“Microfinance in the Arab World: Shaping the Industry's Future” was a regional microfinance conference held under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Rania Al-Abdullah of Jordan.

Hosted at the Dead Sea in Jordan, the conference was organized by SANABEL, Microfinance Network of Arab Countries, sponsored by the Rockdale Foundation and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and implemented in partnership with the USAID-funded AMIR Program and the Microfinance Association of Jordan.

This three-day conference provided participants with an unprecedented opportunity to learn about regional trends and innovations and discuss and develop strategies for the future of microfinance in the region. Participants heard from an impressive line up of international and regional experts who shared their insights on industry issues and how those will affect the microfinance industry in the Arab world.

Conference Background

This year's conference in Jordan was the first of its kind organized by SANABEL. SANABEL envisions this regional conference to be an annual gathering place for the Arab microfinance industry and its partners and allies. The conference will provide a forum, in a different Arab country every year, for tackling issues at the forefront of the industry, allowing the region’s current and emerging leaders to:

        ● engage in professional exchange

        ● share regional expertise

        ● draw from the best of global microfinance

        ● support the success of and promote the Arab microfinance industry

Conference Location

Mövenpick Resort and Dead Sea Spa, Dead Sea, Jordan

Dates

December 15, 16, 17, 2003

Participants                

Microfinance practitioners and industry experts, donor agencies, investors, and government officials from the Arab world. The conference extended an open invitation to all interested participants.

Language       

The primary language of the conference was classical Arabic with simultaneous translation in English. Workshops presented in French were translated into Arabic and English.  Conference materials were in English and Arabic.  

Event Organizers and Sponsors

SANABEL, Microfinance Network of Arab Countries

Rockdale Foundation

United States Agency for International Development/Jordan

USAID-funded AMIR Program

Microfinance Association of Jordan

Special Thanks

In-kind Contributions

Conference Accommodations

Conference Hotel 

Mövenpick Resort and Dead Sea Spa

The hotel is located on the north eastern shore of the Dead Sea at 400 meters below sea level—the lowest spot on earth—approximately 45 minutes from Queen Alia International Airport and 60 minutes from Amman. In addition to complete conference facilities, it offers a wellness spa and several restaurants.

Participants and exhibitors are responsible for reserving and paying for their own accommodations. We have secured special rates for the conference: when making your reservations, please inform the hotel that you are with the Arab Microfinance Conference to get this special rate. Room rates include breakfast and taxes.

Mövenpick Resort and Dead Sea Spa (Five Star) Single: JD 55/US$ 78      Double: JD 55/ US$ 78

Phone      (962-5) 356-1111

Fax          (962-5) 356-1123

Alternative Hotels 

Marriot Jordan Valley Hotel (Five Star)                   Single: JD 50/ US$ 75   Double JD 55 / US$ 78

Dead Sea Spa (Four Star)                                    Single: JD 35 / US$ 49  Double JD 45/ US$ 64

Phone      (962-6) 560-1544

Fax          (962-6) 5688100                                  

Transportation from the Queen Alia International Airport to the Conference
For international participants and exhibitors, transportation will be provided to and from Queen Alia Airport to the conference free of charge. To arrange for this service, please email register@sanabelnetwork.org with your arrival and departure times by December 1, 2003. Participants and exhibitors in Jordan need to provide their own transportation to the conference.

Visas

Please contact the Jordanian Embassy in your country for information on visa requirements, price and time required to process. For a complete listing of Jordanian embassies, visit www.jordanembassyus.org/new/embassies.shtml