DUBAI —

The Arab Strategy Forum (ASF), taking place under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Monday announced the detailed program of activities that will take place on December 12, 2018 in Dubai.

In its 11th edition, the Forum will gather prominent regional and international experts, politicians, economists, intellectuals, and strategic analysts to forecast the state of the world in 2019. Speakers and attendees will examine dynamic indicators that are expected to play a key role in shaping policies and affecting economies on a regional and global scale. Speaking ahead of the event, Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and The Future and Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Forum, said: “The Arab Strategy Forum contributes to realizing the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; that of shaping the future through foresight. It’s an opportunity to better understand the state of the world and the Arab region through analyzing economic and political indicators as well as strategic future shifts.”

In 2001, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Arab Strategy Forum to serve as a platform for balanced analyses by decision makers to offer a clearer understanding of the economic and political outlook for the Arab region and the world at large. “As part of this mandate, year on year, the Forum releases a series of economic and political reports and studies, in addition to hosting high profile intellectuals who add value to its future-focused thought sessions.”

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Mohammed Al Gergawi emphasized the significance of the Forum in anticipating challenges, recognizing opportunities, and maintaining development paths. He also noted that the Arab Strategy Forum has become a much-awaited global platform for the transparent and healthy exchange of ideas and opinions that contribute to drawing a roadmap for future global action.

The agenda for the 2018 edition of the Arab Strategy Forum includes five panel discussions and two lectures. Through leveraging reliable data and expert opinions, the Forum’s sessions seek to explore future challenges and opportunities in the region via in-depth analyses, and provide decision makers with accurate annual forecasts of major events.

Among its key highlights, the Forum will feature an open economic dialogue with members of the audience to answer the question – what’s next for the

In a lecture titled ‘Megatrends in 2019’, Dr Ian Bremmer, President and Founder of Eurasia and expert in international policies, is set to present his list of anticipated events that will impact global economics and politics. His forecast will focus on key topics, including the outcomes of US sanctions on Iran, the ongoing US-China trade standoff, and the impact of rising geopolitical tensions on the region.