A select group of 30 MBA students from the Darden School of Business, University of Virginia, one of the top Business Schools in the USA, were received by KFH-Bahrain at the Regency Intercontinental Hotel, where the bank organised a one day seminar specifically designed to introduce the concept of Islamic banking to students. The Darden School of Business delegation were on tour in Bahrain with an aim to gain greater awareness about the Kingdom and the Region's governmental activities, its history, religious footings and its people in general. Mr. Abdulhakeem Alkhayyat, Managing Director & CEO of KFH-Bahrain, said "Initiatives such as this allow the exchange of perceptions and experiences on ways to enhance mutual synergy, bridge a communication gap, and explore possibilities of collaboration between the Arab and American Youth. The interactions with the students gave us an opportunity to highlight the potential of the emerging generation, and the various methods currently used in the field of trade." The lectures aimed to facilitate discussion between KFH-Bahrain and Darden students, to encourage and share a practical understanding of a day to day application of Islamic finance. Included within the agenda, several departments within the Bank each delivered a presentation on their activities, followed by an in-depth discussion. "We are pleased to have greater cooperation and communication with the Darden School of Business and venture on a number of joint programmes to enhance communication and identify ways of doing business in different parts of the world and especially the Middle East. We seek to expand our circle of relations with other international organizations and firms to support our Kingdom's initiatives on a global level" concluded Mr. Alkhayyat. Professor Sherwood Frey, the Head of the delegation commented "Our partnership with the Kingdom of Bahrain and other Gulf states has come to fruition.I am sure that this trip offers a significant learning curve for the students on the economic potential of the region, its people's way of life and how they deal with others. One indicator of the success of this programme is the marked positive change that occurs in the thoughts of these students about the countries after the end of the programme". "We are grateful to KFH-Bahrain for the opportunity to learn more about the business of Islamic finance and the organisation from a close proximity. KFH-Bahrain plays an important role in maintaining the business community's high-quality standards, which serves as the backbone of economic prosperity in the region", added Professor Frey. Within the programme, a number of KFH-Bahrain representatives presented aspects of Islamic Finance and Investment that were relevant to the visiting delegation. Representatives from the Bank included Mr. Lilian Le Falher, Mr. Mahmood Al-Mahmood, Mr. Rashid Al-Khan, Mr. Mazin Sater, and Mr. Sherif Al-Khouly.As part of their schedule, the American visitors benefited from a tour of Durrat Al Bahrain, the largest water front development in Bahrain. Mr. Abdulhakeem Alkhayyat, the Chairman of Durrat Al Bahrain, briefed the delegation about the project and the economic and social benefits it will bring. Mr. Abdulhakeem Alkhayyat also wished for the continuation of this programme, which has taken place for many years, and is very grateful to Professor Frey and his wife for the years of continued efforts in making this programme a great success. The delegation took an escorted tour of Durrat Al Bahrain site and later were also treated to a day at the 2010 Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix Qualifying Rounds Sessions held at the Bahrain International Circuit. On a final note, the students expressed their joy in watching the race in the Kingdom and considered this visit to the race track on of the most exciting events of their trip. It is worth mentioning that the Darden School Foundation has announced the Marietta and Sherwood Frey Scholarship. The Scholarship was established not only to honor Professor Frey and his wife, Marietta, but also to provide financial support to students. Marietta and Sherwood Frey embraced the core mission of inclusiveness immediately upon joining the Darden community in 1979. For more than 30 years, they have contributed significantly in the creation of a supportive and welcoming environment for students from various ethnic groups.