Dubai 9 October, 2005 (WAM)--General Sheikh Mohammed bin RashidAl Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Defence Minister has todayreceived the Chief Executive Officer of International Price WaterhouseCoopers , Samuel Di Piaza and explored with him a number of economicissues related to forging investment partnership between DubaiInternational Financial Centre, Dubai International Stock Marketon one side and the PWC on the other. The International companyis a global industry focused assurance, tax and advisory services.

Sheikh Mohammed appreciated the company's plan to develop itsinvestments and activities in the region , affirming to Di Piazathat Dubai was pursuing an open balanced policy for the attractionof the greatest number of global companiesDi Piaza expressed his admiration for Sheikh Mohammed's visionand developmental ideas which he described as "ideal" and hisambition to make Dubai the first and foremost financial hub forinternational businessmen and investors.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Mohammed Khalfan bin Kharbash,Minister of Finance and Industry, Khalfan Harib, Director ofDubai Ruler's Court, Omar bin Suleiman, Director General of DubaiInternational Financial Centre and Habib Al Mulla, Chairman ofDubai Financial Services Authority.\