Dubai Properties Group, DPG, has announced its continued support for U.A.E. national employees through a University Sponsorship Programme and ongoing training initiatives to develop local talent. DPG has a long track record in human resource development with its established Corporate Academy Programme, created to promote the development of individuals through specialised skill-based learning. The initiative offers employees the chance to participate in workshops and training courses conducted and certified by RERA, Real Estate Regulatory Agency, and INSEAD, a graduate business school. The programmes are taught by a mixture of internal DPG experts and specialised external facilitators from accredited institutes across the U.A.E.. Commenting on the programmes, Arif Mubarak, Chief Operations Officer of Dubai Properties Group, said, "In order to create a sustainable future for the U.A.E., we feel it is vital to invest in our local talent by providing them with opportunities to enhance their educational and vocational paths. This is also in line with the vision to become a leading international city through its people." The University Sponsorship programme is designed to encourage and assist DPG's Emirati employees to develop their professional careers through continuing their higher education. Based on pre-set criteria for selection, seven employees have been chosen for sponsorship in 2014 to enrol in an accredited university of their choice in the U.A.E..