Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi

Reducing reliance on oil & gas, and reforming education were the key themes emerging from the launch of University of Cambridge Judge Business School's Middle East Leadership Research Centre Planning for a world without oil and gas, succession planning in family businesses, education reform and instilling a culture of risk-taking among young people were among the themes emerging when the University of Cambridge Judge Business School launched its new Middle East Leadership Research Centre this week. Business leaders from across the region gathered in Sharjah for the launch, where they discussed broad themes around entrepreneurship, gender balance in the workplace, adding value through ethical practices, diversification in family businesses and Islamic finance. His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, Ruler of Sharjah, attended the launch held at the American University of Sharjah. One of the major themes to emerge was the future of education, with delegates reflecting on how to equip the burgeoning youth population with an education aligned to the profound changes happening across the Middle East, as well as how to offer new business ventures the right educational support to give them the best chance of succeeding. A keynote address was given by Tirad Mahmoud, CEO…

The University of Cambridge Judge Business School is to launch a new centre dedicated to researching the business environment and the particular leadership challenges and opportunities facing Middle Eastern organisations. The new Middle East Leadership Research Centre (MELRC) will be launched at the American University of Sharjah, UAE on Wednesday 14 May 2014 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammad Al-Qasimi. The launch will bring together senior business people from the region representing both public and private sectors, and organisations of all sizes, for a stimulating exchange of ideas and discussion about the challenges and opportunities for business leadership in the Middle East. The Middle East Leadership Research Centre (MELRC) will make its main focus the developing of business and economic research based on the region and therefore relevant to business leaders and policy makers in the area. A current lack of region-based research means that teaching and learning alike have to rely on US, UK and European examples of business practice, which often have little relevance to those working and doing business in the Middle East. The Centre will mainly operate virtually, but with regular events and programmes taking place in conjunction with partners based…