London Business School Executive MBA (Dubai) students were recently given a special insight into how local government entities develop strategic initiatives by a top government official.

Abdullah Saeed Al Darmaki, acting CEO of Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa Fund, spoke with students for over an hour about the strategic planning and management processes that ensure his company is aligned with Abu Dhabi government’s objectives.

Khalifa Fund is a government entity that spearheads the support and development of entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises in Abu Dhabi.

“In everything we do, it has to have an impact on our community and society,” Al Darmaki said.

“I wanted to give students a proper understanding of the processes and planning that is undertaken by an organisation like ours when developing strategic initiatives that are not only in line with Abu Dhabi government’s goals and objectives, but are also performance based and have accountability.”

Al Darmaki gave students an understanding of the social role the Khalifa Fund plays, and discussed the importance of harnessing the talents of entrepreneurs in the UAE.

The talk was part of a series of guest speakers who are engaged to give a valuable bridge between theory and practical application for Executive MBA students at the School in Dubai.

Daniela Sfeir, senior business development manager of Career Services at London Business School’s Dubai Centre, said: “We have been privileged to have someone of the calibre of Al Darmaki come and speak with our students and provide in such fascinating detail the ways of successfully dealing with local government at a strategic level.”

“Attracting high profile speakers such as this is another positive initiative that empowers our students and gives them the knowledge they need to make a real impact in the business world across both the public and private sectors,” Sfeir added. – TradeArabia News Service