Strathclyde Business School launches Strathclyde 100 Dubai forum for entrepreneurs

First global university to respond to UAE Vice President's call to create business incubators in universities

Strathclyde Business School Glasgow in partnership with its Dubai Alumni Chapter is set to launch the Dubai edition of Strathclyde 100 on the 16^th of March at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Key thought leaders including Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Vice Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde; and Nabil Alyousuf, prominent Emirati investor, and Strathclyde Business School Alumnus and Advisory Board Member will attend and help launch the event.

Initiated in Glasgow in 2003, Strathclyde 100 is a network of entrepreneurial alumni and business people, who through a series of events support Strathclyde entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs are invited to present their business opportunities to the audience, outlining areas where assistance is required. The type of help secured can range from informal advice, contacts and mentoring, to investment and more formal business relationships. Through the imminent launch of Strathclyde 100 Dubai, the University hopes to encourage and support entrepreneurial ventures not just among Strathclyde alumni but the UAE business community at large. 

Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Strathclyde, said: " I am looking forward to personally visiting Dubai for the launch of the Strathclyde 100 Dubai programme. The Strathclyde 100 Glasgow has been a real success over the last ten years, and has had impressive results in the UK including financial investment, mentor relationships, grant funding and introductions to exclusive business networks.

As a leading international technological university, we are now delighted to launch the first edition of the Strathclyde 100 outside Glasgow.  This development is an important step in recognising the importance of the recent UAE Federal SME law which aims to increase UAE competitiveness. We aim to contribute to their strategic vision by supporting Strathclyde entrepreneurs in the region and fostering entrepreneurial spirit in the UAE, " Professor Sir Jim McDonald concluded.

World Economic Forum Young Global Leader and prominent Emirati investor, Nabil Alyousuf who will be delivering the keynote address at the Strathclyde 100 launch in Dubai said:  "As an alumnus of Strathclyde, I am delighted to be a part of the launch of the Strathclyde 100 in Dubai. Dubai has become a hotbed of entrepreneurial activity and just recently at the December 2012 Annual Global Entrepreneurial Summit, HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai wished that all universities could become business incubators for the community in the region. It is good to know that Strathclyde is responding to the UAE leadership's call by bringing its innovation and experience through such entrepreneurial events."

Winner of the Times Higher Education UK University of the Year 2012-2013, The University of Strathclyde is an over 200 year old research-led university renowned for innovation, enterprise and strategy. Its MBA programme is triple-accredited by AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS and is ranked among the top 25 Business Schools in Europe by the recent 2013 Financial Times Global MBA ranking. It has been offering its MBA programme for the last 18 years currently from its campuses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi at HCT Dubai and CERT Abu Dhabi respectively.

In response to media enquiries on whether the Strathclyde 100 is open to the public, Dr. Catherine Demangeot, Senior Lecturer at Strathclyde's Dubai campus and key member of the Dubai Alumni Chapter which is partnering with Strathclyde Glasgow to bring the event to Dubai said: "This is a non-profit open entrepreneurial forum aiming to support the entrepreneurial endeavours of Strathclyde alumni and students. To do this, we have received the support of many members of the entrepreneurial community in Dubai, who are willing to share their insights and wisdom with the participants, and will be happy to enlist the support of others in these endeavours - successful entrepreneurs know the importance of such a support network and have been extremely generous in their support. We want to bolster the growing entrepreneurial network in Dubai and during the launch of Strathclyde 100 Dubai, will announce a number of initiatives as part of our long term vision of creating a regional entrepreneurial network."

For further details on the S100 launch on 16^th March and to request an invite, log on to: strathclydeuae.com/alumni/s100/

Follow us on Twitter @StrathclydeUAE and join our Twitter conversation using #s100dubai

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Media Contact
Sheena Mohideen      
Tel: +9714-208 9280
sheena.strath@hct.ac.ae

About the speakers/event organizers

Professor Sir Jim McDonald
Vice-Chancellor of the University, Sir Jim has co-authored over 600 journal/conference papers and 3 books. He is Chairman of the Institute for Energy & Environment, Member of the UK Trade & Investment Energy Excellence Board and Member of the Scottish Enterprise Board. Sir Jim advises governments and industry on new/renewable energy and was knighted in 2012 for services to education and the economy. Will be delivering opening remarks and launching the Dubai edition.

Nabil Alyousuf
World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, Nabil is Chairman of Al Jal Capital, a UAE based private equity firm that specialized in investing in entrepreneurial companies in the Middle East. He is also Chairman of Sadara, the largest real estate developer in southern Iraq. Formerly, Nabil was Director-General of Dubai Executive Office of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai. He was instrumental in developing the Dubai Strategy 2015 and establishing Dubai School of Government. A Strathclyde alumnus and Strathclyde Business School Advisory Board Member, Nabil will deliver the keynote address.

Dr. Catherine Demangeot
Sr. Lecturer based at Strathclyde's Dubai campus, Catherine has lived in Dubai for 21 years and teaches across nine MBA offshore centres. Member of the Dubai Enterprise Centre's Board of Advisers, Catherine is also a Strathclyde alumnus and key member of the Dubai Alumni Chapter, which is partnering with Glasgow to launch the Strathclyde 100 in Dubai.

© Press Release 2013