AAG Students learn the business from UAE professional Ali Alsaloom

Dubai, 18 January 2008: Students from Al-Mizhar American Academy for Girls (AAG), a Taaleem school, welcomed today Ali Alsaloom, one of the UAE's most dynamic young businessmen, who spoke to the young women about what it takes to do business in the UAE. The lecture was hosted by Embrace Arabia, a team of professional consultants who provide guidance to those who want to understand the region's business practices.

The event, initiated by grade 12 students at AAG and sponsored by The Women's Medical Centre was designed to raise awareness among AAGs older female students about business etiquette and culture in the UAE. The students left the seminar with expanded knowledge and skills to meet the challenges faced by women in the business world and to reach their goal of becoming future business leaders.

Students were taught how to effectively communicate, negotiate and manage business in the UAE taking into consideration the culture, social and political history of the country. In addition, they were presented with the challenges UAE professionals face in business and were asked to create ways to overcome them, a topic which engaged and motivated them to perform like business women.

Ali Alsaloom who spoke to the students, is an Emarati national from Abu Dhabi and the presenter of "Ask Ali", a popular program on One TVO. He is also a member of Embrace Arabia, a group that provides counseling and inspiration for topics ranging from culture awareness to social and business tips.

Ali Alsaloom said: "I was very honoured to be invited to Al-Mizhar American Academy for Girls and provide the students with a better idea about the concept of A-L-I: how to take Action towards a certain goal, Learn about culture, business and communication, and Inspire the next generations to make a difference in society and enhance economy."

Sarah Al Awadi, student at AAG, said: "I took the first step to contact Ali Alsaloom after watching his show on City 7 TV because I believe that my colleagues and I as female business students would benefit from his knowledge of the real business situations that professionals deal with in the UAE. This will help us and other women prepare ourselves for the challenges we will face in our future careers."

Shireen Smith, Public Relations and Marketing Assistant at AAG commented: "The idea of inviting Ali Alsaloom to our school was initiated when students were given an event management project in their marketing course. They worked hard to manage the full cycle of a real event similar to the tasks of a professional agency. This was an opportunity for these girls to showcase their talents and benefit from their own success, virtues that are actively encouraged at AAG and across all Taaleem schools."

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About Taaleem
Taaleem is a school management organisation based in Dubai, with origins in 2004.  It establishes and operates early childhood facilities, and primary and secondary schools which are tailored to meet the specific educational needs of the communities in which they are based.  It offers a range of international curricula including the American, International Baccalaureate and the National Curriculum of England and Wales.  Currently Taaleem has the following schools in the UAE: Al-Mizhar American Academy for Girls, The Children's Garden, Dubai British School, Greenfield Community School, My Nursery, Uptown School, Uptown High School and Raha International School (Abu Dhabi).

About Embrace Arabia:
Embrace Arabia is a team of professional consultants with a unique depth of knowledge about the Arabian Gulf region and who can guide you to a greater understanding of the region's lifestyles, customs and business practices. Every programme is a unique, thought provoking experience and one which creates lasting memories and delivers tips for future success. For more information about Embrace Arabia please visit the website: www.embracearabia.com

For more information, please contact:
Shireen Smith
Public Relations and Marketing Assistant
Al Mizhar Academy for Girls
Tel: +971 4 288 7250
E-mail: ssmith@aag.ae
Website: www.aag.com

Taghreed Oraibi
TBWA/RAAD/PR Middle East
Tel: +971 4 4258800
E-mail: taghreed.oraibi@tbwaraad.com

© Press Release 2009