Khalifa Fund and Abu Dhabi University bring 'Leadership Series' to UAE Entrepreneurs

Sealing a Memorandum of Understanding were H.E. Dr. Ahmed Khalil Al Mutawa, Chief Executive Officer, Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development and H.E. Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Chairman, Abu Dhabi University. These events and executive development programmes will be part of the Leadership Series, a series of events reflecting the objectives of the Abu Dhabi 2030 Economic Vision and the mission of Khalifa Fund.

The series will include forums and executive training programmes and will tackle Innovation, Entrepreneurship and leadership which are key elements in the development of a diversified modern economy. Presented by Abu Dhabi University and the Khalifa Fund, the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forums will provide a platform for the communication of new ideas and practical case studies that will help develop young entrepreneurs and drive innovation in established businesses.

The first event in the series will be the Abu Dhabi Innovation Forum to be held on January 11 & 12, 2010. The forum is made specifically for those involved in all businesses interested in enhancing their structure to include an innovative mindset to forge ahead.

"Khalifa Fund aims to spread the spirit of entrepreneurship by promoting the concept of innovation for all Emaratis. We are always seeking to create a suitable work environment that enables small and medium enterprises to grow and contribute actively to the economic development of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The Memorandum of Understanding signed with Abu Dhabi University will help the Fund to move forward in achieving its objectives, and will also contribute in creating a new generation of UAE's entrepreneurs,"

said Al Mutawa.

He also furthered; "We hope that the Leadership Forum series serve as a contributing factor to all our efforts in achieving a sustainable economic development in Abu Dhabi and the UAE in general. Through a number of topics discussing pioneering and innovative work environment, the forum hopes to establish standard specifications for a new economic stage built by Emirati people."

Abu Dhabi University's Chairman, Mr Ali Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri believes that together with Khalifa Fund, creating specialised events for the UAE is the University's first step to enhance local enterprises in the capital through innovative and best practices from expert regional and international speakers.

"Abu Dhabi University aims to contribute to the realisation of the country's social and economic vision by providing informative and educational programmes for entrepreneurs and businessmen based in the region. The events we will feature on the Leadership Series are of great importance not only to the UAE but in the region as well and will discuss the latest trends and best case examples from regional and international innovators and experts," he added.

As agreed in the MoU, Abu Dhabi University will organise, produce, promote and deliver the events through the Institute for Executive Development (IED), a member of Abu Dhabi University Knowledge Group; and Aim Events, the conference and events division of ADU with the support and consultation of Khalifa Fund. ADU will also bring regional and international speakers to Abu Dhabi to discuss and inform on the latest trends and best case examples in relevant sectors during these events.

Abu Dhabi University and Khalifa Fund jointly announced the inaugural event for the Leadership Series, the Abu Dhabi Innovation Forum will take place on January 11th & 12th, 2010 at the Shangri La Qaryat Al Beri Hotel in Abu Dhabi. Some of the most innovative minds in the region and beyond will meet to deliver a well-researched program, designed for those organisations interested in forging ahead, progressing and fostering new ideas during this exciting time in one of the world's most attractive and emerging markets, Abu Dhabi.