The Arabian Business Media and Marketing Conference kicked off at the Dubai International Convention Centre's Sheikh Rashid Hall.

The first day of the annual regional conference was keynoted by Piers Morgan, former editor of The News of The World and The Daily Mirror, who addressed the power of celebrity.

The two day conference continues tomorrow and addresses critical issues faced by the media and marketing industry in the region.

'We are delighted that the conference has once again been a packed event attended by the movers and shakers in our region's media and marketing industry,' said Waleed Akawi, CEO of ITP. 'We're looking forward to a lively and energetic debate as this important sector comes to terms with the challenges, realities and opportunities that face it.'

The first day of the conference tackled topics about such as the value of advertising and the power of the PR stunt, with colourful figures from the Middle East and further afield sharing the stage. The second day of the conference will see major addresses from key figures including Emaar chairman Mohammed Alabbar, Al Jazeera Network director general Wadah Khanfar, Hydra Properties chairman Dr. Sulaiman Al Fahim and IAA President Joseph Ghossoub. The conference is being hosted by editor, television presenter and ITP chairman Andrew Neil.