ABU DHABI — Under the theme ‘Investing in Entrepreneurship and Innovation', the organizers of the 17th Arab Investors and Businessmen Conference (ABIC), which is being held under the patronage of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, will discuss the gap between the academic learning and the actual needs of the Arab job market, especially in innovation and leadership fields. This year's edition will conclude with recommendations to help activate innovation and leadership among new graduates, due to its positive impact on the Arab labor market in the future. "There is no doubt that human capital is the key to the success of private institutions around the world. This conference will offer new insights to help Arab countries strengthen cooperation in the areas of innovation and leadership, and develop a creative generation that is capable of innovation and leadership,” said Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, UAE Minister of Economy and Chairman of the 17th Arab Businessmen and Investors Conference. While technology brings new concepts to academic learning, international studies have confirmed that technology is still being used to support educational practices, regardless of its effectiveness. "In light with the rising expenditure on education in the Arab World, particularly the Gulf region, it is necessary to establish a common ground to meet the requirements of the marketplace, and groom manpower capable of coping with its variables. This means developing Arab workforce that can turn creativity into accomplishments,” he added. The conference comes at a time when public and private organizations invest heavily on innovation, especially in the UAE, which was selected to host ABIC. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan had earlier declared 2015 as the ‘Year of Innovation' in the UAE, which was later endorsed by the UAE Federal Cabinet of Ministers. “The process of defining the imbalance between education and the requirements of the marketplace are the first steps towards bridging this gap,” said Abdullah Al Saleh Undersecretary, UAE Ministry of Economy, President of the 17th Arab Businessmen and Investors Conference Higher Committee. “The Arab World has abundant human recourses that can be invested to promote the economy. This year's edition of ABIC is very important to all business owners and investors as it can help them make a difference.” “ABIC has a vision to take the use of human resources into a new phase, considering that manpower in any country is an essential element of success, and deploying these capabilities will ensure sustainable growth of the labor market. We invite all investors and decision-makers as well as education policy makers to join ABIC over two days, and review international expertise in entrepreneurship and innovation,” said Dr. Imad Shehab, Secretary General of the General Union of Arab Chambers. “The labor market in the Arab region constantly needs new capacities. We will shed light on the challenges that employers face in finding skilled and qualified candidates. This conference is an integrated platform targeted at all Arab economic sectors, and it will also inspire youth to strengthen their capabilities in leadership and innovation,” added Dr. Shehab. ABIC will be held on Nov. 16-17 at Jumeirah Etihad Towers Hotel - Abu Dhabi. This conference represents an Arab economic and investment gathering aimed at attracting investment to various sectors and services across all Arab countries. — SG
