Set in the impressive shadow of the seven star Burj al Arab hotel, the delegates will be taking in a variety of seminars, exhibitions, and the opportunity to network.

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The probe has cast a shadow over the four-star general's distinguished military career, and delayed his appointment as Nato's next supreme allied commander, set for early 2013.

BBC: Gen John R. Allen

We like the romantic notion of plucking youngsters off the street in the shadow of the stadium and developing them into star players.

WSJ: Youth Academies: Soccer's Nature vs. Nurture Debate

Midfielder Bradley Johnson - scorer of seven goals pre-Old Trafford but none since - is a shadow of the player he was pre-January, but most alarming of all is the contribution of star striker Jermaine Beckford, who has scored from 5 goals from 12 league matches games since.

BBC: Has beating Manchester United undermined Leeds' season?

Despite some of the excitement that came with a star player like Chris Paul, the New Orleans Hornets have always played in both the literal and figurative shadow of the Saints.

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Bafta rising star nominee Andrea Riseborough is in the running for best actress for her performance as an IRA member in Shadow Dancer, along with Charlotte Rampling who plays a femme fatale Anna Welles in the noir thriller I, Anna.

BBC: Day-Lewis up for Evening Standard best actor award