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This publication is also available in electronic form on the World Economic Forum website at the following
address:
The electronic version of this report allows access to a richer level of content from meeting, including
photographs, session summaries and videos of selected sessions.
Other specific information on the World Economic Forum on the Middle East, Dead Sea, 18-20 May can
be found at the following links:
REF: 050607
Contents
Page 2
Preface
Page 4
Summary
Page 6
Industries of the Future
Page 10
Peace, Stability and International Relations
Page 14
Society and Change
Page 18
Putting Diversity to Work in the WorkSpace
Page 21
Acknowledgements
2 | World Economic Forum on the Middle East
Preface
The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos in know peace is attainable.” His Majesty paused the question
January warned of the increasingly “schizophrenic” global that will be at the centre of attention for the coming decade:
economy, with strong growth being threatened by sharp
imbalances and high risks. The same characterization could “What about the day after peace?” asked H.M. King
be applied to the Middle East in this crucial year for the Abdullah Ibn Al Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom
region. An unprecedented and sustained oil boom is being of Jordan
leveraged to bring about dramatic growth and development,
focused in the GCC countries, but spilling across much of These words resonated through all of the discussions
the region. And yet, this astonishing economic success story that took place at the Dead Sea. The Forum fulfilled its
is playing out in the shadow of, and often in close proximity purpose as a neutral platform for dialogue at a particularly
to, the staggering violence in Iraq, a breakdown of law sensitive time for the region. The participation of the
and order in the Palestinian territories and the growing Iranian government in discussions on Iraq and other
tensions concerning Iran. issues at a senior level was a significant breakthrough.
Senior Israeli and Palestinian representatives discussed
How can we understand and reconcile these two faces the immediate needs of the situation on the ground. And
of the Middle East? What are the current risks mitigation the US was represented by a delegation of Senators and
strategies being pursued by the regional and global Congressmen who were offered the chance to exchange
leadership? How can the diversification of the region’s views face to face with leaders from the region.
economies be better understood? How can cultural,
national and religious diversity be turned from a source of Learning to live together in a diverse region applies to the
tension into a source of strength? internal workings of societies in the Middle East as much
as it does to international politics. The importance of
Such questions were at the heart of the discussions during education and the role of youth was once again
this year’s World Economic Forum on the Middle East, emphasized. While the establishment of the Sheikh
which took place under the theme “Putting Diversity to Mohammed Bin Rashid Foundation with a US$ 10 billion
Work”. The record number of participants themselves endowment took the headlines, important work was also
encapsulated this theme, being drawn from 56 countries, advanced at the grassroots level through the active
and including government, business, civil society and religious participation of organizations such as Injaz and groups of
leaders, and youth. The programme was structured Arab students from across the region.
around three sub-themes: Industries of the Future; Peace,
Stability and International Relations; Society and Change. Participants came away not only with a sense of optimism
for the region, but also with the awareness of the need
The rapidly changing business environment in the region for sustained commitment to progress. Never has the
was reflected in a series of sessions that focused on the Forum’s role in bringing communities and countries
emerging high-growth and high-potential sectors. These together, promoting understanding, and celebrating
include Islamic Finance, Insurance, Green Energy and IT. diversity been more vital for the future of the Middle East.
The discussions offered an insight into how the economies
of the Middle East might look in 10-15 years time, as oil The World Economic Forum would like to thank the Co-
reserves diminish and diversification becomes key to Chairs of the meeting: Hans-Paul Bürkner, President and
economic survival, as it is already in many parts of the CEO, The Boston Consulting Group; Fadi Ghandour,
region. How to diversify successfully, led by the private President and CEO, Aramex International; Khaldoon Al
sector, remains an important question for the region. Mubarak, CEO and Managing Director, Mubadala
Development Company; Saeed Al Muntafiq, Executive
The meeting took place against the background of renewed Chairman, Tatweer; Linda Rottenberg, Co-Founder and
violence in the Palestinian Territories to the West, and CEO, Endeavor Global; R. Seshasayee, Managing
continuing bloodshed in Iraq to the East. Jordan has Director, Ashok Leyland; Sir Martin Sorrell, Group Chief
arguably more at stake in promoting peace and stability Executive, WPP.
