DUBAI // A group created by an Emirati student in the US to bridge the stateside-UAE gap will launch two new chapters here next month.
Hareth Al Hashemi, 23, made it his mission to bring together Emiratis and GCC nationals studying in the US. The student of Economics and Management at Purdue University in Indiana founded the Arabian Gulf Business Forum (AGBF) two years ago.
AGBF aims to connect students and faculty in the US to the UAE, and keep them abreast of the latest developments in the region.
"As Emirati students abroad, we became detached from the business environment. We need to engage ourselves with this market - especially with all the developments that took place during the past few years," he said. "So we thought of creating this organisation to connect campuses abroad with the region."
Mr Al Hashemi said the new goal of AGBF is to nurture Emirati talents and get them involved in the job market back home.
Majed Al Mansoori, 21, said AGBF at Purdue University had given him leverage.
"When I applied for jobs, speaking about the forum took up 60 per cent of the interviews," said Mr Al Mansoori, who graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering and helped co-found AGBF. "Companies want students who have been involved with extra-curricular activities. It gives a good impressions to the recruiters," he said.
There are two chapters in the US and three are to open soon.
In the UAE, Abu Dhabi Zayed University and the American University of Sharjah both plan to open chapters in September.
Abdulla Al Jeelani, 21, is studying Finance at Abu Dhabi Zayed University and will spearhead the start an AGBF chapter there.
"We will start with bringing together an intelligent group of people to discuss what's affecting the UAE," said Mr Al Jeelani.
The group will also host events and bring speakers to motivate the students, he said.
In time, the team plans to open a chapter at the female section of the university.
ABGF in Purdue is also in talks to host a career event in November, in association with a UAE investment firm. The event, planned for November, would bring speakers to inspire Emirati students in the US to return home to help build the nation.
"The goal behind this event is to keep UAE students studying abroad engaged and up to date with the current developments," said Mr Al Hashemi. "Many students abroad have a lot of power but don't know about it. All they need is some mentoring."
