Bae Systems honoured by Young Arab Leaders Bahrain

Earlier this year, Bae Systems sponsored eight Bahraini's, nominated by YAL to attend a two week leadership development course run by renowned training specialists- The Leadership Trust.

Edward Cosway, Director Industrial and Business Development, accepted the award on behalf of BAE Systems.

Martin Bennett, Regional Vice President & General Manager, Bae Systems, said:

"We are extremely pleased to have been able to give back to the community in this way and hope the leadership skills the participants cultivated during the course has a long- lasting impact on their careers and their contribution to the Kingdom's economy. On behalf of Bae Systems I would like to thank His Excellency Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al-Khalifa for his support in launching this educational initiative."

His Excellency Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al- Khalifa, Chairman, YAL, said:

"We have seen that the Young Arab Leaders' investment in the youth of Bahrain has had an enduring effect, as we have had significantly positive feedback from the participants who went on the same program in 2006. We have witnessed how the Leadership Trust program has a turning point effect in the lives of its participants and how they advance personally and professionally. Bae Systems has shown genuine interest in supporting the goals of the Young Arab Leaders through developing Bahraini leaders and we are thankful to them for making this happen. We hope that our partnership with BAE Systems further strengthens in the future."

Based on The Leadership Trust's core philosophies, the primary aim of the Leadership in Management Programme (LM) is to enable the participants to develop self-awareness, self-control and self-confidence in order to become a more effective leader. Using personal experiences to reinforce and identify individual strengths impacting behaviour and taking steps to gain personal growth, the recently concluded two week Leadership Trust course challenged, stimulated and fostered leadership skills in the eight YAL participants.

Participant, Ahmed Isa said, "The experience was truly enriching. Having honed my speaking and listening skills, I feel more confident and reliable. Through the Leadership Trust, I discovered that the most effective solutions are the simplest ones and appropriately managing expectations is the road to success. During the course our instructor introduced us to the phrase, 'expect a lot from yourself not from others.' Since my return, I have tried to live by this simple motto."

Another participant, Qusay Al Khalili said, "The Leadership in Management Programme is a once in a lifetime experience that has made me more self-aware. The course taught us how we can mould ourselves into tomorrow's leaders and overcome cultural obstacles to truly make a positive contribution to society."

"I would like to thank H.E.Sheikh Mohammad bin Essa Al-Khalifa, Young Arab Leaders and BAE Systems for their continuous efforts in encouraging and developing Bahrain's youth," added Al Khalili.

Björn Näf, CEO, Gulf Air commented, "As Bahrain's National carrier Gulf Air is committed to supporting all initiatives that enable the youth of Bahrain to succeed. We believe YAL is a pioneering programme that supports the nation's ambition for a prosperous future by giving young people, who have demonstrated a commitment to achieving success in their business field, the opportunity to train with some of the worlds most successful companies."

Ahmed Al Noaimi, CEO, ALBA said, "Young Arab Leaders is an extremely important developmental program that contributes greatly towards nurturing youth leadership skills in Bahrain. Aluminum Bahrain is proud to cooperate with YAL Bahrain as they continue to gain worldwide recognition for their efforts."