than any other country in the region. As His Majesty King
Abdullah II mentioned in his opening address: “We, in Jordan, Sherif El Diwany Daniel Davies
are doing all we can to build the momentum for peace. We Director, Middle East Associate Director,
know success is not, and will not be, easy. But we also Middle East
The World Economic Forum on the Middle East Chairman of the World Economic Forum: “I see the
returned to its home in Jordan, where the meeting World Economic Forum on the Middle East as
was first held four years ago. More than 1,200 signalling to the world that the leaders from the region
business, government and civil society leaders from are ready to take their fate into their own hands.”
56 countries convened by the shores of the Dead Sea
to discuss how to turn the region’s diversity – long a They must. While dialogue can take time, the region
source of conflict and confusion – into a powerful does not enjoy that luxury. The plain fact is that across
advantage to achieve peace, stability and growth. the region, people are dying from needless violence,
destruction and disease. Action is of the essence. As
Jordan’s King Abdullah Ibn Al Hussein called on King Abdullah put it: “This is our year of opportunity –
participants to begin thinking about “the day after opportunity to end violence, opportunity to make
peace” when the Middle East will need to address peace, opportunity to build the regional economic
such pressing issues as water management, powerhouse of tomorrow. The future begins here and
infrastructure development and, most importantly, the now.”
creation of jobs for the 200 million people of the
region who are under the age of 24. “I urge you to The theme of the 2007 World Economic Forum on the
start the dialogue, a dialogue of action, that can Middle East was “Putting Diversity to Work”. Sessions
inspire and lead our region forward,” the King said. “I and workshops were organized under three sub-
urge you to ask yourselves: what about the day after themes: Industries of the Future; Peace, Stability and
peace?” International Relations; and “Society and Change”.
• The current oil boom, while generating spectacular • Time is of the essence. If conflict continues,
wealth and swelling government coffers, is also moderate voices will lose ground, allowing
fuelling the region’s transformation. Investment is extremists to gain popular support.
coming into the region, not flowing out of it as in the • The Middle East must look beyond its conflicts and
past. disputes and consider plans and ambitions for the
• But many of the new jobs being created are low- crucial days after peace. The region must turn its
skilled and labour-intensive, while too much new diversity into an advantage and follow the path of
investment is going into real estate. The Arab success that many emerging nations in Asia have
world’s commercial culture remains stunted, based followed.
for the most part on patronage rather than merit.
• The growth of information technology, private equity Society and Change
investment and Islamic finance could push
economies in the Middle East to become more Social change in the Middle East has often been
efficient and more equitable. undermined by fundamentalism and even extremism.
To secure its future in the world of globalization, the
Peace, Stability and International Relations region must progress towards more openness,
tolerance and freedom.
It is impossible to discuss the Middle East without
addressing its thorny politics. The Arab-Israeli conflict, • The Middle East cannot become economically open
the infighting among Palestinians, the civil strife in Iraq while remaining socially closed. With a young
and Lebanon, and other clashes in the region have population, economic inclusion and social
bolstered perceptions that the Middle East is in empowerment of women, youth and those of
turmoil. diverse cultural backgrounds are critical goals.
• All societies in the region must set themselves free
• The Arab League’s reaffirmation of the Arab peace from dogma and religious radicalism.
initiative in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia last March, signals • Businesses must play a more active role in
a fresh attempt by Arab nations to offer a unified defending pluralism.
proposal for settling their conflict with Israel. An • Business, government and civil society actors
Israeli response could lead to progress in should make fuller use of the region’s indigenous
negotiations. leadership to empower its women and its youth.
• The emergence of Iran as a more influential player in • Greater investment in education and initiatives to
the region may usher in a call for a comprehensive support youth are essential to create new
security regime that reflects the new balance of opportunities and promote the social transformation
power. of the region.
• The uncompromising political posture of paramilitary
groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah pose
enormous challenges to governments and peace
negotiators on all sides of the Arab-Israeli conflict.
