Dubai: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, attended the graduation ceremony of the first cohort of the Dubai Financial Experts Programme. The programme is organised by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) in partnership with the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development (MBRCLD).
According to Emirates News Agency, the ceremony took place during the Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum (MBRLF), the premier annual gathering focused on future transformation in leadership and management that aims to implement the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, of making Dubai the world's foremost city. The Forum brought together 1,000 key government and private sector leaders in Dubai.
Marking the occasion, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan stated that human capital is the most rewarding area of investment, emphasizing the importance of empowering national talent to meet world-class standards, which is key to securing Dubai's future and sustaining its global standing. He highlighted that the UAE's financial sector is a cornerstone of its national economy, and the goal is to position it among the world's most innovative and competitive sectors. The Dubai Financial Experts Programme aims to provide this vital sector with a pool of talented professionals who possess innovative visions to boost the country's financial sector.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan added that the programme strengthens Dubai's position as a leading global financial hub, placing complete trust in the people as the true wealth and the pillar of the nation's progress and sustainable development.
The programme is designed to hone the capabilities of UAE nationals in the financial sector through a unique learning experience combining world-class executive education, access to top global innovators and executives, and the development of entrepreneurial mindsets. It targets nationals aged 25 to 35 with 5-10 years of professional experience, selected based on a comprehensive assessment of their financial and leadership competencies, educational background, strategic project management skills, and drive for success.
The first cohort included participants from 16 government and private sector entities, such as Dubai Government's Department of Finance, DP World, the Economic Security Center of Dubai, Dubai Chambers, Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority, Dubai Police, Emirates Airline, and several banks and financial institutions. Graduates attended a course on financial innovation and purpose-driven leadership at Oxford University's Sad Business School in the United Kingdom, exploring topics like fintech, innovation in banking, ethics and compliance, and more.
Participants engaged in hands-on training sessions with international mentors at leading financial institutions within DIFC and took a five-day trip to Silicon Valley, USA, for networking opportunities and exposure to cutting-edge innovations. They also worked on capstone projects focused on achieving tangible impact and applying their acquired knowledge to their professional environments.
Since its establishment, MBRCLD has positioned itself as a leading leadership development centre, prioritising investment in people as the cornerstone for successful development strategies. MBRCLD aims to 'Create Leaders for Tomorrow' by identifying, developing, and empowering leaders at all levels through specialised programmes and initiatives, nurturing the next generation of Emirati leaders.