The Hub: Turning Talents into a Living

Dar al-Kalima University teaches students to excel in their chosen fields of study, and through these students’ talents the university contributes to preserving and sharing the culture of Palestine. Because the university remains committed to ensuring the employability of its graduates, DAK strives to become an entrepreneurial university. Through the new Rami Zahi Khouri Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hub, all DAK students, regardless of their major, have the opportunity to learn 21st century business skills to turn their talents into a living.

The Rami Zahi Khouri Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hub is a central place through which all DAK students take common classes to develop an entrepreneurial mindset. Students learn to identify economic opportunities, generate new streams of income, and learn the principles of entrepreneurship and corporate development. The hub also offers students the chance to work with entrepreneurial mentors from around the world to develop their professional networks and receive guidance as they chart their own paths. A business incubation facility helps students take ideas developed in class all the way to the market. DAK also promotes employer events, internships, work placement programs, and opportunities for part-time work, volunteering, and post-graduate employment.

The hub was funded by Zahi Khouri, who serves as chair of the board of Dar al-Kalima University. A Palestinian-American born in Jaffa, Mr. Khouri is the founder and former chair and CEO of the National Beverage Company, the Coca-Cola exclusive licensee for Palestine. Mr. Khouri held a number of executive positions and board memberships in Palestine, the USA, and the United Arab Emirates. In 2015, he was the recipient of the Business for Peace Award, which is determined by an independent committee of Nobel Prize Laureates in Peace and Economics. The award is given annually to a businessperson who promotes an interdependent relationship between peace and business. Nominees must serve as role models to society and their peers, be advocates for the importance of ethical and responsible business, and have the trust of stakeholders in the communities where their business is developed. The inspiration for the innovation and entrepreneurship hub came from Mr. Khouri’s commitment to promoting business and economic opportunities in Palestine. The hub is named for his deceased son, Rami.

Bright Stars of Bethlehem is committed to supporting the growth and operation of the Rami Zahi Khouri Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hub. If you would like to get involved, please consider making a donation to Bright Stars of Bethlehem today or get in touch to find out more about how you can become an entrepreneurial mentor.