Where We Came From
Where We Came From

About Us

The Hawkamah Institute for Corporate Governance was set up in 2006 to help bridge the corporate governance gap in the region. The Institute was founded by international organizations including the OECD, the IFC, and the World Bank, and regional organizations such as the Union of Arab Banks and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Authority. The Institute grew out of the recognition of a growing need for a regional organization working on the ground, and since then Hawkamah has been at the forefront of the corporate governance debate in the region.

Hawkamah's primary goal is to provide the region's companies and boards with practical tools on how to improve corporate governance. The Institute's work also involves engaging governments and industry, conducting surveys and studies, and creating regional benchmarks which often act as catalysts for reform.

The establishment of the Corporate Governance Institute and think tank aims to build institutions for the region. Its mission is to promote corporate sector reform and good governance, assist the countries of the region in developing and implementing sustainable Corporate Governance strategies adapted to national requirements and objectives.

The consultative meeting of the MENA Working Group 5 on improving Corporate Governance held in Amman, Jordan on the 14th of February, 2005, highlighted and confirmed the vital interest of the countries of the region to bridge the Corporate Governance gap, and achieve economic and financial integration with the rest of the world to improve economic growth and development prospects and performance.

One of the main conclusions endorsed by the participants was the need to establish a body that would serve as a regional secretariat with the basic mandate "to provide greater efficiency in the coordination between the countries of the region on Corporate Governance policy issues and to more effectively implement the MENA working Group 5's objectives, recommendations and projects."

Testimonials

  • The certified Board Secretaries Workshop provided by Hawkamah and Dubai Financial Market is an essential course for learning corporate governance, scope and responsibilities of the board secretary and understanding the governance and disclosure requirements of the Dubai Financial Market and the Securities and Commodities  Authority. It is a practical course which combined recent best practices and key learning lessons. I would highly recommend it for people involved in corporate governance and in particular in a listed company.

    Omran Al Zamani - Senior Legal Counsel - Dana Gas PJSC

  • Great program! Very well done and very useful information delivered in an excellent manner. The workshop was very inspirational, energizing, bringing lots of ideas, with both substantial and in-depth knowledge together with case studies. Well-balanced composition of participants, which contributed to interesting and focused discussions and exchanges. I would highly recommend it to anyone that is interested in improving their proficiency and core competencies.

    Hassan Murad Agha - Group Head of Compliance & Internal Control - Gulf General Investment Co. (PSC)

  • All companies should promote their boards, executive managers or staffs who have board responsibilities for subsidiary companies to attend corporate governance training. Hawkamah provides the ability for people and companies in the GCC to upskill in the area of corporate governance and directorship through a comprehensive programme teaching international best practice which has been tailored to regional specific governance issues.

    Alastair Mulligan - VP Asset Management - National Central Cooling Company PJSC (TABREED)

  • I am truly honored to attain this certification and I recommend the Compliance Heads of all DFM listed companies to participate and achieve this certification.

    Nabeel Mirza - Senior Director & MLRO - Compliance - GFH Financial Group B.S.C.

  • The workshop has added a level of professionalism to my practice. It addressed and discussed  the right concepts to promote better governance and effective support for business in line with rules and procedures.

    Osama Issaq Al Haj - Head of Legal & Board Secretary - Dubai Islamic Bank

  • A very interesting and informative course which has helped me to adapt my Board Secretary knowledge further to my role as Company Secretary.

    Hamad Al Hosani - Group Company Secretary - Emirates NDB Bank

  • Anyone who wants to enter the world of boards and governance; this is your passport.

    Jehad A. Kazim - Director - Legal Services Dubai Chamber

  • The Directors Development Program was one of the most beneficial programs I attend during my career life. The strength of the program comes from the way it was structured as each part covered very important aspects of the required management role.

    Nada Ishaq Abdul Karim - Manager - The Secretary of The Board of Directors - Bahrain Islamic Bank BSC

  • The DDP offered by the Hawkamah Institute is an excellent course to prepare directors to understand and fulfil their obligations properly as members of the board. I have benefitted immensely from this program and have started to implement some of the best practices taught on the boards that I am involved in.

    Amir Arab - Director - Havenvest Private Equity Middle East Limited
  • The Director Development Program is great way to gain insight and improved understanding in areas such as corporate governance and board functionality. I would highly recommend the program as a foundational step before they begin their board experience. Bindu Ann Joseph - Chief Operating Officer - 3W Networks

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