[Apologies for duplicate emails] Dear colleagues, It is with great pleasure that we invite you to the first ever Middle East Peering Forum (MPF), scheduled to take place during the twelfth meeting of the Middle East Network Operators Group (MENOG) on 7 March 2013 in Dubai. The Internet landscape in the Middle East is changing rapidly and the development of Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) in the region is one of the most significant recent developments. What impact will this have on the current interconnection environment? How will this affect your business as an Internet Service Provider or network operator? We aim to discuss these questions and more as part of an interactive, open discussion with experts from around the globe. The programme will include thought leaders from a range of industries, including mobile operators, social networking entities, content providers, data centre operators, telco operators and IXP operators. MENOG has initiated the MPF to strengthen and develop the local peering ecosystem and connect it with the global peering community. The Forum will bring together peering coordinators, industry representatives and IXP operators to share technical knowledge and best practices, discuss industry trends and developments and provide a unique opportunity to network and initiate new peering arrangements and enhance existing ones. While the peering community is global, this forum offers the potential to focus on issues specific to operators in the Middle East. The active engagement and participation of Internet community members in the region will help to realize the potential of the MPF. The MPF will take place on 7 March 2013 at the Radisson Royal Hotel, Dubai. Attendance is free, and we encourage attendees to register ahead of time via the online registration form: http://www.menog.org/meetings/menog-12/ The development of IXPs is a hot topic in the region. We encourage you to join us help launch this new and exciting regional activity. We look forward to welcoming you to the Middle East Peering Forum and MENOG 12 in Dubai. Best Regards, Paul Rendek Director of External Relations, RIPE NCC