By Bassma Al Jandaly
Staff Reporter

Dubai The Sister Cities Forum, a gathering of mayors and top executives from cities that have twinning protocols and a cooperation agreement with Dubai, was opened yesterday.
It was inaugurated by Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai's Deputy Ruler and UAE Minister of Finance and Industry, who is also Chairman of Dubai Municipality.
Sheikh Hamdan said the forum reflected the strength of relations between the cities, adding that Dubai had become a hub of various cultures and economic prosperity, thanks to the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
He express the hope the forum would bring benefits to all participating cities. "We aim to achieve common benefits in the fields of trade, economy, education, the media, technology and tourism". Sheikh Hamdan said.

NEW CHAPTER
Mayor Ron Clarke of Gold Coast, Australia, delivered a speech on behalf of the participating cities. He said the forum represents a new chapter in the march of sister cities and their success stories. He said the cities were members of the same family and working to achieve common objectives.
He said Gold Coast was keen on further promoting ties with Dubai.
A documentary on modern Dubai was screened at the event at Al Muttaqa Hall, at the Dubai International Convention Centre, The ceremony was attended by Saeed Al Ghandi, Speaker of the Federal government officials.
Sheikh Hamdan opened an exhibition being held on the sidelines of the event, showcasing the achievements of Dubai Municipality and projects of the event's sponsors.
The first session of the forum was opened by Qasim Sultan, Director-General of Dubai Municipality. He suggested in an opening speech that a web side be launched for sister cities, administered by Dubai Municipality, which would bring together all the

experiences of sister cities and promote their cooperation.
He said the forum would add to the meaning of twinning and friendship and increase the level of interaction among sister cities. More than 600 delegates from the participating cities took part in the event.

BEST PRACTICES
During the first session, best practices by the cities of Detroit (USA) Geneva (Switzerland) and Damascus (Syria) were reviewed. Folkloric shows by groups from participating cities were presented on the first day. The cities include Istanbul (Turkey), Osaka (Japan), Beirut (Lebanon), Guangzhou and Shanghai (China), Gold Coat (Australia), Casablanca (Morocco), Damascus (Syria), Detroit (USA) and Dundess (Scotland.

The Nation - Gulf News, Sunday May 16 2004.