Dubai, 26TH of May, 2015

The 4th edition of the Global Youth Forum kicked-off this morning at Zaabeel Ladies Club in Dubai, following the theme "Social Entrepreneurship and Business Ethics". Organized by the CSR division of Al-Ahli Holding Group and Sony Mobile, in partnership with DUBAI SME and Zabeel Ladies Club, and sponsored by Emirates Islamic Bank and DP World, the event promoted social entrepreneurship among 150 Emirati and international students, in order to encourage them to build their own businesses with a social purpose.

Lina Hourani, the director of Al Ahli Holding Group CSR division, promoter of the event, encouraged students to "take the best out of the time that speakers are giving to share their expertise so you can become potential entrepreneurs. You will learn how to build your project and tomorrow you will be presenting it to the judges", Ms. Hourani explained.  

The first speaker, Gita Ghaemmagamhi, Communications Manager of Sony Mobile, the main sponsor, shared with the participants the importance of technology and mobility for young entrepreneurs. "By 2018 wearable technology industry is likely to increase by $14 Billion.  "

The Deputy CEO at Dubai SME, Mr Saeed Al-Marri, emphasized the importance of SME's in the market and alerted that "Dubai is a very competitive market. It's not easy to start a business but this is a good market to invest because it's growing. As Emiratis, we need to focus, take ownership and put effort in our businesses providing quality. We are here to look to the governmental corporate side and give financial support."   

Madi Sharma, a CSR practitioner and member of the European Economic and Social Committee, inspired students with her life experience and how she went from a poor single mother, victim of domestic violence to a successful entrepreneur, owner of 8 international companies: "It's a question of choices. Your life is a blank piece of paper. If you believe, what you write there will come true", she said. Madi Sharma incentivized students to help other through social entrepreneurship. "Social entrepreneurship is inclusive, is about making a change. Valuing human capital, investing in development and sustainable communities is key to success."

Mrs. Sahar Abdulla, Senior Manager of Business StartUp and Development, from Dubai SME, moderated a panel discussion with the founder of the social enterprises The Change Initiative, Dumyé and VEA. They shared their experiences on how social entrepreneurship changed their lives. Sahar Wahbeh, founder of Dumyé - Dolls with a Purpose, warned students that "the journey of an entrepreneur is not easy and demands long working hours and the only resource you have is your ideas, vision and determination.  Chasing money is fruitless. You have to think about establishing reputation first", she advised.

This panel was followed by Khaled Al-Ameri intervention. The Emirati youth development expert oriented students on how to keep strong for a positive change, starting with their own lives: "The all value chain of your life is answering why do we do things. Purpose is what drives you forward. However, a goal without a plan is simply a wish. There are three aspects to achieve successful results: hard work, consistency and time."  

After lunch students attended workshops on "Social Enterprise Basics and how to build a business canvas, by Consult and Coach for a Cause (C3), and "How to make business while doing good", by Emirates Islamic Bank.

Based on the knowledge gather in the two-day event, tomorrow students will present their business ideas to a judging panel. Before they will listen to the Peeta (Al Awadhi) Brothers, Jonathan Collinge from Adidas and watch Dubomedy stand up comedy show.

The GYF runs from 9:00am until 4:00pm and all guests have free admission.

-Ends-

ABOUT CSR AL AHLI HOLDING GROUP
CSR is a division of Al Ahli Holding Group founded in 2008 aiming to develop Arab youth, build their skills and widen their horizons and exposure. Using the power of partnership and co-operation with different organizations as vehicle, the CSR Division joins hands with other government and non-government organizations to create the business leaders of tomorrow and willing to become a leading example for how an active private sector corporate social responsibility division should be like in the UAE and the Arab World.

ABOUT SONY MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS
Sony Mobile Communications is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation, a leading global innovator of audio, video, game, communications, key device and information technology products for both the consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, computer entertainment and online businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be the leading electronics and entertainment company in the world. Through its Xperia™ smartphone and tablet portfolio, as well as innovative SmartWear products, Sony Mobile Communications delivers the best of Sony technology, premium content and services, and easy connectivity to Sony's world of networked entertainment experiences.

For more information: www.sonymobile.com

ABOUT ZABEEL LADIES CLUB
Zabeel Ladies Club is a new and exceptional concept in the world of fitness, health and beauty providing exclusive services that meet the needs of ladies in a private and luxurious atmosphere. The Club is designed for the elite ladies above the age of fourteen. Ladies can find all services and facilities they are looking for under one roof in order to enhance the development of their skills in various fields such as Etiquette, Elegance, Sports, Nutrition and Lifestyle being your gateway to a world of excellence.

© Press Release 2015