Emiratis offered business mentoring

ABU DHABI // Emirati students can immerse themselves in the business world through a mentoring programme being launched by a British organisation. The British Business Group plans to place Zayed University students with officials at the group's member companies in energy, hospitality and banking. The scheme, launching in the 2009-2010 academic year, follows a pilot programme that began last month with a dozen students from the university.

"This scheme will give Zayed University students the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of the world of work in the private sector," said Dr Rex Taylor, the associate provost for community engagement. Peter Michelmore, chairman of the BBG in Abu Dhabi, said the programme would help prepare young Emiratis for private-sector jobs. [e-mail]