Dubai Knowledge Village hosts seminar on 'Top 10 Soft Skills for Success'

More than 100 business executives participated in the event hosted by Dubai Knowledge Village (DKV), regional leaders in human capital management and a member of TECOM Investments. The event was the first in a series of workshops on business etiquette DKV plans to host this year.

Held at the Dubai Knowledge Village Conference Centre, the seminar was co-hosted by Finishing Touch FZ LLC, a leading provider of executive educational programmes on etiquette and courtesy rules.

Stressing the challenges of sustaining interpersonal relations in today's multi-cultural society, the event highlighted the importance of soft skills such as communication, teamwork, impact of body language, the ability to manage conflict and build trusting working relationships, as well as appropriately controlling emotional responses at the workplace.

Dr. Ayoub Kazim, Executive Director, Dubai Knowledge Village and Dubai International Academic City, said: "Dubai Knowledge Village continues to initiate activities that help enhance the skills of professionals in the region. Through our business partners, we have organised seminars that facilitate management professionals to effectively carry out their tasks in a highly competitive business environment.

"Through organising such enabling events, we aim to complement Dubai's gradual shift towards a full-fledged knowledge economy."

Ghassan Hajjaj, of Finshing Touch, a multi-linguist who speaks eight languages and has travelled extensively across the globe, introduced the topic on etiquette and its importance in business. He focused on non-verbal as well as verbal communication techniques, body language and ways of addressing business associates from different cultures.

A guest speaker, Gisou Mehrabanzad, Head of Business Development, spoke on 'Finishing Touch Activity and Methodology'.

Hasan Makansi, Head of Partner Development, Dubai Knowledge Village, said: "Business environment in a multicultural society throws up odd challenges to professionals. As a centre for excellence, Dubai Knowledge Village seeks to offer various specialised techniques through workshops to help meet these challenges. Our first workshop on business etiquette highlighted the significance of demeanour and decorum, key aspects in business."

Home to over 400 professional training centres, Dubai Knowledge Village is the world's only free zone totally dedicated to developing a highly skilled knowledge community. The cluster specializes in human resource development, human resource management, professional testing, as well as management training and consultancy services.