Etisalat Academy's 5th Middle East HR Conference declared a success

Participants appreciate the caliber of experts and their recommendations

Dubai, 14th March 2006: The conference featured prominent Human Resources experts and consultants from around the world.

Dr. Dona Fares, General Manager, Etisalat Academy, said:

"We are extremely happy with the large and enthusiastic participation in the 5th edition of our HR conference. The seminars and discussions that comprised the main forums as well as the sideline discussions were well attended by participants and speakers alike. Some of the most popular topics that were worked through this year were methods of identifying and creating leaders, managing change, performance and leadership activities, and methods to qualify HR practices. Many discussions positioned the best international practices and experiences in a local context."

The programme began with an opening speech on 'The World Competitiveness Challenges in 2006' by Professor Stephanie Gazelle of the International Institute for Management Development and the University of Lausanne, Switzerland, which featured statistics and graphs detailing the trends affecting the world economy.

Adularia Al Swale, Executive Vice President- HR, Etisalat, presented a session on 'Leadership Re-Engineered- The Pragmatic Essentials'. He highlighted points on how strategic planning did not just strongly emphasize HR development, but re-engineered leadership practices. He said: "Transformation occurs when there is a shift in thinking, strategy and material. Once you have set the big picture right, you can always fix the small aspects and apply the required leadership". He concluded by introducing innovative ways to apply leadership expertise.

Mr. David Creelman, CEO Creelman Research Canada, presented the important issue of 'Employee Survey'. His argument was for increasing results via feedback from the company's employees. He explained that attaining information from employees will guide and direct action, and that targeted areas for development can and should be identified by means of surveys.

Mr. Virender Kapoor, Director of Symbiosis Institute of Management in India, spoke about the 'Importance of Emotional Competence for Organizational Success'. He elaborated Human Resources as based on passion and emotions. He explained: "The truly great are not the men of wealth and possession, not men who gain name and fame, but those who testify the truth in them and refuse to compromise, whatever the cost."

Asia Sumatra, Training Operations Manager, Etisalat Academy, said "The success of this year's conference has already charged us with enthusiasm to prepare for next year's conference in an even bigger way. We will explore every avenue and opportunity to ensure that the best professionals and consultants will be featured in our roster of HR experts in the HR Conference in 2007."