Past Conferences

The MIT AAA has held five prior conferences, starting with the first conference in Cairo in 2000. The executive team has historically chosen a topical ‘theme’ for each conference while rotating the host city. In each case, we successfully engaged with national leaders to ensure a high-profile patron sponsored each of the conferences. Below is a summary of the location, theme and patron for the prior conferences, while the actual conference agendas (insofar as we have e-records) are attached separately.

  • 2004 (Tunis): “The Arab World in 2030: Technology and Economic Development” – held under the patronage of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Tunisia, Mr. Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Conference Program
  • 2003 (Dubai): “Human and Economic Development Through Technology, Policy, Business, Health and Education” – held under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Conference Program
  • 2002 (Beirut): “Emerging Technologies for Emerging Countries” – held under the patronage of His Excellency the President of the Council of Ministers Mr. Rafic Hariri. – Conference Program

  • 2001 (Amman): Focused on Development – held under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II.
  • 2000 (Cairo): “Creating Knowledge Based Industries in the Region for the Next Millennium” – held under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Yousef Boutros-Ghali, Minister of Economy. Conference Program

Our objective for the conferences generally is to make an impact on the Arab region by promoting dialogue between different groups and expanding the footprint of MIT in the region and vice-versa. We have historically attracted numerous Arab government ministers, policy makers, regional and global industry leaders, world-renowned professors, and young as well as experienced professionals who employ our transfer of best knowledge and practices to create these initiatives. In recognition of the impact and success of the conferences, the MIT Alumni/ae Association awarded the AAA a Presidential Citation for organizing the regional conferences. We aim to continue this tradition of success.