History Highlights:

Established as a platform for discussing regional economic and financial development, the conference has dynamically evolved to reflect the changing economic landscape in the region. With its 20 yearly consecutive editions all held in Beirut, the Arab Economic Forum has become the most influential, recurring economic and financial congress in the Arab region.

The Forum has become indispensable as a medium for the study of regional economics, incorporating the latest events and developments affecting the business sector and bringing together prime ministers, central bankers, leading banking and finance executives, investors and field experts. AEF is now the most recognized platform to debate ideas, exchange views, launch initiatives and network with regional and international business, government and civil society leaders.

Throughout the years, the Arab Economic Forum has hosted several prominent International and Arab figures such as H.E Dr. Mahathir Bin Mohamad, the former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE Ruler of Dubai, Mr. Rajap Tayyeb Ardogan, the Prime Minister of Turkey and the late Mr. Rafic Hariri, who was the honorary chairman of the event since 1996 as well as Prime Ministers, Ministers, Governors and business leaders from the private and public sectors.

Facts & Figures

• From 2003 to 2011, Forum attendance increased by 54.6%
• The number of prime ministers, ministers and officials rose by 68.3%

In 2010

• 16% of speakers were Royalty and Prime Ministers.
• 44% of speakers were ministers and central bank governors
• 40% of speakers were CEOs, top-level executives & field experts

Journey through the Arab Economic Forum history