Dubai, 06 January 2014: University of Dubai and the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai honored the first batch of 15 employees including directors of various internal departments who successfully graduated in the ëRawasyí program to develop leaders. Held in collaboration with the Thunderbird School of Global Management at ASU (Arizona State University), the initiative aims to enhance the managerial and leadership skills and abilities of participants, thus empowering them to play a larger role in the pursuit of economic development. The programm specifically targets DED employees in the middle management level who demonstrate outstanding professionalism and leadership potential. The graduation ceremony was attended by His Excellency Sami Al Qamzi, Director General of DED, Dr Easa Al Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai; and Sarah Schwab, General Manager for Europe, Middle East and Africa in the Thunderbird School of Global Management and various officials from DED and its agencies as well as from the University of Dubai .