Saint Mary's University students praise Mawarid Finance experience in SMEs support

Dr Husam Omar, Professor of Business Administration, Dubai Women College, said that that visit recommended by the Higher College of Technology represented by its dean, Mr. Jimmy Stewart and Chairman, Department of Business Administration Dr. Monica Gallant.

A first of its kind visit to a private organization, the visit was paid in appreciation of Mawarid's efforts exerted for the benefit of SMEs, as Mawarid's executives believe that SMEs sector is the backbone of today economy, considering its crucial role in using savings through investment channels to achieve economic growth and social development in all its aspects.

Dr. Husam said:

"This delegation of 9 students accompanied by two professors of the same University last Sunday arrived in Dubai in response to an invitation by College of Technology. This is the first visit during which presentations of leading projects were made and thoughts and perspectives exchanged; also, an academic cooperation agreement was executed for students and faculty secondment between the two colleges."

The delegation met with Rehab Lootah, SVP, BDCC and Amna Ghabbash, Marketing Manager, Marketing Department, who gave a presentation about Mawarid Finance's vision that is in line with the directives of the UAE leadership; this is done through seeking excellence and creativity for the sake of nationals and residents alike, as well driving the national economy, supporting the emiratization initiatives by Tamaiaz Award, in addition to developing a new approach towards SMEs through agreements made with concerned departments such as Khalifa Fund, Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment, Saud bin Saqr Program, Ajman Businesswomen Council, combined with discussion forums brining together business leaders and decision makers.

Rehab and Amna gave an overview of Mawarid's success story and how Mawarid managed to acquire more than one major investment so there are now 7 organizations owned by Mawarid in Egypt, Bahrain, Jordan, Germany and the UAE off course.

Lootah and Ghabbash answered student's answers about Islamic finance and the mechanism through which SMEs are supported. Students compared this support given by Mawarid Finance and semi government institutions and similar support received by SMEs in the USA; they appraised Dubai government's approach towards corporate social responsibility.

Students said that this was their first visit to Dubai, and expressed their pleasure when they saw Dubai and their appreciation of progress and development achieved especially in the field of infrastructure that is equal to what is available in the USA.

Students said they felt welcomed here in Dubai once they arrived in Dubai, confirming that this first visit wouldn't be the last.