Dubai 2003 launches community programme to create wider awareness of Annual Meetings

The programme of seminars and presentations by Dubai 2003 will be made to higher educational institutions, banks and leading business establishments. The objective is to create greater awareness of the annual meetings, educate and prepare future graduates about the importance of hosting such events for the progress of the country, enhance the level of professionalism in the financial sectors and inform and interact with young business leaders.

Dubai 2003 has appointed Sara Ismail Mohamed to manage the community awareness campaign across the UAE. Ms. Mohamed, who has wide experience in the financial and banking sector in the UAE, launched the programme on April 7 with a presentation on Dubai 2003 to students of Zayed University from both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Mr. Ibrahim Belselah, General Coordinator of Dubai 2003, said: "This unique initiative is part of our communications strategy designed to educate a wide audience of young nationals so they can learn more about this prestigious event and know how important and beneficial it will be to the UAE.

He added : "Our efforts to communicate to students at universities and colleges assumes greater significance because Dubai 2003 is also offering these young UAE nationals the opportunity to work as volunteers to assist the various committees that have been given specific responsibilities and duties for the event. By undertaking this series of seminars and presentations, Dubai 2003 is confident of creating interest among a large number of talented and qualified young UAE nationals about the Annual Meetings".

During her presentation to the students of Zayed University, Ms. Mohamed underlined the fact that the event would promote worldwide understanding of the UAE and its business capabilities and world-class infrastructure. The presentation covered a number of areas including role of the World Bank and IMF, UAE and globalisation, development statistics of Dubai and UAE and the challenges facing the UAE.

Ms. Mohamed said: "Dubai 2003 welcomes the support of Zayed University and other institutions for this community awareness campaign. Through this programme, Dubai 2003 will also help young UAE nationals to broaden their knowledge of world financial markets, sharpen their skills and widen their career horizon for the future".

Dubai 2003 plans to hold seminars in several other higher educational and financial institutions this month including Citibank in Dubai, Higher Colleges of Technology Men's and Women's Colleges in Dubai and Sharjah, Abu Dhabi Business Women's Conference, American University of Sharjah and American University of Dubai.

The Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund were first held in Washington DC in 1946. They are hosted by an international city one year in three. Dubai and the UAE were selected because of its highly developed transportation and logistics infrastructure, growing importance as a financial hub and its established position as an oasis of opportunity.

ENDS