Sultan Lootah named Vice President for Employment and Entrepreneurship at Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation

A top tier management veteran with expertise gained through key executive positions, Lootah will spearhead and consolidate the Foundation's efforts to stimulate the entrepreneurial spirit among the Arab youth and to facilitate sustained job creation in the region.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Lootah was the Director of Projects Development at The Executive Office in Dubai. Earlier, as Director of Information Technology in the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) from 2004 to 2007, Lootah contributed extensively to formulating the department's strategy.

Welcoming Lootah as a valuable addition to the Foundation's senior management, Dr. Rima Khalaf, CEO, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, said: "A dedicated team is the cornerstone of any organization that seeks to successfully implement its vision. In our rapid progress towards achieving the Foundation's strategic objectives, we are keen to recruit high calibre individuals who can strengthen its capabilities and optimize the success of path-breaking initiatives.

"We are confident Sultan's leadership skills will serve as a vital asset to the Foundation.

Through focusing on employment and entrepreneurship, the Foundation will strive to explore prompt and effective solutions to reverse the unemployment issue in the Arab world."

According to recent World Bank reports, unemployment in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region averaged 14 per cent, the highest in the world except for Sub-Saharan Africa.

The situation gains further significance with decreasing job opportunities in the public and private sector. Under such a scenario, the growing trend towards self-employment and entrepreneurship gains additional importance as a vital source of new jobs.

Acknowledging his appointment, Sultan Lootah said: "I am deeply honored to join the Foundation, which already boasts distinguished individuals. I have profound respect and appreciation for its futuristic vision, which gives fresh hope and stimulus to the Arab youth.
"I will strive to build on the Foundation's strength and explore opportunities to expand its scope. I am looking forward to working with the team and all stakeholders to introduce effective solutions that unleashes the region's huge potential and turns the burden of unemployment into promising opportunities."

A recipient of a number of awards including the Dubai Government Excellence Award in the category of Best Employee in 2006, Lootah has also contributed to the success of a number of prominent initiatives, including the Dubai Summer Surprises.

It is worth mentioning that encouraging Arab intellectual output, facilitating knowledge transfer, nurturing young talent, and setting the right environment for cultural development are also among the key strategic objectives of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation.