Dubai is preparing for 2005 YEO/WEO Dubai University, a gathering of members of the prestigious international Young Entrepreneurs’ Organisation (YEO) and World Entrepreneurs’ Organisation (WEO).

The event, sponsored by Shell, takes place at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, from March 2 to 6, 2005.
The YEO, whose membership spans 35 countries, is a global, non-profit educational organisation that affords young entrepreneurs the opportunity to draw on business leaders’ experiences and success stories through a series of educational forums and networking opportunities.
All YEO members are business professionals under the age of 40 who are owners, founders, co-founders or controlling stakeholders of companies reporting annual sales in excess of $1 million with an average turnover of  $15 million.
WEO, which is YEO’s graduate organisation, is open to members who join before reaching age 47. By building on the camaraderie and growth that YEO offers, WEO has become the greatest global “graduate school” for business enrichment.
“As the business world changes apace there is an overwhelming need to harness the entrepreneurial skills of the world’s brightest and best young thinkers and risk-takers,” said Hussain Al Mahmoudi, external affairs manager, Shell.
 However, tomorrow’s business leaders need to be equipped to face the challenges of the future, therefore the YEO/WEO Dubai University will serve as a networking forum for ambitious young business-men and women from around the world.”
Al Mahmoudi observed that the entrepreneur had long played a vital role in the world economy, and it was the vision of those pioneering individuals that could lead to the creation of economic growth and opportunity.
“The YEO/WEO provides its members with the knowledge resources and support they need to build better businesses, which ultimately contributes to the improved welfare of surrounding communities,” he said.  
 “Supporting the YEO Dubai University in Dubai is an extension of Shell’s commitment to building more prosperous societies by nurturing the business leaders of the future. Our company’s corporate philosophy is driven by a strong focus on encouraging young people to climb the corporate ladder, irrespective of gender,” said Al Mahmoudi.
“The UAE has become home to many successful entrepreneurs in recent years and has become increasingly important in international business terms. Therefore, it is only fitting that Dubai should host this forum. The event will expose young Arab entrepreneurs to best global business practices, a vital component in the development of the region’s human capital,” he commented.
The YEO Dubai conference is being held under the patronage of the Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The event will feature addresses by keynote speakers from around the world, as well as breakout sessions offering a balance of personal development and cultural learning. It will also allow one-on-one social and information exchange, providing unsurpassed take-home value and life experiences.
Since 1987, YEO has conducted a series of programmes designed to update members on financial, geopolitical and technological issues. While it is primarily an entrepreneurial educational organisation, the cornerstone of the YEO philosophy is personal development as an equal partner to professional achievements. It is also driven by the belief that one learns most from those who share their experiences.
In line with its endeavours to encourage aspirant young business people in the Middle East, Shell launched in 2004 the Intilaaqah (the Arabic word for ‘start’) programme, a regional initiative to support the efforts of young men and women striving to set up and run their own businesses.
“The primary objective of Intilaaqah is to provide young nationals with the opportunity to receive the training and encouragement to develop their own business ideas into full-blown successful businesses which, of course, dovetails perfectly with Shell’s commitment to the development of entrepreneurial skills and its sponsorship of the YEO/WEO conference,” said Al Mahmoudi.
This philosophy is also evidenced through Shell’s sponsorship of the annual Emirates Businesswoman’s Awards, which is aimed at recognising women’s contributions in the business and professional world. The awards are presented to honour both national and expatriate women in the UAE for performance excellence.