American University Of Dubai Wins CFA Emirates National Investment Research Challenge

Last night American University of Dubai became the 2011 UAE National Investment Research Challenge champions, beating three other Universities in a close final hosted by CFA Emirates, the association for financial and investment professionals, at the Shangri-la Hotel in Dubai. The winning team will now represent the UAE at the EMEA regional final which will be held in Madrid in March. The winners of this stage will then proceed to the CFA Institute international final to be held in Nebraska, USA, in April.

In addition to American University of Dubai, four universities from across the Emirates took part in the competition, including the The University of Wollongong in Dubai, Middlesex University Dubai and Manipal University Dubai. Each University was represented by a team of students who undertook a two month review of a public company. This year the teams reviewed National Bank of Abu Dhabi, one of the largest banks of the UAE. Each team was mentored by a professional research analyst and at the end of the process they wrote a research report which they then presented last night to a team of judges. This year’s panel included Mr Deon Vernooy, Senior Executive Officer, Emirates NBD Asset Management Ltd, Mr Abdul Kadir Hussain, CEO, Mashreq Capital, Mr Nabeel Qadir Bastaki, Senior Research Analyst at MENASA Capital and Mr Yacoub Husein Nuseibeh, President of CFA Emirates Society.

The champions, which included Taras Kozyk, Monica Aoun, Heba Abu Yousef and Hana Kasem were selected based on their investment case, the delivery of the final presentation and their ability to answer and respond to detailed analysis from the judges. As part of the prize, each student will be enrolled onto the CFA Program and registered for their first exam, as well as a trip to Madrid.

In congratulating the American University of Dubai, Mr. Nuseibeh, President of CFA Emirates, presented the Championship Trophy to the winning team, saying: ‘This competition provides an exceptional opportunity for students in the UAE to learn about the financial industry from the very best professionals who are actively working within the sector. All of the judges were very impressed with the quality of work presented by each team and the dedicated commitment of each student. They should be proud of their achievements in representing their University in a national competition. We want to thank all the students, their teachers and Universities for doing so well and for taking part. American University of Dubai will now have the added distinction of representing the UAE at the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) regional final in Spain. We wish them well for this next stage.’

Commenting at the event Mr Mohit Malhotra, Education Chair-Dubai of CFA Emirates said: “The UAE has plans to become a major financial hub. This requires, among other things, greater transparency, technical competence and integrity. The increasing popularity of the CFA program in the UAE is hence very positive and can only act as a catalyst to further develop the local financial and capital markets. This Challenge is a platform to showcase the financial talent available within the UAE, to encourage young graduates to take up the unique and rewarding field of Investment Research as a career and to seriously consider the CFA program as the qualification of choice.”
 

Dubai Metro Scoops Princes Haya Award For Best Educational Research About Handy Services To Special Needs

Roads & Transport Authority – Manal Khalid:

The Dubai Metro has scooped the 3rd edition of Princess Haya bint Al Hussain Award for Special Education, in the category of the Best Educational Research, in recognition of the research conducted by the Rail Planning and Development Department, Rail Agency, Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Affairs. The study focuses on the needs of people with special needs when using the metro and the range of facilities provided to them right from the station through to the end of the journey.

Adnan Al Hammadi, CEO of Rail Agency, commended the continuing success made by the Dubai Metro, seen as one of the major infrastructure and transport projects worldwide, particularly as it managed over the last couple of years to bag a host of global awards such as Cityscape & Gulf Traffic Awards, Best Infrastructure Project Award in the Middle East’s Architectural Contest as well as other awards including the Middle East Railway Projects Award and Mead International Award (about quality in projects category).

“RTA seeks to have itself always branded with excellence through applying the best international practices and pursuing high quality operational mechanism, thus obviously contributing to strengthening employees’ confidence while carrying out the set plans with a blend of innovation and distinction. RTA sets the approach adopted by senior leaderships of the community as a strong basis for the implementation of its plans and vision for excellence and innovation in the quest for meeting the needs, aspirations and requirements of various community segments, whom it believes are instrumental for the success of any realized initiative or project”, Al Hammadi added.

“RTA places the people with special needs as a priority before implementing any project concerned with mass transport whether by using taxis, public buses or metro through establishing firm and clear safety principles regarding the provision of all services and facilities needed by this category when using these transport modes with a view to integrating them, being an essential component, into the community on equal footing with the other community members”, the CEO of the Rail Agency emphasized.

