The delegate tickets for the World Security Forum – Abu Dhabi 2008, have completely sold out some four weeks ahead of the conference, according to the organisers.

In response to the rapid sell-out, a limited number of additional delegate passes are being made available to satisfy the high demand for the event to be held at Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi from October 21 to 22, they said.

Leading experts from international politics and business will deliver presentations on a broad spectrum of current global security concerns and review the implications of catastrophes and disasters on populations, businesses and financial markets.

The World Security Forum is being held under the patronage of UAE minister of interior Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Commenting on the swift sell-out, Saif said the interest in the forum demonstrates the growing importance that global security leaders are attaching to crisis management.

'At the same time, it is an acknowledgement of the UAE’s potential to become a centre of global significance for professionals and leaders in the security field,' he opined.

This year's conference will focus on catasptrophe and disaster management, a field in which the UAE enjoys a global reputation of excellence.

'The UAE is aiming to establish some of the world's finest emergency assistance organisations that are very well prepared to participate at the forefront of cross-border relief efforts. We are continuing to develop our disaster management infrastructure so that it remains amongst the most advanced in the world,” the minister added.

Among the forum’s speakers will be eminent politicians, heads of emergency response services and senior officials from international organisations such as the United Nations.

Sir Ken Knight, chief adviser to the UK Government on Fire and Rescue, and former commissioner of the London Fire Brigade, will hold a presentation on high-rise tower fire safety on the first day.

“Both natural and man-made catastrophes and their economic consequences are some of the most critical matters concerning the world today. Major disasters can have serious, adverse effects on neighbouring countries that may exacerbate any existing tensions, so the importance of international co-operation and dialogue in crisis management is paramount,' Knight commented.

Other conference topics to be addressed include earthquakes, the effect of global warming, traffic disaster management, emergency planning and training, and humanitarian aid.

The strong demand for pre-registered places at the Forum reflects a high level of interest particularly from the GCC region, Western Europe and Central Asia.

Participants will comprise delegates from government ministries and a variety of sectors including finance, insurance, medicine, emergency evacuation, disaster management, and humanitarian aid, the organisers said.

In addition to providing a platform for sharing experiences and ideas in crisis management, the forum will include networking lunches and a gala dinner, offering delegates an unparalleled opportunity to meet other security industry representatives from all over the world.-TradeArabia News Service