NBAD Fursati programme explores entrepreneurship opportunities for women

The National Bank of Abu Dhabi's recent Fursati (My Opportunity - Economic Empowerment programme) event explored means and ways for women in the U.A.E. to participate in opportunities to be generated during the run up to and from Dubai EXPO 2020. The event was organised by NBAD's Velvet Private Banking for Women as part of its regular Fursati Economic Empowerment programme. The theme of the latest session was entitled "A Day in the Life of an Entrepreneur" and allowed dozens of women entrepreneurs and potential entrepreneurs to brainstorm many different topics, including the opportunities that will arise from the lead up to Dubai EXPO 2020, which is expected to generate US$23 billion in economic activity. "Dubai's selection as the host of Expo 2020 is yet another confirmation of the U.A.E.'s dynamic market and progressive culture, which naturally continues to offer great opportunities for women," said Mariah Khan, the Head of NBAD's Velvet Private Banking for Women. "The goal of Fursati is to utilise every avenue to enhance women's entrepreneurship and investment opportunities. Dialogue and conversation with experts and each other is one method in achieving this objective." The interactions facilitated by Fursati allow participants to generate and explore theories and facts and, more importantly, allow participants to learn from each other and find inspiration in each others' stories. The Fursati events, which offer great networking opportunities, also closely mirror the U.A.E.'s vibrant and multi-cultural society. In the latest event, the participating women came from 20 different nationalities. "The diversity of the U.A.E. is another reflection of its dynamic society, its reasons for success and the opportunities it avails to women," Dr. Khan said. She added, "I am grateful to Ms. Rasha Danhani, the owner of Papparoti, for wholeheartedly participating in the spotlight section and sharing her experiences in a candid and engaging manner. She showed how courage and persistence with a great idea, as well as personal involvement, bear fruit. "I also want to extend sincere and special thanks the Dubai Business Women Council for their continuous support and particularly to Ms. Nadine Halabi there, for passing the message so efficiently to all members of the Council."