Al Ahli Holding launches the 3rd Business for a Cause Conference in Dubai

March 31, 2014: CSR Al Ahli Holding Group in partnership with Intercoil and the American University in Dubai (AUD), launches the 3rd edition of “Business for a Cause” initiative in Dubai, a conference and workshop that will help university students and fresh graduates in the UAE design, manage and sustain their own social enterprise.

Held at the American University in Dubai, “Business for a Cause” is a one-day conference aims at building student’s knowledge of social entrepreneurship, developing their enterprise skills, introducing them to organizations which can help them set up a social enterprise, and inspire them to start a social enterprise through showcasing global case studies.

The event brings together around 100 participants with business scholars and entrepreneurs to help them start up their projects. Ms. Lina Hourani, Director of CSR Division of Al Ahli Holding Group said: “We are proud to introduce the 3rd edition of this unique initiative and help the youth in UAE after successfully being held in the UAE and the Lebanon last year, the conference will explore what options students have after graduating and why social entrepreneurship is becoming a career of choice today.”

Commenting on this initiative, Peggy Awad, Director of External Relations, American University in Dubai said: “The American University in Dubai is happy to support an initiative that builds on the social and ethical responsibilities that are an integral part of student life at AUD. The University aims to promote the value of ethical behavior, responsibility, and commitment in the personal lives and careers of our students. This event is an opportunity for them to learn about Social Enterprise as a career path and encourage them in this direction.”

“We are delighted to be part of this program and help students bring their ideas to life. Intercoil is 40 years old this year, and what better way to celebrate than to support and encourage youth of the UAE to find innovative ways to improve individual’s lives and the country’s future. As an active member of the community, it is our responsibility to share with the students participating in this program lessons we learnt on our long road to success.  We hope to inspire them to dream big, work hard and achieve things that nobody else has achieved before,” said Hassan Al-Hazeem, Managing Director of Intercoil International, a leading UAE manufacturer, distributor and retailer of sleep products and sponsor of “Business for a Cause” program.

Al Ahli Holding Group also works on a number of initiatives via its Corporate Social Responsibility division focusing on the development, support and empowerment of Arab youth and on the dissemination of thought leadership in the region through different internship and fellowship programs.

An active member of the community in providing charity and assistance to the needy, Intercoil International is equally active in educational initiatives, providing comprehensive internship programs for college students from both the UAE and abroad.