Singapore's top executives trained on business practices and culture in the Middle East by University of Dubai

Launched in 2001, the Asian Business Fellowship Program has initiated Executive Management Programs whereby senior management are sent to attend short-term executive courses in top training institutions such as Tsinghua University and Fudan University in China, and the Tata Management Training Centre in India.

The government agency promoting the overseas growth of Singapore-based enterprises and international trade has partnered with the Center for Management & Professional Development, the professional management development training arm of the University of Dubai to design and deliver this program.

A total of 20 senior executives from Singapore's private and public sectors attended a one week program that involved traveling to Doha, Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Participants included prominent Singapore private sector players such as Jurong International Consulting, and there were public sector participants from the Ministry of Education, Economic Development Board, Singapore Tourism Board, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Community Development etc.

The Program was designed to provide participants with a comprehensive overview of the GCC countries, and equip them with an awareness of business practices and emerging business opportunities especially in Qatar and UAE.

The Program covered a comprehensive range of topics including business, political and economic overview of the GCC countries, Politics of Oil, Arab culture and society, Islamic Finance, how to set up business in the UAE and one of the interesting feature was a special panel discussion on - 'Present economic climate in the UAE and the proactive steps taken by the government to increase liquidity, and the outlook for the next five years'.

Site visits to Qatar Foundation, Qatar Urban Planning & Development Authority, Zones Corp, Cultural District in Abu Dhabi etc. formed an integral part of the Program.

The objective of this 6-day Executive Management Program was two-fold. Firstly, it aimed to expose the senior decision makers in the private and public sectors from Singapore to the intricacies of doing business in the Middle East and to appreciate its local culture.

More importantly, this highly participative program was designed to provide a rare networking opportunity for Singapore companies and organizations to establish important connections with government officials, professionals and businessmen in the UAE.

Dr. Omar Hefni, President of UD, said:

"CMPD has made great efforts in putting together a pool of top academicians, senior executives, consultants, and business leaders who are able to share their expertise with the participants in an interactive meaner and in turn provide a plethora of information under one roof."

Usha Kaul Saraf, Manager of CMPD said, "This Executive Management Program is the fifth program we have successfully delivered. Every year the program is customized to suit the participant profile. Our close affiliation with the Dubai Chamber allows for extensive networking with the various business groups in UAE & other GCC countries and this greatly benefits the participants. Access to business leaders from government and private sectors allows them first hand information on what is happening on the ground and what is on the planning stages."

Singapore companies have been involved in a growing number of key projects in the Middle East in recent years and such programs will facilitate greater joint ventures and foster greater understanding between Singapore and UAE and the GCC at large.