Citi Foundation renews support for Higher Colleges Of Technology

Founded in 1988, the Higher Colleges of Technology now boast 14 campuses across the UAE with more than 17,000 students. The Colleges are dedicated to the delivery of top technical and professional programs, and to graduate students with relevant skills to UAE's dynamic labor market.

Starting in 2007, the Program supports up to 16 of HCT's National students who wish to upgrade their qualifications to a Bachelor degree level from the current 3-year Higher Diploma credentials.

The added academic qualifications concentrate on areas of Business and Financial Services such as Accounting, Financial Services, Human Resources, Marketing, Travel and Tourism, and E-Business Management, hence enhancing the students' employment opportunities.

Dr. Tayeb Kamali, Vice Chancellor of The Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), said:

"Citibank Sponsored Bachelor Scholarships Program is a unique proposition designed to address UAE's labor market need for the right talent. The scholarship program brings many UAE nationals closer to realizing their post-academic work plans and adds value to our objective of linking academia to the business world for the full benefit of our students."

Mohammed Al-Shroogi, Managing Director for the Middle East and Chief Executive Officer for Citi in the UAE, said: "The Program's objectives are in line with Citi and the Citi Foundation's efforts to support financial and entrepreneurial education across the world. Our strategic alliance with HCT will mean that more deserving students will have the chance to succeed and excel. The success of the Program sets a benchmark for a working alliance between academic and business institutions in the UAE."

Citi has been in the Arab World for nearly 50 years and continues to view the region as critical to its global franchise.

It is currently present in ten Arab countries including Egypt, UAE, Lebanon, Jordan, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait.

Recently, Citi and the Citi Foundation announced a 10-year, $200m global financial education commitment, the formation of a new Office of Financial Education and a global initiative designed to encourage its 300,000 employees around the world to devote time to support financial education and other charitable causes.

Under the new initiative, employees may take a day off from work to volunteer for non-profit organizations in their communities.