Conference Location                                     

The United Arab Emirates
Located on the tip of the Arabian peninsula, the United Arab Emirates is a prosperous, modern, peaceful nation. Founded in 1971, the country is young and dynamic, with a progressive leadership that is setting new trends in development for the Gulf region. The leadership and most segments of the population desire more prominent roles for women, who work side-by-side with men and, in fact, outnumber them in the country's higher education system. The country hosts a large population of expatriates, who live and work in a safe, tolerant and welcoming environment.

In the United Arab Emirates, a rich and enduring cultural heritage blends with the energy and excitement of one of the most rapidly changing areas on earth.

Dubai, A City on the Move
Dubai is a thriving tourist destination that hosted almost five million visitors in 2003. The city is also a commercial hub linking the Middle East, Europe, Africa and the Indian subcontinent, and a regional center for finance, health care, information technology and media. Awe-inspiring development projects such as Burj Dubai (world's tallest tower), The Dubai Mall (world's largest shopping mall), Dubailand (a colossal leisure and entertainment complex), and offshore property development ventures such as The Palms and The World are rapidly transforming Dubai into city unlike any other in the world.

With guaranteed sunshine, sea, sand, sports, desert excursions, unbeatable shopping, top-class hotels and restaurants, an intriguing traditional culture, and a safe and inviting atmosphere, Dubai offers visitors the conference opportunity of a lifetime.

Zayed University
Zayed University was founded in 1998 to offer four-year baccalaureate degrees to the young women of the United Arab Emirates. The University also currently offers three master's degree programs. Approximately 2300 students attend the University, which has campuses in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Zayed University's mission is to prepare students for meaningful and successful twenty-first century lives, support the economic and social advancement of the U.A.E., and foster and promote the advancement of excellence and leadership. It seeks to accomplish this by producing graduates who, in addition to excelling in Arabic and English, are masters of the computer, well-grounded in the academic disciplines, fully prepared in a professional field and capable of providing leadership in the home, community and nation.

The curriculum of the University is modeled upon the best educational practices of leading universities around the world, but especially those found in the highest quality universities and colleges in the United States.

An Emphasis on Leadership
Woven throughout the curriculum, leadership development has been a core emphasis of the University since its beginning. The University’s educational model equips women with the thinking and leadership skills they will need to assume positions of responsibility in business, government and family. Recently, ZU took another step by establishing the Sheikha Fatima Leadership Institute, a university program which hosts targeted training programs, workshops and other events designed to give students the skills and confidence to realize their potential and affect positive change.

Madinat Jumeirah, The Arabian Resort
Conference sessions will be held at the Madinat Jumeirah, a spectacular resort with one of the region's leading conference centers. Styled to resemble an ancient Arabian citadel, the resort is a magnificent tribute to Dubai's heritage. Luxurious and ornate, the Madinat Jumeirah is adjacent to the famous Burj al-Arab Hotel, the Wild Wadi water theme park, the Jumeirah beach, and a fantastic array of restaurants and shopping opportunities.

Special Activities
All conference attendees and spouses are invited to attend a special Gala Dinner, as well as a desert barbeque evening, as part of the conference package.

Special activities packages will be available on March 13 and 17, including a tour of Dubai, desert safari, dune bashing, and a variety of other options. Download detailed information and a booking form for optional activities here. Note that booking is done direct through the tour operator.