Dubai-UAE: 18 June, 2012-Dubai School of Government (DSG), a teaching and research institution focusing on public policy, organized a three-day training course on public financial management for Zayed Future Leaders of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Program (SZHP).

Held between 3 - 5 June, the training was delivered by financial expert Jamal Ibrahim Abu Seif, Director of Fiscal Studies in the Department of Finance, Dubai Government. The program introduced participants to the Dubai government's legislative framework for financial management. In addition to examining the mechanisms used within various government units, the training was designed to offer a better understanding of the latest methods used in the preparation of public budgets.

Mohammed Abdel Azziz Jasim, Chairman of the Excellence Committee at the Sheikh Zayed Housing Program, said: "The training is part of a larger program that prepares future leaders through enhancing their knowledge of public financial management and enabling them to identify best practices."

Besides identifying processes that raise efficiency, the session particularly offered insight on financial reform measures that are generally adopted across the public sector. The training focused on topics such as the concept of public revenue, rationalizing public expenditure, and reforming public budget to increase effectiveness.

His Excellency Tariq Hilal Lootah, Executive President of Dubai School of Government, said: "The Public Financial Management Training is one of the most important programs that develop the capabilities of finance personnel in the UAE government departments. Given the rapid changes in the global economy, acquiring such skills is an absolute imperative. The curriculum has been designed to give participants an understanding of the issues facing their departments. We believe that education and awareness are the first steps towards finding relevant solutions."

Day-one of the training looked in to the effective management of public finances in light of the global financial crisis. The sessions on the second day focused on government financial management, public revenues, resource development, public expenditure and rationalization. Issues related to the protection of public funds and the budgets were tackled on the third day.

The outcomes of the training are evaluated through specific measurement mechanisms that help identify the extent of progress made by participants and the level of familiarity gained one ach topic. The participants' application of the class-room learning is further assessed through monitoring their competency in finding solutions for challenges in government departments and their contributions to collective decision-making, particularly public budget affairs.

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About the Dubai School of Government
The Dubai School of Government (DSG) is a research and teaching institution focusing on public policy in the UAE and the region. Established in 2005 under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, DSG aims to promote good governance through enhancing the institutional capacity for effective public policy. Toward this goal, the Dubai School of Government also collaborates with regional and global institutions in delivering its research and training programs. In addition, the School organizes policy forums and international conferences to facilitate the exchange of ideas and promote critical debate on public policy.

Dubai School of Government | Convention Tower | Level 13 | P.O. Box 72229 | Dubai. UAE
Tel: 971-4-329 3290 | Fax: 971-4-3293291 | Website: www.dsg.ae

For more information contact:
Heba Shaaban | Acting Publications and Outreach Manager | Dubai School of Government
www.dsg.ae
Tel: +971 4 317 5544
Mob: +0971 50 465 9554
Fax: +971 4 329 329 1

Mathilda Saad
APCO Worldwide
Tel:  +9714 361 3879 (direct)
+9714 361 3333 (switchboard)
+97155 699 9890
Fax:  +9714 388 8001
Email: msaad@apcoworldwide.com

© Press Release 2012