A select group of 38 MBA students from the Darden School of Business, University of Virginia, one of the top Ivy League Schools in the USA, were received by KFH-Bahrain this morning at the Regency Intercontinental Hotel, where the bank organized a one day seminar about Islamic Finance specially designed to introduce the concept of Islamic banking to students. The Darden School of Business delegation are currently on tour in Bahrain with an aim to gain greater awareness about the Kingdom and the Region's governmental activities, history, religious footings and its people in general. Mr. Abdulhakeem Alkhayyat, General Manager, KFH-Bahrain, said "Initiatives such as this allow the exchange of perceptions and experiences on ways to enhance mutual synergy, bridge 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 help to alter any misconception the West may have of our world." The one day seminar aimed to facilitate discussion between KFH-Bahrain and Darden students, to encourage and share a better understanding of day to day application of Islamic finance. Included within the agenda several related departments within the Bank each delivered a 1 hour presentation on their activities, followed by an in-depth discussion. "We hope to achieve even greater cooperation and communication with Darden School of Business and venture on a number of joint programs that will enhance the role of Islamic Banking in different parts of the world. We seek to expand our circle of relations with other international organizations and firms to support such initiatives which aim at increasing awareness about Islamic finance" concluded Alkhayyat. Professor Frey, the delegation's head commented "We have conducted study programs in various places around the world, and bringing the students to the Middle East proved to be a very successful idea. We chose Bahrain primarily because we consider it to be the gateway to the region. I am sure that this trip will be a significant learning curve for the students on the economic potential of the region." "We are grateful to KFH-Bahrain for the opportunity to learn more about Islamic finance and the organisation. KFH-Bahrain plays an important role in maintaining the business community's high-quality standards, which serves as the backbone of economic prosperity", added Professor Frey. Within the programme, a number of KFH-Bahrain representative presented certain aspects of Islamic Finance and Investment that were relevant to the visiting delegation. Representatives from the Bank included Mr. Osama Alkhaja, Mr. Mahmood Al-Mahmood and Mr. Zeeshan Azhar. As part of their tour, the American visitors benefited from a tour of Durrat Al Bahrain, the largest water front development in Bahrain. Mr. Jassim Al Jowder, CEO of Durrat Al Bahrain, briefed the delegation about the project and the economic and social benefits it will bring both locally and regionally. The delegation, took an escorted tour of Durrat Al Bahrain site, which is now entering a crucial phase of its development. The first phase of Durrat Al Bahrain is due for completion in 2008.