University of Dubai workshops for Singapore retailers

The participants comprised of retailers from the jewellery and furnishing sector and academicians from SIRS and Nanyang Polytechnic.

The executive programs, which was held from February 17 to 20, was a combination of interactive class room sessions held at the Dubai Chamber and also included site visits to local malls, chain outlets and major jewellery and fashion retail outlets in Dubai. This provided an excellent opportunity for the participants to learn from top notch retailers and experts about the jewellery and general retail market in Dubai, its prospects, opportunities and trends and strategies deployed by retailers to stay competitive in this market. Senior Managers working in the retail sector in fashion and jewellery in Dubai were invited to participate in a network meeting that gave participants the opportunity to meet local groups and explore business opportunities.

Dr. Omar Hefni, UD President, in his welcome speech praised the joint collaboration between CMPD and SIRS. He said, "Organizing such outbound programs would lead to sharing of best practices and benefit both countries as this would lead to the creation of learning organizations that would be ready to constantly adapt to changing environment."

Usha Kaul Saraf, Manager CMPD said, "The program brought together experts and major industry leaders in jewellery retail of the likes of Mr. Tamjid Abdullah, Managing Director, DAMAS; Mr. Chandu Siroya, Siroya jewellery; Ms. Katia Samra, Samra Jewellery; Mr. Anurag Sinha, Al Liali Jewellery; Mr. Amit Dhamani, Dhamani Jewellery; Mr. K.P Baiju and Ms. Jani Vishwanath of BUZ, and general retail leaders such as Al Shaya Group, Mr. Govind Bharwani, Apparel group, Mr. James McCallum Al Futtaim group, Mr. Sunil Kumar, Spinneys etc. and being provided with such a platform was a great learning experience for the participants".

The site visits arranged in the afternoons to the Gold Souk, City Center, Mall of the Emirates, Gold and Diamond Park, and The Jewellery Store (TJS) reinforced their learning and gave them an in-depth insight into the world of retail in Dubai.

SIRS representative Ms. Chooi Yee Poo, Assistant Manager Programs Development, Singapore Institute of Retail Studies (SIRS) said' The University of Dubai, Centre for Management & Professional Development did a great job for the program. The delegates benefited from the program in various ways. Outstanding list of guest speakers shared good business information and ideas, revealing the diversity and opportunities of Dubai retail market. The guided visits to various retail formats further enhanced what we learnt from the speakers. The program has also provided great networking opportunities for the delegates."