Dubai, United Arab Emirates - June 08, 2008

Young Arab Leaders (YAL), in association with Arab Business Angels Network, DIFC's Centre of Excellence and Larta Institute today announced the launch of the Entrepreneurship Initiative for 2008-09 at Dubai International Financial Centre. This initiative is being sponsored by The Dow Chemical Company through its charitable arm, The Dow Chemical Company Foundation, as part of its support of the Arab and American Dialogue Program for 2008 and 2009.

The entrepreneurship initiative aims to put the private sector into focus, empower ideas and nurture innovation. It will serve as a primary platform for the training of representatives from small and medium sized enterprises through a process of mentoring, adopting, socializing and networking. The mentors will be YAL members.

"For more than 110 years, Dow has been committed to the communities in which we operate, supporting their aspirations and contributing to their economic development," said Louis Vega, Dow public affairs director, India, Middle East and Africa."We are delighted to foster an environment that not only supports the development of the Arab world, but encourages a focus on sustainable success."

YAL is an independent pan-Arab organisation that aims to create a new generation of young leaders capable of actively participating in the region's development process and driving it into a new phase of growth. It is a network of the region's leaders from the business community, politics, academia, media, arts, culture and civil society, who are committed to improving the state of the Arab world.

About Dow

With annual sales of $54 billion and 46,000 employees worldwide, Dow is a diversified chemical company that combines the power of science and technology with the " Human Element " to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. The Company delivers a broad range of products and services to customers in around 160 countries, connecting chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted.

About The Dow Chemical Company Foundation

Established in 1979, The Dow Chemical Company Foundation serves Dow's philanthropic needs by providing charitable gifts to eligible non-profit organizations in the communities where Dow operates that contribute to community success, support sustainability, foster science in society and stimulate innovation.

About Young Arab Leaders

The Young Arab Leaders is a network of Arab men and women who have seen the power of action in their own lives, reached unprecedented levels of success for their age, are positive and can see beyond today's difficulties to that vision of a prosperous Arab future. These leaders are currently in prominent positions of responsibility and are destined for extraordinary achievement, and they believe that their efforts today can have an impact on their communities, countries and the region as a whole. For more information please visit: www.yaleaders.org

For Editorial Information:

Hani Wassim
The Dow Chemical Company
t +971.4.332. 8866 / t +971.4.312. 3668 (office)