Back on January 30th, 2007, Windows Vista hit the shelves around the world. Of course that the consumer launch of the latest Windows client was preceded by the business release at the end of November 2006, which came under a month after the operating system was released to manufacturing. Bill Gates was among the plethora of Microsoft top executives present at the official Vista consumer launch event, at that time. And one year later, just ahead of Vista's first anniversary, the now retiring Chairman will be the keynote speaker at the Microsoft Government Leaders Forum (GLF) Arabia 2008.

The event will mark Gates' first United Arab Emirates visit. The Microsoft GLF Arabia 2008 will take place between January 27-28, 2008, at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi. According to the Redmond company, the forum is under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

"The presence of Bill Gates at GLF Arabia 2008 underlines the company's long-term commitment to creating meaningful partnerships with the government sector in the Middle East. Microsoft is using its considerable resources and know-how to promote competitiveness, foster talent and transform the technological landscape in the Arab world," revealed Charbel Fakhoury, general manager, Microsoft Gulf.

As far as the U.A.E are concerned, Windows Vista was made available immediately after November 30, 2006. In fact, on December 11, the operating system could be accessed via Volume Licensing agreements. And by mid December 2006, the Burj Al Arab in Dubai offered guests Windows Vista on machines into every room of the hotel.

"We are very pleased and proud to be able to welcome Bill Gates to our country for the first time, and to bring to the region this unique discussion platform, which will allow government and business leaders to discuss specific measures to boost regional economic competitiveness," Fakhoury added. "GLF Arabia 2008 is a prime example of how the private and public sectors can work together for the greater good."