Dubai: 14th May, 2008 - Young Arab Leaders (YAL), the Middle East's foremost development platform for business, public sector and civil society leaders, has launched three multi-faceted development programs targeted at youth, media and corporate companies in the Middle East and the US.

The programs are aimed at creating platforms for cultural, social and economic exchange and promoting dialogue and understanding between the two diverse regions. The Dow Chemical Company will sponsor the programs through its charitable arm, The Dow Chemical Company Foundation, as part of its support for the 'Arab and American Dialogue Program' for 2008 and 2009.

The programs include:

  • YAL Media Internship Exchange Program (YALMIEP) - In line with YAL's objective of creating opportunities in education, leadership and entrepreneurship, the YAL Media Internship Exchange Program (YALMIEP) was created to offer internship programs to media students in the Arab world and the US. Students in both the Middle East and the US are encouraged to apply for the 2-3 month internship. Ten students will be chosen from the applicants for the fully-sponsored internships. To apply for the program, media students are required to submit a resume, a 500-word statement of intent as well as samples of previous work that they have done within their field.

  • Arab American Business Fellowship (AABF) - the Fellowship program offers 30 young Arab and American professionals the opportunity to gain exposure to the business practices, culture and way of life in the US and the Middle East respectively. Local YAL Chapters in the Middle East will host rising young American professionals to help them gain insights into the rich, diverse and evolving culture of the Middle East. The program will be run in partnership with key American organisations who will host young Arab

professionals and leaders on highly focused fellowship programs to help them learn about US politics, business and culture.

  • YAL Innovation and Entrepreneurship Pilot Program - In support of entrepreneurs in the Middle East, YAL will pilot an innovation and entrepreneurship program for start-up companies. The program will focus on policy reform issues in relation to the culture of entrepreneurship in the region. Each participating company will be encouraged to contribute to the design of concrete activities to promote policy dialogue, training and awareness that will enhance innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. The program will also explore the creation of direct networks to stimulate targeted partnerships between regional entrepreneurs and businesses.

Commenting on the announcement of these programs, HE Dr. Omar Bin Sulaiman, Chairman of the Board of Young Arab Leaders said: "YAL understands the importance of such initiatives not only in achieving their immediate outcomes but also in encouraging meaningful dialogue between Arab and American youth. These programs will stimulate the sharing of ideas, knowledge and experiences between the young business communities of both regions.  The relationships that will result from them will prepare the ground for greater exchanges in the future."

Assem O. Kabesh, CEO of YAL said: "These programs are a great opportunity for young leaders of both countries to explore each others business and social cultures. They will contribute immensely to building economic and cultural bridges between the two regions and create networks that will lead to productive interactions and collaborations. Dow's support for these programs has been invaluable. Their support is a great example of the role corporations can play in facilitating knowledge exchange and cultural and business interaction between regions."

Speaking about Dow's sponsorship of these key programs, Mike Gambrell, Executive Vice President, The Dow Chemical Company said: "An important component of leadership is the ability to keep one's mind's open to diversity while building

rewarding relationships that encourage dialogue and collaboration - relationships like the one we have with Young Arab Leaders. Through all these programs that we have partnered for with YAL, in this regard, we hope to promote mutual understanding within the global community."

-Ends-

About Young Arab Leaders:  
The Young Arab Leaders is a network of Arab men and women who have seen the power of action in their own lives, reached unprecedented levels of success for their age, are positive and can see beyond today's difficulties to that vision of a prosperous Arab future. These leaders are currently in prominent positions of responsibility and are destined for extraordinary achievement, and they believe that their efforts today can have an impact on their communities, countries and the region as a whole.

About Dow:
With annual sales of $54 billion and 46,000 employees worldwide, Dow is a diversified chemical company that combines the power of science and technology with the "Human Element" to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. The Company delivers a broad range of products and services to customers in around 160 countries, connecting chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com

About The Dow Chemical Company Foundation
Established in 1979, The Dow Chemical Company Foundation serves Dow's philanthropic needs by providing charitable gifts to eligible non-profit organizations in the communities where Dow operates that contribute to community success, support sustainability, foster science in society and stimulate innovation.  

For further information regarding the various programs, please visit www.yaleaders.org or contact:
Ms. Nathalie Nakad:
Tel: +9714 375 21 41,
Nathalie.nakad@yaleaders.org

Ms. Gaya Subramaniam:
Tel: +971 4 332 3308,
Gsubramaniam@golinharris.com

© Press Release 2008