Dubai: 17 March, 2008 - Over 200 senior managers in the UAE attended the Dubai Knowledge Village (DKV) Breakfast Club gathering, which highlighted a case study on how CA (formerly Computer Associates), one of the largest software companies in the world, achieved global success by shifting from go-to-market strategy to a partner-led approach.

Guest speaker Ned Jaroudi, Vice-President, Partner Marketing, CA EMEA, emphasized the crucial role customers and business partners play in any company that aims to be successful. He narrated his experience as an ex-marketing head for emerging markets in EMEA, which helped CA win the prestigious 'IT Company of the Year' and 'IT Industry Best Web Presence' awards in 2005.

Dubai Knowledge Village, a member of TECOM Investments, recently organized the DKV Breakfast Club quarterly gathering, bringing together chief executives from leading companies within the UAE, as well as experts located at the cluster, to discuss current business issues, and share knowledge and global best practices.

Dr. Ayoub Kazim, Executive Director, Dubai Knowledge Village and Dubai International Academic City, said: "We are pleased with the results we have achieved at this year's first quarterly gathering for DKV Breakfast Club members. As our association continues to generate more interest among business professionals, we will remain committed to promoting global best practices in the industry for enhancing the management skills of Dubai's top decision makers.

"We believe the learning that we strive to impart through our workshops will translate into higher efficiency for our participants, as we continuously channel our efforts towards driving a knowledge-based economy."

Other guest speakers at the event included Shadi Banna, Managing Partner, Potential - a human capital development organization based in Dubai Knowledge Village, and Steve Halligan, Managing Director, The Core Group, one of the region's leading leadership and employee motivation consultancies.

Hasan Makansi, Head of Partner Development, Dubai Knowledge Village, said: "We recommended new business concepts at this Breakfast Club session to help companies excel in their sectors while concentrating on their core competencies to build their competitive advantage. Companies must have the ability to move away from worn out strategies through innovation.  This is especially true for entities in Dubai, which is characterised by distinctive projects.

"Most businesses here follow global companies based in the Western markets, following their operational methodologies. However, the presentations and case studies featured at our Breakfast Club events illustrated that innovation could be sourced from regional and Dubai based companies for global practice."

Dubai Knowledge Village, the world's only free zone dedicated to professional training, is home to over 400 professional training centres specialized in human resource development, human resource management, professional testing, as well as management training and consultancy services.

-Ends-

About Dubai Knowledge Village
Dubai Knowledge Village (DKV), launched in 2003, places the Middle East on the map as a destination for learning excellence. Its 1 KM long picturesque campus provides a ready environment for a variety of knowledge-based entities including training centres and learning support entities. This thriving knowledge community was founded as part of a long-term economic strategy to develop the region's talent pool and accelerate its move into a knowledge-based economy. Benefits for Dubai Knowledge Village partners include 100% foreign ownership, 100% freedom from taxes, 100% repatriation of assets and profits and effortless visa issuance procedures. DKV has over 350 partners which include training centres, professional centres and HR companies. DKV also enjoys the distinction of being the world's only Free Zone totally focused on professional training and learning support services.

For further information, please call:
Zeba Ahmad
JiWiN
The Exclusive Middle East Affiliate of Burson-Marsteller
Tel: +9714 361 3590 (direct)
+9714 361 3333 (switchboard)
Fax: +9714 388 8001
e-mail: Zeba.Ahmad@jiwin.ae  

Cynthia Luna-Harb
JiWiN
The Exclusive Middle East Affiliate of Burson-Marsteller
Tel: +9714 375 5878 (direct)
+9714 361 3333 (switchboard)
Fax: +9714 388 8001
e-mail: Cynthia.Luna@jiwin.ae

© Press Release 2008