50
Another catalyst for change comes from the private Private equity has another advantage: unlike bank
equity funds being lured to the Middle East by the financing, its direct investment approach jibes well
latest boom. Once mistrusted as corporate raiders with Muslim restrictions on usury. Shariah forbids
from the West, private equity firms found few paying or earning interest, so conventional banking
opportunities in a region where families and has been off-limits to many Muslims. In the past
governments were loath to sell for fear of losing face. decade, though, the advent of savings accounts and
Now governments are more receptive to privatization. bonds that yield returns without interest has created a
And family-run conglomerates can use private equity US$ 400 billion industry growing roughly 20% a year.
firms to spin off non-core assets or navigate the Now Islamic institutions are also moving into private
transition from one generation of ownership to the equity.
next. Whatever the company, private equity firms can
help it introduce more professional management or Islamic Nations' Stock Market Returns
expand into unfamiliar markets.
The Saudi market has had some success but gave back gains in 2006
700
300
0
efficient,” said David M. Rubenstein, Co-Founder and Jan
2003
Apr
2003
Jul
2003
Oct
2003
Jan
2004
Apr
2004
Jul
2004
Oct
2004
Jan
2005
Apr
2005
Jul
2005
Oct
2005
Jan
2006
Apr
2006
Jul
2006
Oct
2006
Managing Director, Carlyle Group, USA. “If it fails to do Saudi Arabia (Tadawul All Share Index)
Malaysia (KLCI composite)
so, then I’m afraid the Middle East will not play the Indonesia (Jakarta SE Composite)
role it deserves to play in the 21st century economy.” Source: Analysis based on data from Datastream and Bloomberg
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are reaping benefits from oil
and gas reserves that have generated considerable wealth from 2001 to
2007. Yet, with this wealth comes a host of challenges that could divert
GCC countries off the path of sustainable prosperity. A new World
will be its people. Economic Forum report examined these internal and external pressures
and presented the results in three scenarios – not predictions –
Rachid M. Rachid, Minister of Trade of Egypt representing possible paths for the GCC through to 2025. The scenarios
are the utopian vision of the Fertile Gulf, the more realistic Oasis (with its
built-in regional instability) and the grim Sandstorm.
It is impossible to consider the future of the Middle Amid the gloom and despair, can the Middle East
East without delving into its thorny politics. Passions resolve its conflicts and achieve stability? Wishful
run high on all sides. This was certainly evident at the participants put a great deal of hope in the Arab
World Economic Forum on the Middle East where peace initiative that was based on Saudi Arabia’s
some sessions were marked by fervent debate over proposal in 2002 and reaffirmed by the Arab League
the situation in the Palestinian Territories, the role of at its summit in Riyadh in March 2007. The proposal
Iran, and US policy and management of the war in calls for Israel to withdraw from disputed territories, to
Iraq. Yet, even as participants amply demonstrated recognize an independent Palestinian state with East
the value of open and constructive if often Jerusalem as its capital, and to agree to a “just
impassioned discussion, violent conflicts raged across solution” for Palestinian refugees. In exchange, the 22
the region – in Gaza, in Iraq, in Lebanon. Bloodshed Arab League countries would recognize and normalize
too is not in short supply in the Middle East. relations with the state of Israel.
There were many opportunities for lively diplomacy at “Arab countries have adopted a unanimous and
the Dead Sea – the gathering of the G11 middle- collective initiative offering the hand of peace to
income developing nations, an informal meeting of Israel,” said Amre Moussa, the League’s Secretary-
political and economic leaders, and various sideline General. Israeli Vice-Prime Minister Shimon Peres,
bilaterals that are part of any World Economic Forum who was on a plenary panel with Moussa, announced
meeting. Still, it was evident that the region’s that Israel would respond “as soon as possible” to the
internecine politics remain its biggest challenge. The Arab plan. “We are ready to sit down with whomever
Arab-Israeli conflict on all its fronts, the infighting you want – the Saudis, the Arab League – and we
among Palestinian factions, the civil strife in Iraq since shall try to air out the differences between us,” Peres
the American-led invasion, and the Lebanese declared. But, he added, “you cannot send us a
government’s clashes with militant Islamist groups – all document and say take it or leave it.”
these troubles make graphic headlines around the
world, bolstering perceptions that the Middle East is in
turmoil, if not chaos.
