December 07, 2021:  The Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the INSEAD National Alumni Association in the UAE to enhance mutual cooperation in the interests of members of both organizations and to strengthen the evolving role of both sides in increasing the competitiveness of the business community in the UAE.

The MoU was signed at the Dubai Chamber premises by Her Excellency Dr. Raja Al Gurg, President of the Dubai Business Women Council, and Natalie Sleiman, President, INSEAD National Alumni Association UAE, in the presence of members from both organizations and marked the official launch of the INSEAD Women in Business Alumni Club UAE

Her Excellency Dr. Raja Al Gurg, President of the Dubai Business Women Council, said that the MoU signed with the INSEAD National Alumni Association in the UAE falls within the strategic partnerships that serve business women and entrepreneurs in Dubai, and is in line with the future plans set by the Emirate of Dubai to enhance the competitiveness of business practice in order to attract investments, especially in the post-COVID-19 economic recovery phase.
Al Gurg pointed out that the partnership establishes a new phase of cooperation based on common goals and interests.

'As women represent an integral part of the formula for success in the business environment in Dubai, priority always remains to empower them in the workplace, enhance their presence in all economic fields, and provide them with all forms of support,' stated Al Gurg.
She underlined that the signing of the MoU during Dubai's hosting of the Expo 2020 reflects the importance of dialogue and concerted efforts in supporting women working in diverse business sectors.

Natalie Sleiman, President of the INSEAD National Alumni Association in the UAE, said: “the INSEAD Women in Business Alumni Club is core to our association’s strategy of creating positive impact in the country we call our home. Our partnership with Dubai Business Woman Council is one of great synergies through which we are proud and excited to join hands with Dr. Raja Al Gurg and an elite professional network to advance the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion agenda at a local level and global level too by leveraging connections with our INSEAD Alumni network worldwide for the leadership development and empowerment of women across all business sectors.”

As provided for in the memorandum of understanding, INSEAD National Alumni Association UAE and its newly established Alumni Club jointly led, by Cynthia Saab and Gabriela Janzen-Nowak, would support the DBWC and introduce its members to the Council's role in supporting business women. The cooperation would also provide professional networking opportunities, initiatives as well as foster mentorship relationships wich will be aimed at high-level leadership and personal development in order to enhance the skills and capabilities of the business community in Dubai.
Nadine Halabi, Business Development Manager, DBWC, said that the MoU places particular emphasis on bilateral cooperation and partnerships, which include promoting the services, activities, and initiatives of both sides to their members, as well as introducing the role and contribution of the DBWC as a main and official platform that provides support to the of businesswomen community in Dubai.

Halabi commended the efforts made by the INSEAD National Alumni Association and its vision that is consistent with that of the DBWC, considering that this collaboration would help serve the business community in Dubai and help members of both parties elevate their skills and experiences on a professional level.

Cynthia Saab said: “this partnership couldn’t have come at a more suitable time. Women empowerment has never been more fundamental to developing modern societies and the UAE is at the forefront when it comes to the economic participation of its women. This collaboration between the DBWC and the INSEAD Alumni Women in Business Club will open up the exchange of knowledge and experience to drive for results using our full potential to make a difference”

Gabriela Janzen-Nowak Club added: “our vision as an INSEAD Women in Business Club is to raise awareness on the importance of gender diversity across industries and creating a platform with inclusive participation of women in the business world, and we are confident and excited about the potential synergies that will come with this partnership with DBWC, opening more opportunities to building a network of highly successful INSEAD alumni with entrepreneurs, boards members and government representatives connected to DBWC.”

Established in 2002, under the umbrella of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the DBWC is the UAE’s leading platform for the personal and professional development of businesswomen in the Emirate of Dubai. Since its establishment, the Council has dedicated its efforts to encourage women to play an active role in building the country and stimulating sustainable development. 

The INSEAD NAA UAE supports and represents the wider network of over 1400 INSEAD Alumni working in the UAE for 700 different organizations.