Sharjah Tatweer Forum launches second Tatweer Leadership Programme for UAE Nationals

The two-hour kick-off session held during the launch included a briefing by Tatweer's Acting Chairman, Mohammed Abdullah Bukhatir on the Forum's objectives, achievements and rationale behind initiating the Leadership Programme. The session also included a briefing about the programme, and the responsibilities of selected participants were also highlighted.

Speaking on the occasion, Mohammed Abdullah Bukhatir said, "The success and impact of the first Leadership Programme has crossed all expectations, with young, talented UAE nationals receiving the required training in several key disciplines. Youngsters hold the key to UAE's sustained progress and development, which makes their training and nurturing absolutely imperative."

"We are confident that the second programme will help identify and nurture the skills, abilities and analytical thinking of the participants, just as it did in the previous programme, so that they are well-prepared for assuming leadership positions in their organizations in the coming years," he added.

The candidates for the Tatweer Leadership Programme were chosen from among UAE Nationals working in various public and private sector organisations after a careful selection process that included psychometric assessments and testing for English language skills.

The Programme will be conducted over 12 sessions of two days per month and will feature visits to local organisations, lectures by visiting speakers; social events such as business breakfasts and dinners; presentations; individual research and sharing of information; group work; oral discussions; psychometric assessments and written materials.

"An encouraging aspect of the Tatweer Leadership Programme has been the high level of interest shown by both the government and the private sector in the initiative. Participants in the programme have had an in-depth understanding of the working, organisational set up and the unique characteristics of both sectors, which will help them immensely while making their career-related decisions.

Further, it is heartening to know that the graduates of the first programme have seen significant developments in their careers, partly because of the knowledge and experience gained from their participation in the programme," said Noura Al Noman, board member, Sharjah Tatweer Forum.

Nasser Akram, another board member of the Forum said, "This year, we have received a large number of applications from both the public and private sectors, and it is encouraging to note the high caliber of these applicants. The most important reason for the success of the Sharjah Tatweer Forum and its initiatives has been the constant support and guidance received from H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, and we are grateful to him for this."

The Sharjah Tatweer Forum was formed under a decree issued by H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah and Member of the UAE Supreme Council. H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan has been closely involved in the Forum's activities and he has continuously extended his support and given his advice to ensure that all the objectives of the Forum are achieved and the young UAE Nationals are nurtured and trained adequately.

The second Tatweer Leadership Programme has received overwhelming response from UAE Nationals across the country. Tatweer has so far received over 240 applications from individuals and nominations from 16 government departments and several private sector corporations which are keen to enroll its staff in the second batch of the programme. The number of applications received for this year's programme marks a 40 per cent increase compared to last year's inaugural programme. The quality of applications also reveals a significant improvement, with a large percentage of applicants being master's degree and Ph.D holders. Further, the programme has gathered applicants from all seven emirates, which underlines the importance of this highly-focused initiative for UAE Nationals.

During the six-month long programme, candidates will be exposed to concepts, best practices and effective approaches to customer relationship management, strategic planning, organisational development, leadership and team building, marketing and communications, analytical thinking and problem solving, executive coaching, mentoring and the use of psychometric assessment in selection and development of human resources.