As part of its ongoing commitment to provide its students with a career oriented education, the American University in Dubai has organized a series of lectures and visits of dignitaries from the corporate and professional world, with the aim of introducing the AUD student body to the challenges that they would face once they embark on their professional paths.

Mr Abdul Baset M. Al Janahi, Chief Executive Officer of the "Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders", visited AUD's School of Business and shed the light on the establishment's role in the community and the emanating success stories. He explained to the students the importance of risk taking in supporting the entrepreneurial environment and the need to be passionate about what they do:" Success is driven from passion".

His advice to the students was to work hard to be distinguished and to start thinking about creative solutions for the challenges they and the community are facing. "Creative solutions will be the core for new products and services".

Mr Al Janahi described a recent project, Ferej Cartoon that was recently financed by the " Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders". This animated cartoon, which was initiated and created by UAE talents, was aired during the holy month of Ramadan.

Mr Al Janahi added that even though not all projects were successful, this did not hinder the activities of the establishment that continues to encourage young entrepreneurship talent.

At the end of the session students were then given the opportunity to ask questions to enhance their understanding about the role played by this establishment.

"Interaction with personalities of this calibre add to the student's exposure and can only enhance their overall educational experience", said Saad Asfour, Faculty member in AUD's School of Business .

"The Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders" was launched on June 12, 2002 as the first initiative of the Dubai Development and Investment Authority. The vision of the Establishment is to nurture the domestic entrepreneurial spirit in Dubai and catalyze the development and growth of a key sector of the economy, the Small and Medium Business sector.