Mohammed bin Rashid Programme for Leadership Development commences the 2nd batch with 30 candidates

All selected participants are UAE nationals holding minimum of Bachelors Degree with 6-8 years experience and have demonstrated strong initiative at their work place and consequently got nominated by their departments.

Mohammed Al Gergawi, Chairman of Dubai Development and Investment Authority (DDIA), welcomed the candidates with an inspiring address, 'Towards the future of Dubai'.

Al Gergawi pointed out that the world today is fighting for talent and knowledge. 'It has been forecast that over the coming decade, as much change and upheaval is predicted as was experienced during the past 100 years - this is especially true for Dubai.'

Extraordinary vision
He said: 'His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is always working towards improving skills of UAE nationals because they are the most important national asset. His Highness aims at encouraging nationals to contribute towards positioning Dubai as the hub encompassing fields from finance to education and from IT to tourism.

Al Gergawi said the Mohammed bin Rashid Programme for Leadership Development is designed to develop future leaders of Dubai. 'We have designed a customized, team-based leadership development programme where groups can learn together and then apply their learning directly to real business issues.'

Two-year duration
The programme is for two years duration and provides a wide array of learning channels and materials including seminars, courses, workshops and access to learning materials. A key element is the access of each participant to an experienced mentor from a leading global organisation.

These organisations, which have agreed to support the second batch of the programme and the development of the national talent pool in Dubai include: Jumeirah International, SAP Arabia, Schlumberger, Daimler Chrysler, Ogilvy One Worldwide, Microsoft, Master Foods, FedEx, ABB and Johnson & Johnson.

The programme is being conducted in cooperation with the most important international business colleges and will play an active role in supporting and developing leadership talents in the UAE. It will offer opportunities and act as a bridge for communication between businesses and the future generation of leaders. Academic Partners include Cranfield School of Management, London Business School, National University of Singapore and Kennedy School of Government.