DED launches second edition of professional Diploma in Business Management for SME's

The second edition of the diploma comes after the huge success the first edition achieved in March with more than 34 participants (28 males and 6 females) from across the UAE.

"SMEs sector is a key factor in the economic progress of several developed countries, and is currently contributing to the growth of developing countries through influencing the levels of innovation and accuracy in business and improving production," said Mr. Ali Ibrahim, Deputy Director General for Executive Affairs, DED. "We have realized that the majority of international companies have started as small businesses and developed to reach international levels, therefore we are focusing on developing this business sector through providing a healthy business environment and guide young UAE nationals from all over the country through future challenges," he added.

Mr. Khalid Al Kassim, Deputy Director General for Planning and Development, DED said: "Dubai has witnessed the launch of several successful initiatives that support and encourage ambitious entrepreneurs to establish their own businesses such as Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders, Intelaq, and Emirates Bank's Al Tomooh Finance Scheme for national businesses. We aim to focus on the development of young UAE nationals by providing key elements of growth including adequate training, guidance and knowledge of the business environment in the country."

Mr. Al Kassim added: "The DED's initiative to offer a Professional Diploma for national SME's was launched with the objective to encourage our national entrepreneurs to set up and manage their own businesses and thus contribute to the local and regional economic growth. The courses have been designed to suit the local environment. They also ensure that by the completion of the programme, the participants will be fully competent to prepare comprehensive business plans in order to attract adequate funding for their projects," he said.

The programme is divided into four modules that include introduction and evaluation of investment ideas, finance and accounting management, conducting feasibility studies, and setting a market strategy. Each module comprises lecture style classes followed by a project specially designed to give the student practical experience in the subject. The course also ensures that by the completion of the programme, the participants will be fully competent to prepare comprehensive business plans in order to attract adequate funding for their projects.

The main sponsors of DED's second edition of professional Diploma in Business Management were also announced during the conference. The sponsors included Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and Falconcity, which are the Golden sponsors, and Dubai Bank, Al Tomooh Programme, Bin Haidar Group, Seif Belhasa Group and Union Co-Op, which are the Silver sponsors. The programme is also supported by Al Bayan newspaper as a media sponsor.

Mr. Al Kassim concluded: "The DED will continue its efforts in providing national entrepreneurs with the necessary support and services to build their own businesses. We look forward to working closely with private sector organisations, government bodies and the continued support from the members of the media in order to achieve this mission".