Dubai: Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Leadership Development (MBRCLD) announced that 20 Emirati leaders have joined the inaugural cohort of the Dubai Financial Expert Programme, embarking on a six-month intensive training programme.
According to Emirates News Agency, the programme is designed to cultivate the next generation of Emirati leaders who will drive innovation within financial institutions in Dubai, the UAE, and globally. It aims to further cement Dubai's position as a global hub for finance by enhancing the knowledge, skills, and capabilities of Emiratis in the financial services sector, as well as developing their entrepreneurial mindsets and leadership skills.
The programme offers participants an exceptional experience that blends world-class executive education with access to top innovators and C-level executives. It targets UAE nationals between the ages of 25 and 35 who have five to 10 years of professional experience, including financial sector experience.
Candidates for the first cohort were selected based on a comprehensive assessment of leadership and financial competencies, educational background, demonstrated team leader skills or strategic project management experience, and a clear drive for success. The cohort represents 16 different entities, including the Community Development Authority, Department of Finance - Dubai, DP World, Dubai Centre for Economic Security, and others.
The programme began with an Orientation Day event at Emirates Towers, providing participants with an overview of the six-month training initiative, followed by a C-level inspirational roundtable. The cohort has recently returned from executive education training at Said Business School, University of Oxford, where they explored subjects like FinTech, innovation in banking, ethics and compliance, AI preparedness, and digital finance.
Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, emphasized the programme's role in transforming Dubai's position as a leading global financial centre. Saeed Al Eter, Director-General of The Executive Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, highlighted that the programme embodies the vision to cultivate Emirati talent capable of driving financial innovation.
In June 2025, cohort leaders will be placed in blue chip financial institutions within DIFC for job shadowing, followed by a one-week executive trek to Silicon Valley to visit innovative companies and network with senior executives. The programme culminates with a graduation ceremony at the 2025 Mohammed Bin Rashid Leaders Forum.
Mentorship is a key component, with participants guided by a distinguished network of experts, including Faisal Belhoul Al Falasi, Dr. Tariq bin Hendi, Shamsa Al Falasi, and others. This mentorship offers expanded intellectual horizons, enhanced professional networks, and improved decision-making capabilities.
The MBRCLD, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in September 2024, boasts an alumni community of over 850 Emirati leaders who have significantly contributed to the UAE's development. MBRCLD aims to 'Create Leaders for Tomorrow' by cultivating the next generation of Emirati leaders through specialised programmes and targeted initiatives.