March 24, 2013, Dubai, UAE --Under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development and Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), Dubai Women's Campus (HCT-Dubai), inaugurated its 9th Annual Insight Dubai Conference, focusing on women and empowerment in the Arab world.

The 5-day conference, sponsored this year by HSBC, has succeeded this year in breaking the records through uniting 75 female students from universities and colleges around the world representing more than 43 countries with 75 Emirati students from HCT-Dubai to spend an exciting, interactive 5-days discussing issues on women's empowerment and women's roles in governance and leadership. This conference is exceptional as it enables each participant to take an active role in simulations, debates, role plays and discussions to share their views and learn from one another.

Dr. Howard Reed, Director of HCT-Dubai, said that this year Insight Dubai Conference will allow participants discuss issues related to "Womenomics" where women get more involved in political economics.

"In UAE, girls now do better at school than boys, more women are getting university degrees than men are and females are filling most new jobs. Arguably, women are now the most powerful engine of our growth," he added.

Dr. Reed also mentioned that during this week long experience, the students will learn about and discuss other topics of international importance, as well as learn about Dubai's culture, make life-long friends and dispel negative stereotypes.

Eman  Abdulrazzaq, Head of UAE Human Resources at  HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, said:"In the UAE, we have been blessed that our society has always held the utmost respect for our gender.  HH Sheikh Zayed once declared "Nothing could delight me more than to see the woman taking up her distinctive position in society ... Nothing should hinder her progress". Since that time the UAE has continued to carve out new legislation to drive gender equality through the public and private sector,"

"At HSBC we are putting a lot of hard work behind creating a working environment which really motivates and supports women to succeed. We have introduced a flexible working policy, allowing stagger working times and working from home.  On the basis of staff feedback, we redrafted our maternity policy to allow for up to six months leave following the birth of your child." Ms Abdulrazzaq added.

Students watched a film on Dubai culture "Al Kandoora" and another film on modern Dubai culture created by HCT-Dubai students "Mr. & Mrs. Right". This was followed by small group sessions where the participants met their "buddy". Each international student is "buddied" with a HCT-Dubai student for the duration of the conference, allowing a deep mutual cultural exchange that often grows into a lifelong friendship. The day concluded with a lively cultural quiz where students could assess their knowledge of geography and cultural facts. 

-Ends-

About the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT)
Founded in 1988 with four colleges, the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) have grown to be the largest of the higher educational institutions in the UAE, gaining a well-respected reputation for innovative learning. More than 18,000 students attend 17 modern men's and women's campuses in the cities of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Fujairah and the western region cities of Madinat Zayed and Ruwais.

The HCT offers a wide range of English-taught programs in Applied Communications, Business, Education, Engineering Technology, Computer & Information Science, General Education and Health Sciences. These programs are all relevant to the UAE's fast growing and evolving economic sectors. All programs are designed in consultation with business and industry leaders to ensure that the skills students learn are job-relevant and meet high standards. They are constantly monitored to ensure they are at the cutting edge of industry standards and technological change. For more information, Please visit: www.hct.ac.ae                   

Follow us on Facebook hctuae and Twitter @hctuae

For more information, please contact
Abrar Mikkawi
Media and Marketing Coordinator
Dubai Women's College/Higher Colleges of Technology
Tel: 04-208-9269
Fax: 04-267-3939
Email:abrar.mikkawi@hct.ac.ae

© Press Release 2013