22 February 2016

Emirates Islamic, one of the leading Islamic financial institutions in the UAE, today announced it has signed an agreement with Sharjah Tatweer Forum under which it will support the Sharjah Leadership Program in its third edition. The Sharjah Leadership Program is organized under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and the Honorary Chairman of Tatweer, in partnership with the American University of Sharjah.

As part of the cooperation agreement, four seats will be allocated to Emirates Islamic’s Emirati employees who have successfully completed the programme’s selection tests.

Sharjah Leadership Program was launched with an aim to prepare the next generation of private and public sector leaders in line with international standards, as well as to increase their awareness on the UAE’s plans on innovation and transition into a knowledge-based economy. The programme also plans to bring various institutions up to speed with scientific application of management and leadership mechanisms, as well as highlight Sharjah’s economic sectors and future plans. The programme will include visits to the United States, particularly California, where participants will take part in innovation conferences along with a number of visits to prestigious companies and research centres.

Abdulla Showaiter – Deputy CEO, Wholesale Banking, Emirates Islamic, said: “At Emirates Islamic, we are very delighted to sponsor the Sharjah Leadership Program in its third edition, which is in line with our commitment to strengthening and developing the leadership skills of UAE nationals and enriching them with the necessary skills and knowledge to become future leaders in accordance with the UAE Vision 2021. We would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation to Sharjah Tatweer Forum for its outstanding efforts in allowing national institutions to play a leading role in building generations which are capable of leading development in various economic activities.”

Jasim Mohammed Al Balushi, Chairman of Sharjah Tatweer Forum, said, "Sharjah Leadership Program is committed to consolidating Tatweer’s vision of preparing young leaders and empowering them with all the knowledge and capabilities that would qualify them to lead and to contribute to the UAE’s progress and development. It provides them with exposure to a number of sectors and the know-how to achieve success through innovation workshops, lectures and programmes, as well as by taking part in scientific visits and projects that match the country’s future aspirations.”

Al Balushi stressed that signing an agreement with Emirates Islamic represents a strategic partnership based on shared values, in line with Tatweer’s aspirations to cooperate and partner with companies operating in the UAE’s major economic sectors and to enhance their role in creating Emirati leaders across various economic sectors.