The University of Oxford's Said Business School and Gartner Executive Programmes announced plans to launch their CIO Academy, a management development programme for senior IT personnel, in Abu Dhabi.

The programme has become established over several years at Oxford, helping many IT leaders to maximise the contribution of technology.

The CIO Academy programme will equip IT leaders in Bahrain to combine the insight and experience of the world's largest IT executive community and find solutions to address challenges and changing demands in today's competitive environment.

"CIO Academy supports the aspirations of the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 to drive economic growth by enhancing productivity and skills," Gartner Bahrain country manager Myles Bird said.

"CIO Academy is open for national and expatriate IT leaders from the Gulf region providing them with a platform for development through executive education and personal on-site tuition. CIO Academy is an exciting step forward for Gartner in the region," he said.

"Delivering this programme in the Gulf is an exciting yet natural step for the university," University of Oxford (Development and External Affairs) acting pro-vice-chancellor Professor Michael Earl said.

"We have built valuable relationships with many prominent organisations and are pleased to further develop our commitment and offering to the region."

The Gulf region programme will have a particular focus on business and technology leadership.

"CIO Academy delivers the ability to fully understand the demands of the executive board on IT, demonstrate the value IT creates, and lead IT divisions to success," said Gartner group vice-president Roger Kemp said. – TradeArabia News Service