Bidaya hosts orientation evening for top 20 students

While the students have already commenced with the academic side of the programme, having commenced university in late August, the committee briefed the students on the leadership part of the programme, which will be led by Dr. Tommy Weir, Nakheel's Head of Learning & Development - Human Resources.

Speaking of the evening, Amina Taher, Executive Director of Corporate Communications at Zabeel Investments, said: "There are many facets to the Bidaya programme, and by bringing the members together we felt they would get the best understanding of what lies ahead, it also provided us with the ideal opportunity to answer questions and provide the latest of information. When we started Bidaya we fully intended that we would provide consist support and direction for the members of the programme, not just leave to their own devices; this is part of Zabeel Investments and Nakheel's drive for good corporate social responsibility."

Students were provided with a Bidaya brochure, which provided them with background materials, a list of scheduled activities, biographies on their fellow members, and details on their bank accounts, which have been provided by Dubai Bank to help support the students financially throughout the programme.

Bidaya Programme Manager and Academic Supervisor, Mohamed Al Suwaidi, said: "The evening went down really well with the students; they feel the benefits from the programme already and are settling well in to the routine of university life. We want the students to feel that we are with them every step of the way, not just providing a scholarship; that we are behind them and available should they need support."

In addition to the serious side of evening, the students were encouraged to get to know their fellow team members, and were invited to interview and then introduce their team mates. Families were also included for the evening, with fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers attending in support of the students, which included an Iftar meal along with the official proceedings.

Future leader and doctor, Abdalla Al Naqbi, said: "It was nice to meet all our fellow Bidaya team members, and the support we are receiving is amazing. This programme is unique, and I am proud to have been chosen as one of the 20 who will lead the way. I am excited about the various areas I learn about, and about the experience I hope to gain for my future."

Amina Taher concluded: "We have a number of events and activities lined-up, including training, guest speakers, a fully-fledged one-on-one mentoring programme, work placement schemes, as well as fun events like cinema and theatre trips and cultural events, designed to help develop various skills, hone communications and broaden their horizons. It's not all about academic and classroom work, it's about getting out and being part of society that will help develop our Bidaya members in to the future leaders they will become.