Follow The Leader: H.E. Hamad Buamim, President and CEO, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry Given the sheer scope and range of activities that Dubai Chamber associates itself with, and how successful they turn out to be, it must be said here that Buamim's leadership of the institution is, by itself, something that is worthy of praise.

"Dubai Chamber believes that enterprises of the future will be capable of adopting real-time and applicable business practices that can create value and foster business growth. Innovation will be their hallmark, both in their operations and services, which will enhance the stature of the country's global competitiveness."

As the President and CEO of an enterprise that has played a key and active role in supporting the business community in Dubai for the last 50 years, H.E. Hamad Buamim is emphatic on the business sector being "the vital ingredient" contributing to the future of Dubai- and you can rest assured that the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry will continue its bid to support and propel business growth in the Emirate. "Considering that innovation is a fundamental pillar in Dubai's excellence and growth strategy, the vision of Dubai Chamber is to be a center for creativity and innovation in the private sector by offering innovative programs for the business community," Buamim says. "The Chamber will continue to contribute to the development of Dubai and the UAE through its various initiatives and activities. Our ambitious plans have taken us to overseas markets, and we are actively involved in the efforts to connect Dubai's business community to a range of markets from Central Asian countries and West Africa to Latin America. With its global potential, the Chamber will continue to represent Dubai's development agenda, and strengthen Dubai's reputation as a leading investment destination."

Dubai Chamber's focus on the private sector has led it to initiate several different campaigns and programs for it, and its recent announcement of The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Business Innovation Award is another step in this regard, Buamim notes. "The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Business Innovation Award has been conceived as an effective platform to stimulate innovation in the private sector, and help business enterprises to improve their operational performance," he says. "By supporting innovation in various economic sectors, the award will enhance the ability of the business communities to grow and expand in the domestic and global markets. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Business Innovation Award will also encourage national companies and organizations to adopt innovation, both in their operations and services, which will not only enhance the stature of the country in global competitiveness reports, but will also help the UAE to support and develop various businesses to improve best practices, while recognizing them for their contribution to the overall economic growth of the country. The award will go a long way in stimulating various economic sectors to move towards innovation, and will also support the country to strengthen its global innovation index in line with the targets of UAE Vision 2021. It will also inspire entities in both the public and private sectors to spend more on research and development, and build a sustainable knowledge-based economy."

Given the sheer scope and range of activities that Dubai Chamber associates itself with, and how successful they turn out to be, it must be said here that Buamim's leadership of the institution is, by itself, something that is worthy of praise. Interestingly enough, when asked what drives him to perform as he does in his role, Buamim points back to his organization and his nation. "It is certainly a matter of great pride and satisfaction to contribute to Dubai's growth as the leading business center in the region," Buamim explains. "To derive the energy to achieve this task, and get inspired every day to take the step towards the future, you don't need to look elsewhere. My personal leadership strategy is built on the aspirations of Dubai, and the vision of its leadership to ensure the Emirate's position as an innovation hub, and the ultimate place to do business."

Ask The Exec: H.E. Hamad Buamim

The Q What, according to you, is the importance of Dubai Chamber's Tejar Dubai initiative for Emirati entrepreneurs in the UAE?

The A "The Tejar Dubai program prepares young Emiratis with extensive skills and knowledge to gain enough confidence to enter and succeed in the competitive world of business. It is a model initiative that supports our young men and women to enter the world of entrepreneurship, enabling them to build on the success of the first generation of Dubai traders. The program is dedicated to provide a tailored individual learning experience to selected aspirant entrepreneurs, and help foster the development of a more diverse, knowledgebased economy to enhance Dubai's position in the global economic landscape. The program will have a key role in ensuring the future growth Dubai's economy, well after the end of the oil era."

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