Sharjah Tatweer Forum Hosts George Washington University Delegates

Visit To Facilitate Joint Areas For Mutual Cooperation

Sharjah Tatweer Forum (Tatweer), the emirate of Sharjah’s ambitious initiative for developing the skills of UAE nationals and promoting partnership among various sectors, welcomed delegates from the George Washington University School of Business yesterday (Saturday, January 5, 2008) at the Qanat Al Qasba waterfront. The visit, part of Tatweer’s program of promoting dialogue between different cultures and nationalities, highlighted economic and business developments in Sharjah and the UAE in general.

Tatweer, under the patronage of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah and Tatweer Honorary Chairman, welcomed the opportunity to talk about Sharjah’s status as a first class educational, academic and cultural hub in the region, as well as Tatweer’s programs, activities and role in the emirate’s development. Tatweer encouraged closer ties with the University, and also sought an exchange of ideas on leadership development, public administration, best practices, and experiences. The Forum also hoped that it could avail of technical consultations on public utility forums and civil society organizations from the American school.

Hussain Al Mahmoudi, Sharjah Tatweer Forum Chairman, said: “We seek to embody the vision of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi by forging alliances with prominent international educational institutions. We also aim to develop productive and innovative societal organizations which support institutional work, promote both individual initiative and creativity and progressive group work, and foster the practical application of expertise and problem solving abilities.”

The delegation included 25 students from George Washington’s School of Business, headed by Dr. Salah Hassan, Chairman and Professor of Marketing, and Strategic Brand Positioning and International Market Segmentation Researcher. The delegates were exposed to the UAE’s economic development, investment opportunities, and marketing practices through interviews and field visits to Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. The activities formed part of an educational course for a master’s degree from the University.

Tatweer and the University delegates, many of whom work for prominent American companies and institutions such as Lockheed, Boeing, the World Bank and the White House, also explored a possible student exchange program between Sharjah and the US and also discussed the second Tatweer Leadership Programme. They also talked about the role of Tatweer in national development, specifically in improving its institutional structure.

The American visitors were treated to a tour of Qanat Al Qasba, a popular tourist, cultural and entertainment destination in Sharjah. Marwan Al Sarkal, Qanat Al Qasba Development Authority CEO, explained the traditional architecture of Al Qasba buildings along with an overview of important developments and recreational and cultural activities sponsored by the Authority to establish the leisure center as the premier family and tourist destination in Sharjah.

“We hope to increase cooperation and communication with George Washington University and achieve a number of joint projects and programs that will enhance the role of the Forum. We seek to expand our circle of relations with other international organizations and firms to support the objectives of the Forum and promote its contribution to increasing the competitive aspects of Sharjah,” concluded Al Mahmoudi.

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