Al Hammadi dedicated this Award to His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, RTA Chairman of the Board and Executive Director, in acknowledgment of his continuing encouragement and unlimited support to the Departments and Agencies to take part in such important competitions which would add yet further successes and allow work to be performed at the highest level of excellence. He also commended the effort made by the concerned team at the Rail Planning and Development Department for participation in the important competitions held for adding further global and local awards to the Metro.

It is noteworthy that the Rail Agency’s Rail Planning and Development Department had taken keen interest over the last period on compiling this analytical study to identify the needs and requirements of people with special needs when using the metro with the aim of epitomizing RTA’s vision of “safe and smooth transport for all”. It was later apparent from the findings that about 87% of the people with special needs were satisfied with the facilities and services available in Dubai Metro.

MoneyExpo Dubai Announces The Support Of The Ministry Of Higher Education And Scientific Research For The Regions Largest Personal Finance And Investment Show, Due To Take Place At The Dubai World Trade Centre From 21-23 April 2011

"The United Arab Emirates is recognized as an important international financial services centre: the number of banks and financial services companies are growing at a fast pace, stock markets are thriving in Dubai and Abu Dhabi; all levels of society show a strong commitment to providing world class financial services. MoneyExpo Dubai 2011 is a very important initiative that will help ensure that members of the general public acquire the information, knowledge and skills necessary for making sound investment decisions and for utilizing the financial services available to them."
– Sheikh Nahayan Bin Mubarak Al Nahayan

The event will be the first opportunity for the public to meet with their service providers in a neutral setting, benchmark products and services and gather market information for themselves. Covering a range of asset classes from insurance, mortgages and savings plans to trading and commodities – this event is designed to meet the public’s need for medium to long term investment opportunities. As Sheikh Nahayan Bin Mubarak Al Nahayan continued to explain "Information given to investors must be provided in ways that are easily understood by the general public. It is also important to strengthen investors’ abilities to use that information wisely. MoneyExpo Dubai 2011 will empower investors by providing access to accurate, reliable and easy to understand information, as well as the tools to use this information to make and monitor their own investments."

The educational emphasis on the exhibition is central. As marketing director Ranna Mokhtarzadeh has said, "I know that I always felt that passing through the UK school and university system there was nothing that I ever learnt about how to deal with money in the real world. Our aim for the 3 day event is to empower people with the tools to make the best decisions for their finances. There is a lot of misinformation out there and certainly a lot of fear given the state of the world economy. It is for this reason that we are bringing together some of the world’s leading wealth creation experts to share their strategies for creating wealth in these challenging times."

The speaker faculty will include Sharon Lechter, one of President Obama’s advisors on financial literacy and education and co-author of the international best-seller – Rich Dad Poor Dad which has sold over 27 million copies and been translated into over 50 languages. Other luminaries include Robert Allen, one of the best known financial advisors also from the US and author of two of the best-selling financial books in history and the world’s number one affiliate marketer – Ewen Chia, who is from Singapore.

The event also represents a unique marketing opportunity for the personal finance industry in the region. "The success of other such money shows elsewhere in Asia and the US is remarkable and we found an overwhelming need for something similar in this region." says Simon Eder. As he explains, "In our research with the public, they expressed a real reticence for some of the leading providers in the region. Over 30% of the people that we spoke to said that they were dissatisfied with the customer service of their bank for example. People also felt harassed by the continual bombardment with cold-calls in this region. Many expressed to us the need for an unbiased platform where people could sit down and learn about what had worked for others."

For more information, contact:

Ranna Mokhtarzadeh
Tel: +97150-1030560
Email: Rannasm@moneyexpodubai.com
Website: http://www.moneyexpodubai.com

University Of Dubai Partners With University Of Louisville USA To Enhance Learning Research Opportunities

The College of Business Administration at the University of Dubai (UD), a prestigious university in the UAE established by Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Louisville (UofL), USA to expand international learning opportunities for students and collaborative research options for faculty. The College of Business Administration also has affiliations with many schools in France and Germany.

