Dubai World launches 'Forsa' - an exclusive investment company for women

Forsa is a company created by women for women, with a vision based on the three central tenets of attracting female investors, partnering with female entrepreneurs and developing woman business leaders.

'With the economy undergoing rapid expansion under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Forsa has been launched by Dubai World to offer a robust investment platform. The women-only exclusive investment fund will utilise the expertise and global perspective of world-class managers to ensure superior returns and successful long-term growth for all participants,' said Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman, Dubai World.

Forsa will focus on women with investment capacity to build an AED 1 billion fund guided by a world-class investment management team to deliver superior results. The company has already obtained a commitment of AED 100 Million towards its goal. Forsa will also create a series of funds focused on a variety of sectors including real estate, retail, education, health and technology, and is expected to generate exclusive investment opportunities through its sheer size and partnerships with other Dubai World companies.

'I call on young entrepreneurs to benefit from Forsa, whose very name means 'Opportunity.' Forsa supports the values of Sheikh Mohammad in supporting women and enhancing their role in the nation's development,' added bin Sulayem.

Forsa's second focus is on women entrepreneurs. To cater to the new genre of active businesswomen, Forsa's unique model will focus on profitable and scalable prepackaged franchise ideas that will deliver superior returns. Forsa will offer entrepreneurs its management expertise, its support on business processes and organization development and will participate in equity partnerships. The systematic approach is intended to ensure the creation of successful businesses focused on delivery of measurable and profitable results for entrepreneurs and Forsa investors alike.

Women currently comprise 50 per cent of college students across the country and represent the UAE at regional and international events. Figures indicate that there are presently around 4,100 businesswomen based in Dubai, 3,000 in Abu Dhabi and a further 3,000 in Sharjah.

'By forming equity relationships with promising startups, Forsa will ensure optimal returns for investors as well as business owners. Our goal here is to provide every woman who has the capability, the skill set, the desire and the commitment to run and grow her own business the means to be able to do so,'

said Shamsa Noor Ali Rashid, CEO of Forsa.

Forsa's third pillar is the development of women business leaders. To address the need for strong management expertise and leadership skills in improving investment returns, Forsa will nurture female leaders through strong partnerships with regional and international corporations and world-class business schools

'Forsa has aligned itself with two of the best business schools - INSEAD in Europe, and Wharton School of Business in the US. We have also secured the commitment of 12 local and international corporations in supporting our vision to cultivate women leadership, giving birth to the Forsa Foundation. The Foundation will recruit and select talented, ambitious young women and enroll them in its systematic leadership development program,' concluded Shamsa.