Dubai Financial Expert Programme Launches With 20 Emirati Leaders In Inaugural Cohort

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Leadership Development (MBRCLD) have launched the Dubai Financial Expert Programme. This initiative involves 20 Emirati leaders in a six-month intensive training course. The programme aims to nurture future Emirati leaders who will drive innovation in financial institutions both locally and globally, reinforcing Dubai's status as a global finance hub.

The programme is designed to enhance participants' knowledge, skills, and entrepreneurial mindsets. It combines world-class executive education with access to top innovators and C-level executives. Targeting UAE nationals aged 25 to 35 with five to ten years of professional experience, it focuses on those with backgrounds in finance. Candidates were chosen based on leadership and financial competencies, educational background, and demonstrated success-driven attitudes.

The first cohort includes representatives from 16 entities such as the Community Development Authority, Department of Finance – Dubai, DP World, Dubai Police, Emirates NBD, and Mastercard. The programme began with an Orientation Day at Emirates Towers, offering participants an overview of the training initiative followed by a C-level inspirational roundtable.

Participants recently attended executive education sessions at Said Business School at the University of Oxford. They explored topics like FinTech, banking innovation, ethics and compliance, AI transformation in finance, digital finance, and future leadership. Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, stated that this programme supports DIFC's role in transforming Dubai into a leading global financial centre.

The programme provides mentorship from industry experts such as Faisal Belhoul Al Falasi and Dr. Tariq bin Hendi. These mentors offer practical insights and leadership expertise drawn from real-world experiences. Participants benefit from expanded intellectual horizons and enhanced professional networks through this guidance.

In June 2025, cohort members will be placed in blue-chip financial institutions within DIFC for job shadowing critical roles. This experience will prepare them for a one-week executive trek to Silicon Valley. There they will visit innovative companies and network with senior executives to learn about the latest innovations.

Programme Goals and Conclusion

The ultimate goal is for participants to build global networks for future partnerships while delivering tangible impacts through capstone projects. These projects focus on transferring acquired knowledge back to their workplaces. Saeed Al Eter highlighted that the programme aligns with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's vision of cultivating Emirati talent capable of driving financial innovation.

The programme concludes with a graduation ceremony at the 2025 Mohammed Bin Rashid Leaders Forum at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This event is under the auspices of MBRCLD and attended by Dubai's leaders and global experts. MBRCLD celebrated its 20th anniversary in September 2024 with over 850 alumni who have significantly contributed to UAE's development.

With inputs from WAM