The membership database of the Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC) has grown by 10% in the first quarter of 2019, bringing the total number of members to 949, up from 864 by the end of 2018, according to DBWC announcement.

The significant increase in the membership database reflects the important role played by the council in support of businesswomen to enhance their competitiveness in the country’s labour market.

This improvement is yet another catalyst for attracting more businesswomen in Dubai and developing their managerial, leadership and strategic skills thanks to them being an integral part of Dubai’s diverse business environment and a key player in the economic growth.

In the first quarter of 2019, the council staged as many as 13 activities and events, including workshops, symposiums, business meetings and trade missions, to enhance the expertise of members and develop their skills necessary to get a preference in the labour market and improve their competitive performance. More than 308 businesswomen took part in these activities.

The DBWC events have discussed a wide range of issues, particularly negotiation skills, financial planning, business protection against cybercrime, fraudulent activities, business leadership, e-marketing concepts and strategies in collaboration with Google, as well as ways of stimulating business growth and prosperity.

Furthermore, the council organized a trade mission to participate in the 12th Asian Financial Forum (AFF) held in Hong Kong to discuss the reality of the global economy and the impact of new technologies on growth. The AFF represented a perfect opportunity for the UAE delegation to brief prominent global economic leaders on the forward-looking economic vision of Emirati businesswomen.

Also during the first quarter, the council launched the 2^nd cycle of the DBWC Mentorship Programme 2019, building on the first cycle’s resounding success. Those interested in participation are encouraged to submit requests not later than April 10.

The training will be delivered by specialized experts in various institutional and professional fields to develop members’ expertise in accordance with a comprehensive skill-building plan. The trainers feature representatives of prominent international companies including Patchi, Google, BWC, Facebook, JPMorgan Chase & Co, Edelman, University of Wollongong-Dubai (UOWD), Canon Middle East, and many more.

The mentorship programme, one of the most important initiatives launched by DBWC, will support working women and entrepreneurs, enhance their competitiveness in the business environment and provide appropriate advice on how to enhance and improve institutional performance.

Dr. Raja Al Gurg, President of the Dubai Business Women Council, said: “During the first quarter of 2019, the council has upgraded its future strategic plans and are now more focused on providing quality trainings as per market requirements and empowering women economically.

To that end, the council has armed its members with broad knowledge and skills necessary to manage and transform their businesses into meaningful projects and organized intensive training sessions to exchange knowledge and gain practical experience and professional advice from entrepreneurship experts”.

She further said: “We are determined to redouble our efforts and cement women’s instrumental role in the development of the country’s economy and we are keen to harness all our resources to advance their position in the development of business environment, in conjunction with the Year of Tolerance. This year, we expect a considerable growth in DBWC membership coupled with diversified services that, we believe, will add value to the expertise and professionalism of our members,”.

The DBWC offers members a wide spectrum of benefits and advantages, including easy access to the members’ database, which would facilitate communication among members and help them identify new business opportunities and potential economic partnerships. Being a member also helps businesswomen develop their expertise and skills through taking part in training workshops and forums related to different business activities and having the opportunity to engage in the annual mentorship programme.

Members will also enjoy an incentive package of services, enabling them to promote their companies and businesses and highlight their services, projects and products through a special page for members’ available on the council website. This gives DBWC members an additional marketing advantage, unlike their peers in the businesswomen community.

A membership card is also given to the council’s members, by which they will be entitled to discounts at a number of different sales outlets and companies providing services at preferential rates.