TAQA to sponsor Zayed University’s Women as Global Leaders Conference

Press release

Published March 5th, 2012 - 11:45 GMT

During the event

Abu Dhabi National Energy Company, the global integrated energy company, today announced its sponsorship of Zayed University’s 4^th Women as Global Leaders Conference, making TAQA the conference’s official Exclusive Partner Sponsor.

The 4^th Women as Global Leaders Conference seeks to promote greater opportunities for female Emirati students and will be held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Supreme Chairperson of the Family Development Foundation, Chairperson of UAE Women’s General Union and Supreme Council for Motherhood and Children; and His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister for Higher Education & Scientific Research and President of Zayed University.

The Women as Global Leaders Conference will be held in Abu Dhabi, March 13 through March 15, 2012. The conference is expected to draw UAE and international students and scholars from more than 40 different countries. Speakers for this year's conference will include: Her Royal Highness Princess Lolowah Al Faisal (member of the Saudi Arabian Royal family); Her Highness Sheikha Bint Saif Mohammed Al Nahayan; Her Excellency Raja Easa Al Gurg (Managing Director of Easa Al Gurg Group); Her Excellency Razan Al Mubarak (Secretary-General of the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi); Dr. Isobel Coleman (senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, New York); Zeinab Badawi (BBC World News anchor); Hala Gorani (CNN anchor); and Sigourney Weaver (award-winning actress and humanitarian).

Commenting on the sponsorship, Carl Sheldon, CEO of TAQA, said: “We have adopted a multi-faceted Emiratisation strategy to deliver on a plan to recruit, train, develop and integrate UAE nationals at all levels in our business. This sponsorship of Zayed University’s Women as Global Leaders Conference reaffirms our commitment to support the Abu Dhabi Government’s initiative and is a step towards developing a broader range of areas of cooperation with Zayed University and other educational institutions in Abu Dhabi to further our Emiratisation goals. It is an honour and a privilege to partner with Zayed University for this important programme."

Dr. Sulaiman Al Jassim, Vice President of Zayed University, said: “The Women as Global Leaders Conference continues the University’s commitment to the development and promotion of women’s leadership. Zayed University is appreciative of TAQA's visionary thinking and their commitment to increasing the number of Emiratis in leadership positions within the energy sector makes them an ideal partner for this event. We are thankful for TAQA’s generous support and delighted to be working alongside the nation’s energy champion."

TAQA is creating opportunities for UAE nationals with the goal of increasing the number of Emiratis in leadership positions in the company’s global businesses. Some of these initiatives include the Emiratisation Trainee Programme; a two-month internship programme, and the TAQA Leadership Programme which aims to create opportunities for experienced UAE nationals.

Background Information

Abu Dhabi National Energy Company

Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) is a global energy company majority owned by the Abu Dhabi Government and listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange.

Its activities include oil and gas, power generation and water desalination across five continents. With operations in the UK, the Netherlands and North America, our oil and gas business includes exploration and production, storage and pipelines. It produces almost 137,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in the North Sea and North America, as well as operating and developing extensive gas storage facilities in the Netherlands.

TAQA is the 6^th largest independent power producer in the world. Its power plants are located in the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Ghana, India, and the United States. TAQA is the majority owner in the facilities that provide 98% of the water and electricity requirements in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Established in 2005, TAQA’s entrepreneurial culture has laid the foundations for long-term sustainable growth building on its commitment to people, safety and the environment.

Company Profile

Zayed University

Zayed University is a national and regional leader in educational innovation. Founded in 1998 and proudly bearing the name of the Founder of the Nation – the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, this flagship institution has met the President’s high expectations. Today, Zayed University has two modern campuses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi that welcome both national and international students.