GoldFinger takes pride in being in the vanguard of sartorial elegance and so noted with interest that
Barclays Wealth International is doing its part to promote female entrepreneurship - in Dubai.

Dubai Ladies Club in Jumeirah was the venue for the Oriental Red Carpet Fashion Show, of which Barclays Wealth was a Gold Sponsor. This event was the climax of the Oriental Red Carpet Emerging Designer Contest 2009 and showcased the collections of the three Emirati fashion designers who had reached the final: Mariam Al Mazrou, Fatima Al Hashimi and Athija Al Mazroui.

Stunning jalabiyas, abayas and ready-to-wear designs graced the catwalk, but the highpoint of the Dubai fashion calendar was about more than just haute couture for Barclays Wealth. This exclusive, all-female event also gave the firm a unique networking opportunity with the UAE's high net worth females - a rapidly growing client segment Barclays Wealth is keen to engage with.

The Middle East's female entrepreneurs are, in Barclays Wealth's view, a largely neglected market, and through its sponsorship of events such as the Oriental Red Carpet Fashion Show the firm hopes to raise awareness of the services provided by its Wealth International business.

Wealth international is the division within Barclays Wealth that provides banking and investment solutions to affluent international clients.  Barclays Wealth International, currently operates in 220 countries and works closely with Barclays Wealth's International Private Banking division which serves international high net worth and ultra high net worth individuals.

Commenting on the event Tony Sareen (Head of Wealth International MENAT) said: "This event was a fantastic success in line with our diversity agenda and commitment to the Middle East to support the new up and coming entrepreneurs. Feedback was very positive and this prestigious event was a good opportunity to raise the Barclays Wealth brand and to give the UAE's high net worth females an avenue to discuss their finances with a female relationship manager."

GoldFinger eagerly awaits news of Barclays Wealth's next sponsored event.