Meanwhile, the new partnership comes on the heels of a very successful visit earlier this year by the MBA students of the UofL College of Business and a visit of the Dean and other UofL faculty to Dubai. The MoU, which was signed by Dr M. Omar Hefni, President of UD, Dr Mordean Taylor-Archer, Vice Provost for Diversity and International Affairs UofL, and Dr R. Charles Moyer, Dean, College of Business UofL, recognises the importance of research and quality education, involves student exchange programs, joint research, and closer and more substantive collaboration. Initially, UofL students will participate in UD’s Middle East Familiarization program offered by the UD’s Center for Management and Professional Development, with internships and student exchange opportunities planned for the future. UofL faculty will be invited to teach at UD and pursue research projects in conjunction with its scholars.

Dr M. Omar Hefni said: “We are extremely happy with this partnership as the University of Louisville is also an AACSB accredited school and so both institutions share similar vision. At the same time, as Dubai is a city of opportunities, our entrepreneurial focus is a perfect fit for student needs. Thus, we believe the partnership will offer both universities immediate and long-term benefits. The MoU is part of our efforts to diversify the education portfolio for UD students in keeping with the university’s development goals. It is another milestone in UD’s strategy to provide quality education to residents in the rapidly growing Middle Eastern region.”

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Robert Taylor, Director of International Affairs, UofL said: “As part of their MBA learning experience, we let students pick the places they’d most like to go anywhere in the world. Dubai was at the top of their list. The partnership with UD will give an opportunity to our students to get real-time experience in one of the expanding business and economic centres of the world.”

UofL students are expected to begin participating in the new UD program in the summer of 2011.
 

Dubai School Of Government Signs MoU With National Bureau Of Statistics To Further Research And Development

The Dubai School of Government (DSG), a research and teaching institution focusing on public policy in the Arab world, today announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the UAE National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) to provide for data and information sharing between the two institutions.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Tarik Yousef, Dean of Dubai School of Government, and His Excellency Rashid Khamis Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the UAE National Bureau of Statistics.

According to the agreement, technical data collected by the National Bureau of Statistics will be used by the Dubai School of Government to carry out academic research that will serve the nation’s progress and development. A joint committee will be established to oversee implementation of the memorandum.

Dr. Tarik Yousef, Dean of the Dubai School of Government, said: “Access to accurate, timely data is critically important in the realm of public policy analysis. Too often, researchers and policy makers have been hindered by either the lack of quality information or the presence of ‘information silos,’ whereby data is present but not accessible.

“We commend the foresight and openness of the National Bureau of Statistics, and believe that this information sharing partnership will result in the availability of better analysis to decision-makers and the academic community. We are confident the MoU will eventually lead to the formulation of a more informed public policy.”

His Excellency Rashid Khamis Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the UAE National Bureau of Statistics, said: “The signing of this MoU comes in line with our efforts to establish stronger ties with various government agencies, especially those on the forefront of public policy and academics such as the Dubai School of Government. The agreement covers a wide range of common training programmes and the exchange of data and expertise through a joint committee.

“We believe the agreement will benefit not only the two organisations but the wider community as well.”
Established in 2005 in cooperation with the Harvard Kennedy School, the Dubai School of Government is committed to the creation of knowledge, dissemination of global best practices and the training of policy makers in the Arab world. The school is focused on capacity building and conducts various programmes that seek to promote good governance through enhancing the region’s capacity for effective public policy.

For more details, visit www.dsg.ae or call 04 329 3290.
 

UOWD Launches PhD Program To Promote A Culture Of Research Innovation

The University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) will offer a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program from Autumn 2010, following approval by the Commission for Academic Accreditation, UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

Along with the recent accreditation of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), this positions UOWD as a leading research and teaching University in the UAE. It also makes UOWD the first nationally accredited private university in the UAE to offer PhD and DBA programs.

"The UOWD is proud of reaching this important milestone in our development," said Professor Rob Whelan, President of UOWD. "This outcome is an acknowledgement of the quality of our academic staff, whose qualifications, skills and research output were critical to the success of the PhD proposal. It also reflects very well on our administrative staff and processes."

The goal of the PhD is to provide a combination of research skills training, exposure to the latest business research and conducting an original research project, which will contribute to the development of theory in the field. This program will see students grow as ‘professional researchers’, leading to careers in research organisations and Universities.

