Etisalat Academy's 1st regional event about Assessment and Development Centres opens today

Under the patronage of HE Eng Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Minister of Development of the Government Sector, the first regional event about Assessment and Development Centres, organized by Etisalat Academy, a business unit of Emirates Telecommunications Corporation- Etisalat- is opening today, Tuesday, the 9th of May, 2006.

The two-day conference is being held on the 9th and 10th of May in the auditorium of the Etisalat Academy, Dubai. A number of VIPs, CEOs, Directors in HR Development, Training and Education from Etisalat and other corporations from all sectors in the UAE, GCC and Middle East regions will be attending. The conference focuses on the launch of the Electronic Center services that aim at assessing efficiency levels for jobs in both the private and governmental sector in the UAE and the region. The Assessment Center, which is the first of its kind in the region, is managed by Etisalat Academy in collaboration with SHL-UK, International - one of the leading British institutions emphasized in this domain.

Doctor Doa'a Fares said, 'This event will bring together many international experience to our region and through the Academy we will disperse the knowledge to all organizations that require to excel. We are pleased that this event has come to address the issue of how Assessment and Development can add value to institutions and establishments.'

The conference will hold a number of discussions by top management of the SHL Group (UK). Kevin Kerrigan Regional Manager SHL Group will be discussing 'Factors leading towards superior performance at work.' He will also discuss 'Identifying real talent.'

Other key speakers of the SHL Group include James Bywater, Head of Psychologists and Jo Nocolson Business Development Director. Each day of the event concludes with a panel discussion where the speakers answer any questions from the participants.

Mariam Mohamed, eCompetency and Center Manager, highlighted the fact that the Center aims at preparing senior cadres participating in its programs to adopt and exercise the latest assessment and development methods. She added: 'Applying advanced assessment method have proved to effectively contribute to the reduction financial expenses that burden corporations and organizations. Furthermore, it assists in directing rehabilitation and training budgets that enhance efficiency levels that are related to national cadres from different specializations.'

The sponsors of the event include The Etisalat Telecommunication Corporation - Etisalat -, SHL Group (UK), General Information Authority, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Damas, Zayed University, The Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research, and Centre for Documentation and Research.