GLOBE AND MAIL: AMMAN — The Middle Eastern version of the World Economic Forum held each year in Jordan is known as a talking shop, one that produces little action. But simply talking has never been Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum's style.
The ruler of Dubai and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates left the other delegates at the forum almost speechless when he announced on the weekend that he would spend $10-billion (U.S.) of his own money to improve the level of education in the Arab world.
The announcement was greeted by thunderous applause at the forum being held on the shores of the Dead Sea, and was immediately hailed as the largest charitable donation ever given in the Muslim world.
"Without exaggeration I think this is the greatest thing anyone has done for Arab youth. This money will be well spent to improve human beings," said Abdulaziz al-Namalah, a Jordanian businessman and a participant at the forum. "I think the Arab world would look much different today if this was done many years ago." Dubai ruler donates $10-billion to boost education in Arab world (more) By Mark MacKinnon
Mark Alexander