In contrast, the Doctor of Business Administration degree focuses on research which will lead to improved business practice, and is aimed at professionals who are already working in business – helping them to become ‘researching professionals’.

"Both private and public sector organisations in the UAE are increasingly seeking professionals differentiated by their capacity to undertake original, theoretical research to deal with organisational challenges. The UAE’s rapidly expanding higher education sector is also creating demand for research-active academics with doctoral qualifications for teaching in advanced subjects and to conduct research," said Prof. Whelan. "UOWD aims to cater to this important need for research degrees by offering the PhD."

Candidates wishing to undertake the UOWD PhD should hold a Masters degree in a business related discipline. Applicants must have completed their studies from a recognised tertiary institution and achieved a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 (or equivalent). A candidate requires an (Academic) IELTS (or equivalent) with an overall score of at least 6.0. Their English language skills will then be assessed based on a number of additional criteria, including writing skills as demonstrated in a written research proposal and the results of a ‘WritePlacer’ test and language skills as demonstrated at an interview.

Relevant industry-related experience will be taken into consideration when assessing applications. However; candidates without work experience may be considered based on previous strong academic performance in a relevant business discipline and demonstrated ability to complete a research degree.

The first part of the PhD program comprises coursework focussed on the acquisition of research skills. Progression from this coursework to the research component of the program will require passing both the written and oral components of a comprehensive exam.
 

Dubai Research Students See Latest British Work On Sustainability For The Built Environment

The British University in Dubai (BUiD), the Middle East’s top research-based postgraduate university has announced the success of its biannual student visit to The Welsh School of Architecture (WSA) at Cardiff University, a trip supported by leading design firm, Atkins.

The trip is offered as part of BUiD’s Sustainable Design of the Built Environment (SDBE) Masters programme, offered in partnership with the WSA, as part of a vision to expand and provide world-class education to UAE graduate students. The next step in the process is the launch of newly accredited MSc in Intelligent Building Design Architecture (IBDAA) this September.

“The students visited the Building Research Establishment (BRE) Innovation Park which hosts demonstrations of buildings showcasing different technologies that make buildings more comfortable, energy-efficient and sustainable. This helps them become familiar with the latest trends in sustainable construction, a subject that is extremely important for the Middle East at this time,” said Professor Bassam of BUiD.

Students were also taken to visit the headquarters of top design firm, Atkins.
“Our support for BUiD and its students is an important part of our commitment to improve skills and knowledge as the world moves towards a low carbon future. This biannual trip to the UK is a great opportunity for students to broaden their understanding and see some of the live projects where sustainable design skills have been applied,” said Richard F Smith, Technical Director and Group Chair of Carbon Critical Buildings for Atkins.

A trip to the Architectural Associate School of Architecture, the UK’s renowned and oldest school of architecture based in London, was also a treat for visiting students who had the opportunity to discuss new research projects and attend presentations.

BUiD also supports a long-distance collaborative PhD programme in Sustainable Design of the Built Environment awarded by Cardiff University’s Welsh School of Architecture.

The WSA has been voted the UK’s top School of Architecture in the Times Higher Education Supplement league table for the last four years. In 2008, a Research Assessment Exercise concluded that 90 percent of the school’s research activity is globally recognized.

BUiD is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and is recognized around the world for its high level of quality education which is on par with British standards thanks to its association with UK-based universities including the Universities of Edinburgh, Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff and King’s College London

It is expected that the IBDAA launch and BUiD’s other collaborative activity will further enhance local access to many key players in sustainability for the built environment over the next year.

Student Reem Mohd Omar who took part in the UK trip, said: “This trip was a combination of a fantastic visit to Cardiff, Reading and London and also provided us with an insight into the latest practical and academic research and experimentation for a sustainable built environment. It really was a splendid and informative experience,” she said.
 

Women Earn Less For Equal Hours, Reveals New Research By Bayt.com And YouGovSiraj

While the number of hours worked by women generally matches and often exceeds those of their male colleagues, the compensation they receive is much lower. 4 in 10 women across the region feel they receive less pay than their male counterparts and have a slimmer chance of promotion. These are among the findings of a series of polls conducted by the Middle East’s number one job site, Bayt.com, in conjunction with research specialists YouGovSiraj.