Middle East@Risk
A Global Risk
Network Briefing
Middle East@Risk report released at World World Economic Forum Launches Israeli-
Economic Forum on the Middle East Palestinian Business Council
The Middle East is a focal point for global risk and its mitigation. This The World Economic Forum launched the Israeli-Palestinian
is true of geopolitical risks, but also other risks that define our era – Business Council in a special ceremony at the World Economic
energy security and climate change – and of risks relating to global Forum on the Middle East at the Dead Sea. The Council,
economic imbalances. Participants examined the impact of global consisting of some of the foremost business leaders in Israel and
risks at the Middle East meeting. The new Middle East@Risk report, Palestine, will advance the relationship between the two business
released by the Forum’s Global Risk Network in collaboration with communities and, ultimately, assist the region to move towards
the Gulf Research Center, provided the basis of the discussion at the durable peace and coexistence.
Dead Sea.
“The World Economic Forum has always believed that social
The report looks at potential consequences of several major global progress goes hand in hand with economic development – the
risks on the Middle East and deep dives into four: a global asset
two are inextricably linked. Bringing business communities
price collapse, a Chinese economic hard landing, a retrenchment
together in this region is a crucial step in helping to bring about
from globalization, and geopolitical and geostrategic instability. None
and cement peace in the longer term,” said Sherif El Diwany,
of these are predictions, but plausible scenarios for the future.
Director and Head of Middle East at the World Economic Forum.
While a global asset price collapse might negatively impact
commodities markets, Mustapha K. Nabli, Chief Economist and “We are mindful of the deep rift and difficulties governing the
Director, Middle East and North Africa, World Bank, Washington DC, relationship between Palestinians and Israelis. However, the
argued that it is unlikely that such a collapse would be precipitous, business community has a lot at stake if a political stalemate
nor would it have a significant impact on domestic markets. continues,” said Walid Najjab, Palestinian Co-Chair of the
Domestic markets in the region would even survive if the dollar Business Council. “Our people expect us to continue investing in
collapsed. However, increasing inequality between and within MENA our national economy and create more jobs; we have social and
countries poses a real but under-observed threat. economic responsibilities, we cannot ignore our responsibilities,
and we will highlight these responsibilities to our partners in the
China’s economic health impacts that of the region as a whole, said Council and the international community at large via the World
Abdulaziz O. Sager, Chairman, Gulf Research Center, United Arab Economic Forum,” added Najjab.
Emirates, and others. The panel agreed that China and India’s
growth, along with increasing oil consumption, is good for the MENA “The business community in Israel is sensitive to all issues in our
countries. But there was worry over a sudden slowdown hurting the environment. As business people, we are not dealing with political
region. issues and solutions, yet we feel an urge to be positive elements
of change and hope. If the World Economic Forum helps us to
Certainly, the geopolitical problems posed by the conflicts in Iraq and continue to be more active on the world stage, our message
the Middle East, along with US-Iranian tension, threaten to stunt should not then be ignored or belittled,” said Amos Shapira, Israeli
MENA growth. Mahmood Sariolghalam, Professor of International Co-Chair of the Business Council.
Relations, National University of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iran,
downplayed his country’s extraterritorial intentions and claimed that The Business Council consists of 10 Founding Members from
the so-called “Shia Revival” is often overestimated. Any tension with
both the Palestinian and Israeli business communities. It is
the US, he claimed, would largely be played out in Iraq, and not
expected to attract a wider membership base of business leaders
extended to other countries in the region.
from both communities in the weeks and months ahead.
The region’s primary risk is a “triple deficit,” said Sundeep V.
Waslekar, President, Strategic Foresight Group, India. A deficit of
democratization combines with a deficit of development and all lead
to a dignity deficit, often manifested in instability and violence.
