Tatweer Forum (Tatweer) has received a students' delegation from the George Washington University School of Business
in Sharjah.

The 25-member student delegation headed by Dr Salah Hassan, chairman and professor of marketing, and strategic brand positioning and international market segmentation researcher, was given a warm welcome at the Qanat Al Qasba waterfront.

Tatweer, under the patronage of Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah and Tatweer Honorary Chairman, used 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 Dr. Sheikh Sultan by forging alliances with prominent international educational institutions. We also aim to develop productive and innovative societal organisations 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.”

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.

“We hope to increase co-operation 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 organisations and firms to support the objectives of the forum and promote its contribution to increasing the competitive aspects of Sharjah,” Mahmoudi added.

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. - TradeArabia News Service