The UAE Comes to the U.S. for New Leadership Guidance
June 2, 2006
Last March after we officially closed the books on the Dubai Ports World buying control of U.S. ports, I kept seeing news articles like this pop up. What amazed me most about the situation isn’t that the ports deal went "South" or back West in this case. But, that the UAE had such an elegant and pragmatic attitude about our reaction and were sympathetic to our concerns on national security. In a part of the world where our true allies are scarce, the UAE has made it clear that they need us, and we need them, and they are willing do what is necessary to build a strong alliance with the U.S.
So, when Dubai World (the holding company for Dubai Ports World) decides that it needs to send some top executives back to school to learn about innovative leadership and strategic thinking, where do they send them? Oxford? Tokyo? Nope, they send them to Pennsylvania, more specifically, the Wharton school at the University of Pennsylvania. Here is a quick article that talks about an interesting new initiative by the school to build a unique curriculum centered around the future business needs of Dubai World. It’s a 3 year collaborative effort consisting of 135 executives, and serves as another example of innovative leadership and strategic thinking transcends culture, and political atmosphere.
"This innovative program and collaborative relationship will help current and future Dubai World leaders drive and shape their respective industries."
"Not only is the content completely customized for Dubai World, but the delivery method -- which encompasses multiple operating units, multiple locations, and an incredible amount of post classroom follow-up -- is unique."
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