13 | World Economic Forum on the Middle East
Society and Change
“It is not enough to look over the development of new Middle East – new, young, entrepreneurial,
indicators each year and to exclaim in surprise at the empowered,” said Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Co-Chair of
region’s situation and the fact that it ranks among the the World Economic Forum on the Middle East; Chief
lowest positions at the international level,” said H.H. Executive Officer and Managing Director, Mubadala
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice- Development Company, United Arab Emirates. “The
President and Prime Minister of the United Arab social fabric is changing.”
Emirates, Ruler of Dubai. “We have to arm ourselves
with courage and work quickly and seriously, to tackle Yet, many changes still need to occur. Open societies
the reasons that put our region behind the rest of the begin with open minds. The converse of openness,
world and our era.” radical Islam, at times seems ascendant. While some
participants drew from Islam’s history to prove that the
The Middle East cannot become economically open faith can accommodate progressive thought; others
while remaining socially closed. Most of the region’s called on leaders to resist the lure of religious
people are under age of 30, most are female and, nationalism. “If society is not secular, it is unhealthy for
increasingly, many are immigrants. Therefore, the religion,” said David Rosen, President, International
economic inclusion and social empowerment of Jewish Committee for Interreligious Relations, USA. “If
women, youth and those of diverse cultural you do not have freedom of choice, then the religion
backgrounds remain vital goals. “We are on the brink itself is not worth the principles upon which it was
70
of yourth population (aged 15-24)
10
hope – and some already see change. 0
Middle East and
North Africa
South Asia
Developed Economies
and EU
Latin America/Caribbean
World
Sub-Saharan Africa
East Asia
With 180 million youth, the human reserves of the Middle The second answer was the creation of the King Abdullah II
East are even more impressive than the hydrocarbon Award for Youth Achievements in the Arab World. “The
reserves. Yet, to harness the potential of this resource, award embodies His Majesty King Abdullah Ibn Al Hussein of
leaders stress that considerably greater investment in Jordan’s vision to enhance the potentials of the Arab youth
education and employment opportunities must be made. and support their innovations, excellence and creativity,” a
Royal Court statement said. The first award will be presented
Two answers to these calls were made during the World to the winners at the World Economic Forum on the Middle
Economic Forum on the Middle East at the Dead Sea. East in 2009 at the Dead Sea. It will then be awarded on an
annual basis. A board of trustees – including Klaus Schwab,
The first was the groundbreaking announcement by His Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic
Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice- Forum; Khalid Toukan, Jordanian Minister of Education,
President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates Higher Education and Science Research; Arif Naqvi, Vice-
and Ruler of Dubai. In a special address to participants, he Chairman and CEO of Abraaj Capital; Al Muntafiq, CEO of
launched the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Tatweer Saeed; and Carly Fiorina, Chairman of the Fiorina
Foundation, a US$ 10 billion initiative to promote human Foundation – will determine the winner.
development and provide hope and opportunity by investing
in education and the development of knowledge in the Photo: http://www.pbase.com/forumweb/image/79002979
region. The Foundation will source and manage research http://www.pbase.com/forumweb/image/78973712 OR
programmes and centres and provide scholarships, http://www.pbase.com/forumweb/image/78973751
leadership programmes and research grants. “The
Foundation’s mission is to invest in knowledge and human
development focusing specifically on research, education
and promoting equal opportunities for the personal growth
and success of our youth,” said His Highness.
the WorkSpace
“ We have to be
responsible for what
we can do in our own
experience of designing
and filming a session fit
for television. The World
Economic Forum, in
participants analysed their experience from an
emotional perspective, discovering the need to
acknowledge and address not just feelings in conflict
management but also the strategies that can help
space. I’ll go back and collaboration with BBC resolve conflicts “
try and do a bit more
“ World, designed and
ran the workshop “A
about making the world New Middle East – Is It
more effectively.
“ In a negotiation,
reason is not enough.
a better place. Possible?”, which was You have 50
facilitated by the BBC’s million dollars in cash. Which idea will you invest
Main Presenter Nik in?