The Women in the Middle East Workplace survey is a measure of women’s perceptions, attitudes, experiences and satisfaction with various elements of their role in the workplace, particularly regarding their treatment relative to that received by their male counterparts.

With 51% feeling that appreciation in the workplace is based on merit (and a comparatively small 15% claiming men receive more recognition), it seems most women in the region feel reasonably content about their career worth. However, the picture becomes more complicated when looking at remuneration. 90% of women claim to work equal or longer hours to their male colleagues, but, 42% feel they receive less pay (54% for Western women and 53% for GCC), 43% feel they have a lesser chance of promotion (57% among GCC women) and a further 20% feel women in their company are not able to progress beyond a certain level in their organizational structure.

“Women make up a large proportion of the region’s workforce and are fundamental players in helping to build and shape the region’s economies. However, these poll results show that women throughout the region are still subject to a certain degree of discrimination in the workplace, particularly when it comes to compensation and opportunities for promotion”, explains Rabea Ataya, Chief Executive Officer, Bayt.com.

For many women, these frustrations are compounded by the need to balance career commitments and family life. Maternity leave is one notable area of discontent. Most women in the region are entitled to between one and three months leave and more than half cite neutral to low satisfaction with their company’s provision of leave and benefits. Dissatisfaction is most rife among GCC and Western women, with 35% and 40% citing low satisfaction. However, while over half of women (58%) feel employers should provide them with special benefits, only 22% have asked their companies for flexible timings or to work from home. Of those, 39% received a negative response.

“Gauging the opinions of these women provides a valuable look at what provisions and services employers are currently making available for their female employees, and point to what employers could be doing to further improve the workplace for women – especially those that balance their work with a family”, explains Sundip Chahal, Chief Operating Officer, YouGov Siraj.

While the study shows a significant level of dissatisfaction among women in the workplace, a positive outlook is still held by many. 44% of women across the region feel that gender has not affected their career and as much as a third (32%) of GCC women feel it has it in fact had a positive impact. A further 75% region-wide say there are women occupying senior positions in their company, with Kuwait topping the list at 83%.

Other findings from the study show that top motivators for women to switch jobs are a higher salary (77%), better career advancement opportunities (55%) and gaining senior positions (30%). Among the benefits provided by employers to women, top are paid maternity leave (44%), family health insurance (35%), which in many countries is mandatory by law; and training (30%). This figure (training) is especially high among GCC nationals at 50% and lowest for Asians at 26%.

“This data can be of huge benefit to all HR practitioners and regional and international recruitment websites as it provides quick and valuable insights into how jobseekers are feeling about the hugely important, pertinent topic of women in the workforce – in each of the various parts of the Middle East. This data will help HR practitioners to understand and question the role that issues of gender equality and competence should have in the modern business environment, which can in turn promote dialogue and even culture-change, in terms of improving or updating current regulations and practices that relate to both women and men at work,” concluded Ataya.

Data for the Women in the Middle East Workplace poll was collected online between the period of 26th April and 23rd May 2010 with a total of 2086 respondents, including locals, Arab expats, Western expats and Asian Expats residing in the UAE, KSA, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Algeria and Tunisia. The survey and other Middle East human resources research are available on www.bayt.com.
 

Dubai Knowledge Village Corporate Research Centre Launches Three Surveys On Economic Crisis

Dubai Knowledge Village (DKV), a member of TECOM Investments, today announced the DKV Corporate Research Centre has launched three surveys, in alliance with its business partners, on how organisations are coping with the economic downturn.

The initiative is part of the DKV Corporate Research Centre’s continuing endeavour to offer economic and market data for the benefit of UAE-based businesses.

DKV’s business partners Third Eye FZ LLC, Dynamic Learning FZ LLC and Hewitt Associates will organise surveys on Keeping your Customers…When it Matters!, Total Compensation Measurement™, and Emotional Intelligence Survey in the Middle East.

Dr. Ayoub Kazim, Executive Director, Dubai Knowledge Village and Dubai International Academic City, said: “For many organisations in the GCC, this is probably their first experience of a severe business downturn. We would like to know how the managements of these organizations have reacted to the financial crisis from diverse perspectives. The key findings of the research will help the region’s senior management from the corporate sector to take effective measures for tackling some of the challenges thrown up by the current economic scenario.”

