Under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Minister, of Defence, Dubai international Conference on Desertification 2000: Towards better management, of arid & semi-arid lands in the 21^st century will be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 12 -16 February 2000.

The conference is addressing, the critical issue of desertification and climatic changes in desert regions. This conference will enhance our understanding of local short and long term changes. Portrays best practices associated with the ecological management of arid areas, and improve our general understanding of desert environment as we enter the third millennium.