Gowing. The session was filmed for future broadcast
to the network’s 200 million viewers. In co-designing a What does it take to kick-start an entrepreneurial
WorkSpace session instead of the usual debate, BBC initiative in the Middle
World encouraged the free flow of ideas and
exchange among peers in an informal and uncensored
environment. Gowing pushed participants beyond
“ We need smart VCs
“ East? Participants
just as much as good addressed this question
entrepreneurs.
in the interactive
their comfort zone not only to imagine a Middle East WorkSpace session
of 2015 that would be steady and thriving “Empowering
economically, but also to explore the things they could Entrepreneurs”. Participants created new venture
do differently now to reach that goal. Participants capital (VC) companies in their breakout groups before
worked in breakout groups to define their vision of the evaluating several business cases and making
future of the region for 2015 in the political, economic investment decisions. The viability, sustainability and
and social arenas. After sharing their group work and industry of a business were the most popular criteria
engaging in a dynamic discussion with Gowing, used by the VCs to evaluate potential investments. As
participants agreed the unique process was a group, participants discussed the importance of the
worthwhile, highlighting that they appreciated having ecosystem of entrepreneurship, in particular the
“a chance to dream a little and think of steps on how impact of entrepreneurs as role models and the
to implement the dream.” signals that VCs send to society through the
investment choices they make. The moment of great
“ Trying things out is participation gave the Global Competitiveness Report on Education.
group the unique Encouraged to “think big and dream,” participants
important. Allow for chance to discuss the worked in groups to describe this bright future from
some things not to real implications of different perspectives of education levels and stages
“
work and then try
entrepreneurship in the
region, complementing
of development of the education system. The groups
also reflected on possible ways to reach this future
again. their experience during vision, discussing the main barriers and the strategies
the scenario exercise. to overcome them. In the final group discussion,
participants brainstormed the critical success factors
required to move towards
their vision for 2020. They
It is the year 2020 and the Middle East has the
best education ecosystem in the world.
agreed that a critical
milestone will be to
overcome the challenges to
“ Our future system
prepare
“ a better
citizen, a global
will
“
business leaders, Our destiny depends end of the session, the
education ministers, group had bonded over their
educators and students on strengthening common passion for
engaged in a scenario-
driven exercise
“
education in the education, and together they strongly urged for a
strong commitment, across the Arab world, of
designed to encourage
Middle East. governments and other leaders to place education at
new thinking on ways the top of their agendas.
to improve education in
the region. During the
20 | World Economic Forum on the Middle East
Acknowledgements
The World Economic Forum wishes to thank the following companies as Partners or Supporters of the World
Economic Forum on the Middle East, Dead Sea, 18-20 May 2007:
Strategic Partners
ABN AMRO Bank
Bahrain Economic Development Board
Booz Allen Hamilton
BT
The Boston Consulting Group
CA
Cisco
Dubai Holding
HP
Intel
Kudelski Group
Lehman Brothers
McKinsey & Company
Merrill Lynch
Microsoft Corporation
Nike
PepsiCo
Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC)
Siemens
SK Group
UBS
WPP
Regional Partners
Abraaj Capital
Agility
Alghanim Industries
Arab Bank
The Carlyle Group
EFG-Hermes
Emaar Properties
National Bank of Kuwait
The Olayan Group
PADICO
Saudi Oger
Meeting Supporters
Alshaya Group
Aramex International
Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC)
International Bank of Azerbaijan
Orascom Telecom Holding
Official Carrier
Royal Jordanian Airlines
Peter Torreele is Managing Director of the World Economic Forum. Sherif El Diwany is Director, Head of Middle
East, at the Forum. The World Economic Forum on the Middle East was under his direct responsibility, with
Daniel Davies, Associate Director, Global Leadership Fellow, Middle East; Denise Burnet, Principal, Head of
Events and Meeting Coordinator; Amal Mbarki, Community Relations Manager, Middle East.
Samantha Tonkin, Senior Media Manager at the World Economic Forum worked with Wayne Arnold,
Alejandro Reyes and Benjamin Skinner to produce this report.
The World Economic Forum would like to express its appreciation to the summary writers for their work at the
meeting. Session summaries are available at www.weforum.org.
Design and Layout: Kamal Kimaoui, Associate Principal, Production and Design