The ‘Keeping your Customers…When it Matters!’ survey focuses on customer retention. Analysing how well companies in the region are addressing challenges for retaining profitable customers, the survey explores whether organizations recognize the value of customers and have put in place initiatives that will identify profitable accounts in their customer base. It will additionally determine the exact value of their profitable customers, and how well companies are aligning their resources to deliver better value to these customers.

Total Compensation Measurement™ is one of Hewitt’s most comprehensive worldwide compensation research programmes. With nearly 30 years of experience, it serves more than 7,000 organizations in over 40 international markets. The study has been launched in the UAE for the first time this year and has already seen an overwhelming response from organizations including some of the biggest conglomerates and key players across sectors. It has registered more than 120 participants so far in the UAE.

The Emotional Intelligence Survey in the Middle East focuses on how business leaders in the Middle East match up to the global population in terms of emotional intelligence. An online questionnaire has been submitted to more than 5,000 leaders in the region to find the answer to this question.

The DKV Corporate Research Centre is an initiative by DKV Partner Development Management, focusing on research in the areas of business and corporate related issues whilst offering market data to serve the UAE business community.

Hasan Makansi, Head of Partner Development for Dubai Knowledge Village and Dubai International Academic City, said: “DKV Corporate Research Centre is a joint effort with its own pool of talent in addition to business partners’ wealth of knowledge and expertise in research and consultancy. Dubai Knowledge Village supports and nurtures the business community by providing significant data analysis and a corporate research bank.”

Previous studies by DKV Corporate Research Centre include ‘Business Leadership in the UAE’ conducted in partnership with The Core Group; ‘CEO Mobility’ in partnership with Stanton Chase, and the ‘Best Employer Survey’ in partnership with Hewitt.

Launched in 2003, Dubai Knowledge Village aims to consolidate the status of the emirate as a global destination for human resource management and learning excellence. It is a unique hub that offers the right investment opportunities in human capital empowerment, skills development and enhancement.

The free zone cluster has evolved into an effective catalyst for training and learning for the entire MENA region, hosting a large number of HR training and development centres, management consultancies and e-learning providers.

DED And DHL Records Progress On Logistics Research Initiative To Improve Dubai’s GDP And Global Competitiveness

The Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) and Deutsche Post DHL today announced significant progress on the joint research initiative to elevate the emirate’s logistics capacity, transforming the speed of doing business in the city and enhancing its economic competitiveness.

The DED-DHL research partnership, announced in January 2009 and on course for implementation in 2010, addresses three areas critical to Dubai’s growth: reducing congestion, improving convenience, and minimizing carbon. The commercially viable and pro-growth solutions identified for implementation include first and final-mile delivery for Dubai residents, reduced-carbon warehouses, and smarter and more widespread distribution models leading to reduced operations costs.

The logistics revitalization framework is in line with UAE Prime Minister and Vice President and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s strategic initiatives for 2015, which include an emphasis on environment, planning, resource utilization and efficient infrastructure and transportation.

The World Economic Forum’s Arab Competitiveness Report also listed a strong and sophisticated transport and logistics sector as essential to the region’s future development. The Middle East, the report said, faces unprecedented opportunities to capitalize on its favourable location, including intra-Arab and Europe-Asia trade. A robust and more efficient sector will boost macroeconomic activity, enhance global competitive advantage, and generate sustainable job opportunities, the report added.

Mr Fahad Al Gergawi, Chief Executive Officer of the Foreign Investment Office, an agency of the Department of Economic Development said: “We are excited about this logistics initiative and its potential to play a critical role in enhancing foreign direct investment into Dubai. This is part of the DED’s many programs to ensure existing and potential investors have optimal access to local, regional and international markets through continually improved infrastructure.”

Mr Dave Harris, Director for Logistics at DED and Mr Suren Thadani, Director Strategy & Planning for the Middle East at Deustche Post DHL, both responsible for managing the strategy and roll out of this program, said the proposed ideas have a clear linkage to important global competitiveness indices including Innovation, Infrastructure, Higher Training and Education, Technological Readiness and Business Sophistication.

Jon Bumstead, Director of Innovation Incubation– Deutsche Post DHL, said: “Accelerating logistics innovation in Dubai will result in faster and more meaningful economic growth. Initiatives such as these are globally valuable as ideas can be leveraged across borders”