Dubai School of Government organizes 1year training program for Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department

This executive program aims to enable senior managers to tackle dynamic challenges by developing their leadership skills and performance. Designed to concur with the requirements of the competency framework of the Dubai Government, the program is being delivered by a professional faculty from the Dubai School of Government.

The inaugural workshop, which will conclude on 3 November, addresses varied topics such as analytical thinking, planning and organization, problem solving and decision making, creativity and innovation, result-oriented action and customer service orientation. Prior to moving to the next level of the program, participants will be required to work for one month on a single project that will be taken up for discussion during subsequent sessions.

Khaled Al Gohary, Director of Executive Education Programs at the Dubai School of Government, said:

"A leader must be proficient in high management skills, possess in-depth knowledge of the sector in which he operates, and reflect a charismatic style that can influence others to obtain results. The main objective of this leadership training program is to develop the skills and abilities of leaders at the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department and prepare them for meeting future challenges."

"It is no longer enough for leaders to excel in the public sector or in certain disciplines of one specific sector. The complexity of the challenges, in addition to competition in a given sector, has become the key trigger for change in decision making, resulting in an increased urgency for effective public policies. The UAE represents a positive image of globalization and transparency, and leaders within this environment need to set specific goals and exchange ideas to achieve results."

Iman Ismail Abdullah, Senior Executive and Project Manager of the Global Campaign of People of the Holy Quran at the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, and one of the beneficiaries of the program, said: "Subjects covered throughout the program fit the administrative needs of the different departments. It highlights the fact that departments need to coordinate and deploy innovative methods to deliver information. The program also introduces us to new skills and methods that we need to develop for fostering team spirit and sharing initiatives."

Mohammed Ahmed Al Kamali, Senior Coordinator at the department and a participant, said: "The first workshop offered us tips on ways to tackle issues at the department in a more scientific manner and provided us solutions to areas that need improvement. We are looking to completing the rest of the program and acquiring valuable insights from leaders at various Dubai Government departments."

Abdullah Mohammed Alkhibby, Senior Executive at the department, another participant, said: "The program has introduced new concepts in leadership and management. The specialized subjects that will be covered during the remaining sessions will follow a scientific and practical approach and can be applied in our workplace. The course has contributed to broadening our way of thinking and our problem solving skills."

Established in 2005 in cooperation with the Harvard Kennedy School, the Dubai School of Government is committed to the creation of knowledge, dissemination of global best practices, and the training of policy makers in the Arab world. The school is focused on capacity building and conducts various programs that seek to promote good governance through enhancing the region's capacity for effective public policy.