Amwal AlKhaleej supports 'Investment Evolution and Opportunities in Mena Region' course

The reception was held as part of a new Executive MBA course at the Columbia Business School called "Investment Evolution and Opportunities in the Mena Region".

The event was attended by Laura B. Resnikoff, Associate Professor, Director, Private Equity Program, Columbia Business School, resident and visiting Columbia Business School alumni, members of Amwal AlKhaleej and prominent businesspeople from the Middle East.

The course is among the electives offered in Columbia Business School's Executive MBA program, and covers private equity and sovereign wealth fund investments issues in the Mena region. One of the highlights of the course is the opportunity for interaction between the Executive MBA students and Columbia Business School alumni based in North Africa and the Middle East.

Professor Resnikoff said, "We are pleased to introduce a course designed to understand the investment opportunities and challenges associated with the unprecedented wealth transfer and accumulation in the dynamic and resource-rich economies of the Mena region. Our visit to Dubai provided a fantastic opportunity for our students to gain insights into the Middle East marketplace."

She further noted, "In today's ever-changing economic environment practical knowledge and insight into real-world business conditions are keys to success. This reception allows Columbia Business School students to engage with some of the leading businesspeople in the region and we thank Amwal AlKhaleej for their support and for hosting our event."

Samer Sarraf, Senior Vice President, Amwal AlKhaleej and a Columbia Business School alumnus said, "Amwal AlKhaleej is pleased to lend its support and to be associated with one of the world's leading business schools and to share our strategic insights into the private equity industry in the Mena region. Amwal AlKhaleej strongly believes in the importance of working with such high calibre global institutions."

"For the private equity sector, 2009 will be a year to focus on portfolio management and careful execution of business plans, in addition to continuing to source new potential transactions in preparation for the rebound in the world economy. While the region has not been isolated from the challenges facing the global economy, Amwal AlKhaleej is optimistic about the medium to long-term growth prospects of the region given its unique dynamics. These include a young and growing population, government capital surpluses and a strong commitment to reform the regulatory environment."