HE Mohammed Ali Al Hashimi named Young Global Leader by World Economic Form

Next-generation leader honoured for professional accomplishments, commitment to society and potential to contribute to shaping the future of the world

Dubai, March 16, 2008: The World Economic Forum has bestowed the title of Young Global Leader 2008 on HE Mohammed Ali Al Hashimi. The Executive Chairman of Dubai-based Zabeel Investments was chosen to be one of 245 leaders from around the world - twelve of whom are from the Middle East and North Africa - given the responsibility of being a voice for the future in the global thought process and a catalyst for initiatives in the global public interest.

The titles are bestowed each year to recognize and acknowledge the top young leaders from around the world for their professional accomplishments, commitment to society and potential to contribute to shaping the world's future. They were selected from a pool of c.5000 candidates by a committee of 31 eminent international media leaders chaired by H.M. Queen Rania Al Abdullah of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

"I am honoured to be recognized in this way and relish the responsibility that accompanies the role. I have in all my endeavors strived to impact and influence not only my immediate environment but the wider world we operate in with a distinct approach to business and corporate responsibility. This bestowal underlines my personal commitment to global development" commented HE Mohammed Ali Al Hashimi.

"I am immensely proud of the recognition received by the region, with twelve dynamic and influential leaders - five from the UAE alone - being honoured. This points clearly to the role the region has to play in the global issues of today and our ability to shape the future through next-generation thinking. The 2030 Initiative being embarked upon by the Young Global Leaders Forum mirrors the vision and drive laid out in the UAE's own 2015 strategy - I am honoured to play a part in the realization of both."

Other leaders in their field recognized from around the world this year included Queen Lalla of Morrocco, actor Leonardo Dicaprio, CNN anchor Andersen Cooper, tennis legend Steffi Graf, Canada Environment Minister John Baird and music recording artist Shakira. They, along with all those honoured in 2008, join existing members such as Larry Page and Sergey Brin, co-founders of Google in the Young Global Leaders Forum.

Since is launch in February 2006 and under the direction of HE Mohammed Ali Al Hashimi, Zabeel Investments has embarked on a series of corporate social responsibility initiatives. In partnership with Nakheel, it has conceived and developed Bidaya - an education and leadership programme in response to the UAE 2015 strategy, as laid out by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.

The company has also contributed to the development of the property and tourism industry in the UAE through investment in and development of distinctive and exclusive projects such as Tiara Residence, Tiara United Towers and Americas Resort at Bawadi. Most recently HE Mohammed Ali Al Hashimi has driven the expansion of Zabeel Investments internationally through strategic stakes in companies such as European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) and Sony Corporation. In early 2008 the company acquired a 50 per cent stake in the Light Group, a leading US hospitality development and management company. This partnership will not only contribute to the development of an industry worth potentially $3 trillion in investment in the Arab World, it also strengthens the role the region is playing in global development.

About Young Global Leaders

Drawn from a pool of almost 5,000 candidates, the Young Global Leaders 2008 were chosen by a selection committee of 31 eminent international media leaders, including Thomas H. Glocer, Chief Executive Officer, Reuters, United Kingdom; Arthur Sulzberger, Chairman and Publisher, The New York Times, USA; Robert Thomson, Publisher, Dow Jones & Company and The Wall Street Journal, USA; and Hisashi Hieda, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Fuji Television Network, Japan. The selection committee is chaired by H.M. Queen Rania Al Abdullah of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Established in 2004 by Professor Klaus Schwab, The Forum of Young Global Leaders is a unique, multistakeholder community of the world's most extraordinary young leaders, who dedicate a part of their time to jointly addressing global challenges and who are committed to devoting some of their knowledge and energy to collectively work towards a better future. As part of their engagement, the Young Global Leaders give their time to task forces to initiate, develop and drive innovative solutions on important, globally-oriented issues, including health, education, the environment, global governance and security, and development and poverty.