University of Dubai collaborates with International Enterprise Singapore on executive management in the Middle East

This is in collaboration with the Centre for Management & Professional Development (CMPD), University of Dubai (UD), which has assisted in designing and conducting the first Middle East Executive Management Program.

IE Singapore is the government agency promoting the overseas growth of Singapore-based enterprises and international trade. It has initiated similar programs whereby senior management are sent to attend short-term executive courses in top training institutions such as Tsinghua University and Fudan University in China, and the Tata Management Training Centre in India and in the Middle East it has partnered with the University of Dubai.

UD's Centre for Management and Professional Development has worked closely with IE Singapore to jointly design the program and is highly experienced in delivering professional short courses, seminars and conferences to the public and business community in Dubai and to overseas participants. The University of Dubai maintains its strong links with the business community through the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Business Advisory Council. These links with industry practitioners and representatives from various business groups are very important for the purpose of keeping its courses relevant and updated.

A total of 26 senior executives from Singapore's private and public sectors are currently attending the inaugural run of the program which is taking place in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Participants include prominent Singapore private sector players such as CPG Consultants, Keppel Offshore & Marine, ST Aerospace, ST Electronics and ST Kinetics; as well as public sector participants from the Building and Construction Authority, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Singapore Customs, Singapore Examinations & Assessment Board, Singapore Tourism Board, Institute of Technical Education and IE Singapore.

The Program, which is targeted to run initially twice a year will provide participants with a comprehensive overview of the Middle East's business systems, and equip them with an awareness of business practices and emerging business opportunities of the GCC region at large and UAE in particular. Topics include the regions' economic, business and political scenarios, cultural and social trends, Islamic finance, emerging opportunities in various industries. Participants will also visit major government and private organizations in UAE as part of the Program.

Mr. Ted Tan, Deputy CEO of IE Singapore said:

"This Executive Management Program was developed in response to the keen interest shown by Singapore companies in the Middle East particularly in the UAE. Through on-the-ground training, Singapore companies can gain insight into the Middle Eastern business and social culture, which will subsequently help them build a successful venture in the region."

Dr. Omar Hefni, President of UD said, "The Center for Management and Professional Development at UD is making great strides in bringing such an impressive group together and providing them with opportunities to meet with local business leaders and executives from the government and private sectors."

Usha Kaul Saraf, Manager, CMPD stated that "Designing and the program was a challenge in itself. The topics of the sessions have been very carefully thought out and cater to the needs of the present group of participants. However this being the inaugural program the feedback of the participants will be used to enhance the delivery content for the next run".

Singapore companies have been involved in a growing number of key projects in the UAE in recent years. Some of the more notable ones include Sembcorp Utilities who has a joint venture with the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA) to acquire the Fujairah-based independent Water and Power Plant (IWPP), DP Architects who is working on the Dubai Mall, Changi Airport International who recently secured a management contract with Abu Dhabi International Airport as well as Sembcorp Engineers & Constructors which is one of the key contractors to develop residential properties in the Jumeirah Islands.