Ega promotes entrepreneurship among UAE youth

Aluminium giant sponsors innovation camps (“I-Camps”) in partnership with INJAZ UAE

United Arab Emirates, 02 May 2016: In line with its commitment to invest in the socio-economic growth and development of the UAE as a responsible business, Emirates Global Aluminium (“EGA”) sponsored two innovation camps (“I-Camps”) organised by INJAZ UAE in April 2016. Designed to help attendees learn business skills and nurture creative thinking in the business world, I-Camps comprise half-day entrepreneurial training workshops that challenge UAE National youths (aged 11 to 24) to find the most innovative solution to a business challenge. Various exercises and activities are used to develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

This year’s first EGA-sponsored I-Camp was held at Al Salam School in Dubai on 21 April, for school students. The second EGA-sponsored I-Camp took place in the DUBAL Training Centre (at the EGA Jebel Ali Operations premises in Dubai) on 28 April, and was attended by students from UAE University, Higher Colleges of Technology - RAK Women’s College and Ajman University of Science & Technology. EGA employees from various departments volunteered their time and knowledge to mentor the 100 students who attended the two I-Camp workshops, helping the youngsters to expand their horizons during a fun-based introduction to entrepreneurship.

Commenting on the sponsorship, Khalid Buhumaid (Senior Vice President, Government Relations and official spokesperson of EGA) said, “EGA works with government, NGO(s) and other civic bodies to identify specific needs for continuous social development, thereby enabling meaningful and active engagement with local communities. Specific emphasis is placed on local economic development, as well as capacity building, education, health services, environmental protection or initiatives that support good governance in society in support of a holistic view of economic sustainability. Mentoring the UAE’s youth is vitally important to the future of the UAE, with I-Camps helping to bridge the gap between the world of work and education.”

EGA, through its operating subsidiaries, has sponsored seven I-Camps since 2013, both in terms of kind support and employees volunteering as mentors. In total, more than 580 students from across the UAE have participated in the EGA supported I-Camps.

INJAZ UAE is a member of the Junior Achievement Worldwide (“JAW”) programmes which prepare students to enter the world of work and succeed through interactive, impactful and practical mentoring sessions. By partnering with INJAZ UAE, EGA is helping to create an enduring legacy in the communities where it operates.