Dubai:  27 February, 2008 - Dubai Knowledge Village (DKV), regional leaders in human capital management and a member of TECOM Investments, organized a motivational workshop featuring South African endurance athlete and celebrity chef David Grier, the man who ran the entire length of the Great Wall of China in 2006 to raise funds for under privileged children born with a cleft palate.

Attended by over 100 professionals, the workshop highlighted various ways to boost employee morale, while illustrating right attitudes for change.

Dr. Ayoub Kazim, Executive Director, Dubai Knowledge Village and Dubai International Academic City, said: "As a centre for learning excellence, Dubai Knowledge Village seeks to launch initiatives that boost an individual's well being. The workshops we organize are not only geared towards professional excellence but are also anchored on our objective to develop a professional's dormant innate potential."

David Grier's inspiring account of his challenging experience highlighted the importance of adopting a mission and staying focused in life. Recounting his hardships in achieving the world's first record breaking 4,000-km run of the entire length of the Great Wall of China in 98 days, he emphasized that obstacles must never hinder anyone from pursuing their dreams.

Steve Barnett, a prominent motivational expert, also shared his insights at the workshop. Utilising mime, percussion and humour in his non-verbal presentation, he drew on the rhythm and energy of the audience, making them an integral part of the presentation.

Hasan Makansi, Head of Partner Development, Dubai Knowledge Village, said: "We are pleased to organize this workshop with David Grier as our main speaker. His personal account of his journey captures the essence of coping with life outside one's comfort zone and the reward for achieving challenging goals.  We hope that participants will be inspired by Grier's experience and feel motivated to excel in their respective professions."

Home to over 400 professional training centres, Dubai Knowledge Village is the world's only free zone totally dedicated to developing a highly skilled knowledge community. The cluster specializes in human resource development, human resource management, professional testing, as well as management training and consultancy services.

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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