SRI LANKA BUSINESS COUNCIL – DUBAI
PROMOTING BILATERAL TRADE
Facilitating bilateral trade and networking opportunities – Muhammed Riza
Q: In a nutshell, what is the mandate of the Sri Lanka Business Council in Dubai, which you serve as its incumbent chairman?
A: Our mandate is to promote trade and tourism between Dubai and Sri Lanka while providing networking opportunities for members in a bid to expand their reach.
Q: And the composition of the business council is…?
A: The council comprises Sri Lankan entrepreneurs and senior professionals, as well as companies based in both Sri Lanka and the UAE with business interests in the two markets.
Q: How should prospective Sri Lankan migrants approach their search for work in foreign lands? In your view, what do they need to keep in mind when pursuing such opportunities?
A: Migrating to the UAE as a fresh graduate may not be the best idea. Ideally, candidates should have experience in their chosen fields in addition to educational qualifications.
It is also important to understand the hiring cycle in organisations so that your job search is timely.
Q: What advice can you offer Sri Lankans who aspire to become successful entrepreneurs in a country like the UAE?
A: Dubai and the UAE as a whole are very competitive markets but offer excellent opportunities for innovative ideas. Most importantly, as this is an international hub for trade, businesses could position themselves here to trade globally with overseas markets.
Q: And what does it take to stay in touch with Sri Lanka from where you are?
A: We always remain in touch with Sri Lanka through the active community here in the UAE, as well as the embassy and Consulate General’s office.
CV IN A NUTSHELL
A senior management professional in the aviation industry with extensive experience in Asia, the Americas and Africa, Muhammed Riza holds an MBA from the University of Strathclyde (Scotland).
He has lived in the UAE for more than 25 years and been actively engaged with the Sri Lanka Business Council in Dubai for over 15 years – Riza serves as its chairman today.
In addition, he is a former honorary representative of Sri Lankan Tourism in the UAE upon being appointed by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Tourism.