Higher Qualifications will Help Next Generation of Finance Leaders; Professional Risk Management will Support Growth of Financial Markets
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The UAE's first Masters Programme in Finance and Banking, launched in Dubai today, will provide an important resource for local financial markets, training the next generation of economic professionals, according to bankers and local experts.
Developed by the British University in Dubai, one of the region's foremost research institutions, the programme has been designed in partnership with the Sir John Cass Business School of City University, London - the largest provider in Europe of specialist Masters courses geared towards the global financial and banking industry with the largest finance faculty in Europe.
The launch event was attended by representatives of some the region's leading banks, including the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates, Lloyds TSB Group, Emirates Bank, Barclays International Premier and Dubai Bank.
One of the major objectives of the course is to provide participants with the skills they need for high level careers in banking, investments, trading, fixed income markets, treasury, risk management, and international finance in both public and private institutions.
It will also help prepare students for professional certifications such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or the Professional Risk Manager (PRM).
Given the rapid and tumultuous development of regional stock markets and the ongoing growth of the Middle East's banking sector, the provision of local research-based professional qualifications is seen as an important "next step" for the region, both to maximize business opportunities and also to help manage risk within markets.
"Our aim is that the Masters programme will cover all core elements of international finance, supported by original studies into Middle East-specific economic issues, such as the extension of Shariah-compliant finance, the impact of new stock exchanges and the role of special economic zones within Middle East markets," said Dr. Kostas Giannopoulos, head of the Institute of Finance and Banking, British University in Dubai.
"We envisage particularly strong demand for the Masters programme offered at BUiD, since the discipline is a core part of ensuring long-term success in any developing economy," he added.
International and local Banks working within the region have offered strong support for the new course, with a high number of early applications expected for the first year, which starts in September 2006.
"Economic growth in the UAE - and the wider region - is creating an increasing demand for financial and investment skill sets to the highest international standards. Barclays supports initiatives like this which help to grow the supply of Gulf-based finance professionals to meet the needs of the financial services industry. We look forward to working with the British University in Dubai on this project," said David Inglesfield, Head of International Premier Banking, Barclays International Premier, United Arab Emirates.
With the growth of new economic hubs like the Dubai International Financial Exchange and the Qatar Financial Centre, and the resulting increase in companies entering these markets, demand for trained professionals based in the region has spiked sharply.
BUiD is confident that uptake on the course will be extremely strong.
Degrees are awarded by the British University in Dubai according to standards set by The Sir John Cass Business School of City University and fully accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
-Ends-
About The British University in Dubai
The British University in Dubai (BUiD) is the Middle East's first research-based, postgraduate university. The University was established to facilitate access to world-class education, training and research in the Middle East. BUiD aspires to the highest, internationally recognized British standards as reflected in its partnership with the University of Edinburgh, the University of Birmingham, the University of Manchester, Cardiff University and now the Cass Business School at City University, London. Each has a five or five-star rating in the UK national Research Assessment Exercise that signifies research of international standard.
The not-for-profit university offers full and part-time Masters Degree programmes and Continuing Professional Development courses in Information Technology, Project Management, the Built Environment, Finance and Banking, and Education. Subject to accreditation, a new Masters programme in IT Management will be offered in Autumn 2006.
All BUiD's current Masters Programmes have received Accreditation Eligibility Status from the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research's Commission for Academic Accreditation.
The founders of the University are the Al Maktoum Foundation, the Dubai Development and Investment Authority, Rolls-Royce, the British Business Group and the National Bank of Dubai. The University is governed by a Council under the chairmanship of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
The Emirates Group, DUCAB, Atkins, Dubai Duty Free, the Emirates Foundation and DUGAS are supporters of the university through financial contributions or the provision of scholarships.
For further enquiries call BUiD on +971.4.391.3633.
© Press Release 2006
