US Ambassador hails Khalifa Fund's efforts to spread the entrepreneurship knowledge in the UAE

Abu Dhabi, Nov 12, 2012 (WAM) - Efforts of Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development to promote entrepreneurship in the UAE yesterday was praised by the U.S. ambassador to the UAE Michael H. Corbin. "The Khalifa Fund has done a great deal to assist entrepreneurs with creating an environment for success, and I look forward to their ongoing efforts to enhance the role of entrepreneurs throughout the UAE. I especially thank the Fund for their support for the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Dubai this December. By hosting the summit, Dubai is placing itself at the forefront of promoting entrepreneurship in the region", the U.S. ambassador Corbin said in remarks at the Tajrebati (Arabic for my experience) Forum, organized by the Fund in Dubai for a number projects funded through its offices in the northern regions At the Tajrebati Forum, Senior Manager for Entrepreneurship Development the Fund Najla Al Midfa gave a presentation on Khalifa Fund's financial and non-financial programs, its goals for the northern regions top promote awareness on entrepreneurship and to provide different supports to projects to help boost economic growth of each emirate. Manager of Khalifa Fund's branch in the northern regions Yousuf Al Marshoodi explained the required process to get the Fund's services and the mechanism for funding. He also encouraged the youths to get benefit from the UAE President gift for the emirates to support them in getting their own projects start which will help the local economy growth. Manager of Sougha imitative, Leila Ben Jasem, gave a presentation on Sougha which aims to create job opportunities for the artisans and will help also in the local heritage sustainability through attract the talented artisans in all over the country and to train them and improve their skills in entrepreneurship. At the forum, participants gave presentations on 6 projects funded and supported by Khalifa Fund. The owners explained how they started with the Fund to create and run their business. Khairiyah Mohammed talked about how Khalifa Fund funded her to start her own project in preparing the traditional food and she simply said that helped her to increase her income. Hassan Saber, owner of Special Taxi project in Fujairah, said that despite an unfortunate accident, he started his own enterprise by running a roastery business selling premium Belgian sweets and premium nuts. For some reasons, he was not able to continue running this business. That , however, did not stop him from applying for funds from Khalifa Fund. Amna Salim, the owner of Glamour Design in Um al-Qaiwain, is an ambitious young entrepreneur who started designing clothes as a hobby and now owns a successful brand and own boutique in the emirate. Amna's business was funded by Khalifa Funds Khutwa program. Nora Al Muhairi spoke about her experience with Khalifa Fund which enabled her to expand her project with a famous trademark in chocolate business. Nora hopes to expand her project in other Gulf countries upon getting funds from Bedaya program which is supported by Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development. Wael Al Sayegh spoke about his Family Martial Arts Leadership Academy, the first in the UAE. His world-class leadership facility teaches adults, children and families to improve their lifestyle and achieve social stability. - Emirates News Agency, WAM