Aldar and Cambridge in new Lead partnership

Lead was originally introduced in May 2007 as a two-year diploma programme, with Knowledge Horizon providing the academic input accredited by Cambridge International Examinations. Some 75 students are currently enrolled in the programme, which aims to inspire a new generation of UAE leaders.

The new LEAD is of 14 months duration with core modules and electives, some experiential and all delivery, assessment and accreditation to be conducted in Abu Dhabi by Cambridge Faculty. The course is open to all Emiratis throughout Abu Dhabi as well as all Aldar managers.

A partnership agreement was signed here in Abu Dhabi today in the presence of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Chancellor of the UAE University. The agreement was signed by Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Chairman of Aldar Properties, and Dr. Arnoud De Meyer, Dean of Cambridge Judge Business School, in the presence of Professor Alison Richard, Vice Chancellor of Cambridge University.

Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Chairman of Aldar Properties, said: "This new alignment with Cambridge is in line with Aldar's commitment to giving our youth access to world class education and arming them with appropriate tools to become future leaders in their fields."

Abdalla Zamzam, Aldar's Chief Administration Officer, commented:

"We are pleased to have won the commitment of Cambridge University's Judge Business School to our Lead Programme, which is moving from strength to strength. A major advantage of the New Lead is that it has been aligned to the UAE University's MBA programme, and as such should attract a wider number of MBA aspirants. We are equally keen to allow all Aldar managerial staff the opportunity to benefit from this exposure."

Dr. Arnoud De Meyer, Dean of The University of Cambridge University Judge Business School said:
"We are proud to take our involvement in LEAD a significant step further by dedicating faculty to share their expertise with the future leaders of Abu Dhabi. I hope this partnership will contribute to the attainment of the ambitious goals of this unique programme".

The signing ceremony signalled the official launch of the new Lead programme. Zamzam said Aldar will soon start receiving applications for the first cohort which will begin in October 2009.