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, the Emir of Makkah, on Saturday launched the first regional conference on the knowledge economy under the slogan "Towards A Knowledge Economy" at the Hilton Hotel. The event runs until Monday.

"Selected economic experts will highlight ways to maximize the Kingdom's stock of intellectual capital that can be utilized to diversify and develop the economy," Abdullah Al-Subyani, founder and president of the Arabian Knowledge Economy Association (AKEA) said.

The conference particularly intends to introduce, promote and apply the appropriate policies and strategies for building a viable knowledge-based economy.

"The conference will focus on creating awareness on the knowledge-based economy, learning from the experience of other countries in preparing their individuals and enterprises for the knowledge economy era," Al-Subyani said.

The two-day event will also network entrepreneurs, investors and industry experts to discover new practical approaches for improving and shaping innovation and entrepreneurship in several industries including education, hydrocarbon, power and water, environment, health-care and life sciences, information and communication technologies and real estate and tourism.

The conference keynote speakers for the opening ceremony include Prime Minister Bertie Ahern of Ireland and Dr. Amr Moussa, Arab League Secretary General. The conference is expected to attract between 700 and 1000 delegates from the region and globally.