Under the patronage of HH Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi

Dubai, February 2, 2015: Under the patronage and in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, the University of Dubai and the Citi Foundation celebrated today the graduation of 11 Emirati female students who completed Professional Diploma in Entrepreneurship and Business Plan Development.

The completion of the 11th Citi-funded Diploma Program in Entrepreneurship and Business Plan Development was sponsored by Citi Foundation as Citis social investment arm. In addition, the graduation event, held in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, was also supported by the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development.

Dr. Eesa M. Bastaki, President of University of Dubai, thanked His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi for his commitment to quality education and women issues. He added: The vision of His Highness on education, as an important part of sustainable development in Ras Al Khaimah, has enabled young generations to pursue higher education at first class universities.

Dr. Bastaki stated that University of Dubai is committed to quality education through its local and international accredited programs, adding that the university teaches entrepreneurship as a vital major of its Faculty of Business Administration.

Karim Seifeddine, head of Citi's Public Affairs & Government Relations practice in Middle East, North Africa & Pakistan (MENAP) region, said: Our commitment to this program is based on our belief that female entrepreneurship programs represent an enormous untapped source of economic growth, and job creation. He added that Citi Groups objective is to arm women with necessary skills to overcome business obstacles and to get involved in professional development by getting all needed access to business training, networks and information.

Seifeddine stated that Citi has evolved into an active corporate citizen in the UAE with particular interest in supporting financial literacy, business development, education, and entrepreneurship.

On the occasion, Prof. Ananth Rao, Chief Academic Officer, University of Dubai, said: I know how we started this program in 2004 at UD as a JVFE (Joint Venture in Finance & Entrepreneurship) with the help of Citi Group, and how steadily it has grown over the last 11 years with the continuing support from the Citi Group and the recent alliance with Khalifa and ICT Funds. Over these years, the JVFE project has been refined as a part of continuous improvement to provide the needed benefits to artisans and entrepreneurs in Dubai and Northern Emirates. I have had the opportunity to witness some fine products of these artisans and entrepreneurs. I am extremely pleased to know the growing trend in fulfilling our JVFE vision of providing an outlet to the potential skills and talent hidden in these artisans and entrepreneurs.

Khalifa Fund headed by Marwan Al Qadi and ably assisted by Alia Ghazal and Aisha helped University of Dubai select 17 trainees out of a list of 25 interested participants for the Professional Diploma on Business Entrepreneurship and Business plan. The training sessions were held from May June 2014 at RAK old HCT for womens campus which is now the CERT campus. The grant for 2014 was implemented successfully by the Center for Executive Development at University of Dubai in cooperation with the team at Khalifa Fund Ras Al Khaimah.

Along with Khalifa Fund, University of Dubai through it Women Entrepreneurship Program is helping to tap the talent and potential of Emirati women who need funds and knowhow to start their business. The sole objective of these projects is to provide financial independence, self-employment and job creation. So far University of Dubai and Citigroup have managed to help 30 per cent of the participants in the program to set up successful business ventures.