Dubai high school students participate in real business experience

Organised by the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders, the competition will feature 84 real life business projects developed by students of 14 different public and private schools and displayed in Al Reef Mall.

The opening ceremony was attended by Majid Al Ghurair, CEO of Al Ghurair Group and Abdul Baset Al Janahi, CEO of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders.

Speaking at the event, Abdul Baset Al Janahi said: "We are proud of the participants and the creative and well planned projects they have put together for the competition. The Establishment welcomes new talent and fresh ideas and is keen in developing entrepreneurial skills among high school students."

Competing projects include some stand out ideas such as "Reflectionz", a project created by students from Arab Unity School. The project aims to attract the public toward mosaic work done on different items such as mirrors, vases and glass. The project's mission is to sell valuable artistic mirror designs at affordable prices.

Another project is "Kwick Funky Fotos", created by students from Dubai Modern High School. The team produces instant high quality digital photographs printed on a variety of colourful backgrounds in addition to selling jewellery and chains.

Officials of participating schools have praised the competition as an important initiative and a perfect platform for educating younger generations on the values and benefits of entrepreneurship. They said the event helps nurture students' knowledge on key business principles and helps them enhance their business planning skills.

Alexandra Sheikh Ali, Head of Business Department at Al Mawakeb School said: "This is the third year that our school has participated in the YEC competition. We believe it is innovative and an excellent chance for students to demonstrate their talent and learn additional skills. This way students apply what they learn in school in a real business environment."

The Young Entrepreneurs Competition will be running through till April 5th, 2007 at Al Reef Mall in Dubai. Following the remarkable success achieved in Dubai during its previous cycles, the competition will be organised for the first time in Abu Dhabi from 17-19 April, 2007 in coordination with the Abu Dhabi Education Zone and Al Marina Mall.