| Dubai Shopping Festival Office, being the organiser of Dubai Summer Surprises, declared names of the winners in Dubai Summer Surprises Apprenticeship Programme 2009, which included in its fourth session nine of the most outstanding students in the fields of marketing and business administration from Middle East and North Africa region. Three universities from Egypt participated in this competition. These are: The British University in Egypt, The American University in Cairo, and 6th of October University. The nine winning universities are: The British University in Egypt, Al-Bahrain University, Al-Zaytona University in Jordan, Dar El-Hekma Al-Ahlia in KSA, The American University in Kuwait, The American University in Beirut, Al-Sultan Qabous University in Oman and Qatar University.Winners are selected by a jury of experts in marketing, who evaluated the quality of the winners based on their essays and completion of documents as well as their characters, ambition, energy and potential to make valuable contribution to the continual enhancement of DSS in light of the current economic recession. During the past weeks, students from the participating universities underwent a strict selection process, with the most important component being an essay writing exercise. This year, essay topic had current relevance as students were required to provide insight on how they would market summer major event in light of the current economic situation.The jury announced that BUE business student Sherif Gamal Tawfik is a winner in the DSS Apprenticeship Programme 2009, based on an evaluation which witnessed very hot competition. Eight more winners, from the major universities in the region, joined Sherif in the experience on the value of planning and execution of DSS. This is done through an intensive Internship Programme for a couple of weeks under supervision of expert marketeers.Sherif participated with the winners in a hands-on internship programme to measure their strategic thinking. The programme aims at promoting local talents and enhancing the education of participating students within the fields of Marketing, Business Administration and Events Management. It also brings together the best and brightest students from across the region providing them with excellent opportunities for training and exposure in these disciplines through an internship at Dubai Summer Surprises, one of the biggest tourism success stories in the region, now celebrating its 12th year. Sherif showed clear understanding of the consumer values and behavior. On congratulating Sherif Tawfik for winning the participation in this programme, Mrs. Laila Sohail, the CEO of Dubai Shopping Festival Office said that, “In the 4th year of the DSS Apprenticeship Programme, we are extremely happy to be providing students from across the Middle East and North Africa with the opportunity to experience valuable mentorship from the team of experienced industry professionals”, She added that,,” the winning team this year represents the most outstanding students in the region. We are extremely happy to have them join us in Dubai to work on DSS Programme in the region’s biggest tourism spectacle”.She went on to add, “The essay Sherif submitted proved his clear understanding of consumer behavior and thinking methodology. We are confident that the 2nd week programme will enhance his marketing skills, especially through working with marketing experts and colleagues from different countries participating in this big event”.On his part, Sherif Gamal Tawfik, the BUE winner said that, “My strategy to promote Dubai Summer Surprises in light of the current economic challenges is based on attracting the consumer and enhancing his interest through a worthwhile cutting-cost strategy”. This is the first time the British University in Egypt participates in this progamme and represents the Arab Republic in Egypt.Having Sherif to win in this programme is an addition to the awards which BUE students gain in local and international competitions. It is the quality of the scientific and practical programmes through the strategic partnership with the renowned UK universities; Loughborough and Queen Margaret, as well as the capabilities, personality and commitment of BUE students with respect to their curricular and extra-curricular activities which enable them to achieve such outstanding results. For instance, Engineering students the first and second positions in the Arab Robot Competition in Jordan this year.It is noteworthy that these programmes avail a unique opportunity for students to acquire advanced practical skills. The British University in Egypt is looking forward with confidence, to participating in future in Dubai Summer Surprises Programme as well as in all international competitions, and to having Sherif to share his experience with his colleagues after his return from Dubai. |