First program of its kind in the Middle East well received

17 February, Dubai, UAE: FORSA Foundation, the non-profit division of FORSA has unveiled details of the Executive Management Program for Women that was recently launched under a strategic alliance that it has forged with INSEAD, one of the world's top 10 business schools. FORSA, the top investment company, and a subsidiary of Dubai World, is created for women by women and aspires to attract and engage female investors, partner with successful female entrepreneurs and develop women business leaders.

The FORSA-INSEAD Executive Management Program for Women, is now open for enrollment in the UAE, with a range of modules set to offer women business leaders in the region the opportunity to further enhance their leadership role and management expertise.

The program which has been tailor-made to accommodate the schedule of women executives is divided into six modules of one week over a period of one year. Upon completion, graduates will receive an internationally recognized post graduate diploma. Commenting on the program, Shamsa NoorAli Rashid, CEO of FORSA, said: "FORSA-INSEAD Executive Management Program for Women', is now open for enrollment. The initial response to this course since it was unveiled in November is overwhelming. Our alliance with INSEAD is evidence of our commitment towards women in the region to accelerate their growth in their industries, through the development of key skills necessary in today's competitive business environment. We are confident that the program which has been structured under six different modules will shape the future of women business leaders in the region."

With the aim of becoming a key driver of growth for women business leaders in the Middle East and North Africa region, FORSA uses an integrated approach to provide women a platform to pursue their financial goals. FORSA's offerings include investment products, entrepreneurial opportunities and professional expertise.

The FORSA -INSEAD Executive Management Program for Women will be conducted at Dubai Women's College (DWC); a part of Higher Colleges of Technology. The college has been instrumental in building a strong pool of women in the workforce and our association with DWC strengthens the commitment that both FORSA and DWC have towards the empowerment of women with a focus on education.   

The first module, which begins April 20th is aimed at educating students with the fundamentals of business management, which includes marketing, operations and decision making. Students then go on to other modules which take a micro view of business management and includes such skills as statistical and qualitative analysis, competitive strategy and value innovation and finally how to develop talent within your organization.

The final two modules are designed as more of a macro exercise on managing a business, enabling students to think outside of their paradigm and understand how external factors such as international politics and economies can affect a business. The last module is designed in a way to help students implement the skills gained from prior modules to develop a leadership plan, set clear goals and deliver results. During this module, students understand the importance of detailed implementation in order to gain results.

Antoine Ting, Principal Director, Partner Development, Asia Pacific and the Middle East, INSEAD, said:
 
"Our alliance with FORSA allows us to provide a specialized program that has been designed to focus on the empowerment of women in the region. We are proud to be partnering with FORSA in the UAE to conduct this unique program which will give women executives an opportunity to gain the necessary knowledge and skills to support their ambitious journey to the top".

The FORSA-INSEAD Executive Management Diploma will be held at Dubai Women's College (DWC), a part of the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT). "This venture serves our mission of providing unique opportunities to continuously develop young women.  Many of our graduates are senior managers in Dubai and many more are to follow.  This program will benefit them all since it is tailored to the needs of this region," noted Dr. Howard Reed, Senior Director at the HCT, and DWC's Director. 

The FORSA-INSEAD alliance comes at a time when the region is making concentrated efforts to encourage women into the workforce as well as boosting their career paths. Simultaneously, the 'FORSA-INSEAD Executive Management Program for Women' embarks upon a new era of prosperity and will harness the GCC's human capital and encourage a greater degree of women participants.

-Ends-
 
About FORSA, An Investment Company Created for Women by Women
Established in January 2007, FORSA LLC is an investment company created for women by women, as a subsidiary of Dubai World. FORSA aspires to attract and engage female investors, partner with successful female entrepreneurs and develop women business leaders. Its offerings include investment products, entrepreneurial opportunities and professional expertise. The company understands the needs of women and is committed to the development of women executive leaders. FORSA's mission is to utilize the collective force of women in the GCC with investments targeted towards leveraging the growing local, regional and international economies.

Forsa Foundation established as a non-profit management training organization dedicated to developing women business leaders. The foundation is committed to maintaining and improving educational opportunities partnering with world class institutions.

About INSEAD, The Business School for the World
As one of the world's leading and largest graduate business schools, INSEAD brings together people, cultures and ideas from around the world to change lives and transform organizations. The unique global perspective and multicultural diversity of INSEAD are reflected in all aspects of its research and teaching. Currently, at the school's two comprehensive and fully connected campuses in Asia (Singapore) and Europe (France), as well as at the school's centre in the Middle East (Abu Dhabi), 143 renowned faculty members from 32 countries inspire more than 882 MBA participants, 59 Executive MBAs, 59 PhD candidates and over 8,000 executives. On both campuses and at research centres in the Middle East (Abu Dhabi and Israel), faculty conduct leading edge research projects with the support of 17 Centres of Excellence. The INSEAD-Wharton Alliance further extends the reach of INSEAD business education and research across three continents. More information on INSEAD can be found at www.insead.edu.

About DWC
Dubai Women's College, with more than 2,300 students, is a part of the Higher Colleges of Technology. The HCT is one of the leading higher education institutions in the UAE with 16 campuses located throughout the country delivering a wide range of quality programs to over 16,500 students. 

For further information please contact:
Michelle Silva/Anosh Ahamath
BPG Public Relations
Tel: 04 295 3456
Email: michelle@batespangulf.com / anosh@batespangulf.com

For further information:
Details of the 'FORSA-INSEAD Executive Management Program for Women' can be obtained by calling a dedicated toll line 800-FORSA, internationally on +9714-375 9655 or by visiting - Website-  www.FORSA.ae or www.insead.edu.

© Press Release 2008