Dubai Government Launches Chief Financial Officer Programme To Empower Emirati Financial Leaders

The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) has introduced the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Programme. This initiative, in partnership with Emirates NBD and ESCP Business School, aims to equip 29 Emirati financial leaders with essential skills. The goal is to foster sustainable economic growth and institutional excellence in Dubai.

Abdullah Ali Bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director-General of DGHR, highlighted the programme's significance in empowering Emirati talent. He stated that it extends beyond financial skills to cultivate strategic leadership. "The initiative translates the vision of the UAE’s leadership into practical steps for building a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy," he said.

The five-month programme offers a comprehensive learning experience. It includes interactive training, real-world simulations, field visits to top institutions, career mentoring, and leadership sessions with global experts. The curriculum is structured around five key pillars: strategic thinking and business leadership; advanced financial management; corporate governance; effective communication; and emerging global financial trends.

Hesham Abdulla Al Qassim, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Emirates NBD Group, expressed pride in supporting this initiative. He mentioned that the programme helps develop a robust pipeline of Emirati financial leaders by offering future-ready skills and world-class training. This effort strengthens the UAE’s knowledge economy.

The CFO Programme aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which seeks to double Dubai's economy size while enhancing its global investment appeal. The agenda also aims to solidify Dubai's status as a hub for finance, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

Professor Léon Laulusa from ESCP Business School shared his pride in collaborating with DGHR. He noted that ESCP is ranked first globally for its MSc in Finance and second for its Executive MBA by the Financial Times.

Innovative Training Methods

The programme is delivered by an international faculty combining accredited curricula with applied case studies and graduation projects. This approach ensures a tangible impact on institutions. Through this initiative, DGHR reaffirms its commitment to developing national competencies using innovative training methods.

This collaboration between public and private sectors supports Dubai’s global competitiveness by enhancing institutional performance through practical steps towards a knowledge-based economy.

DGHR's efforts contribute significantly to positioning Dubai as a centre for entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership excellence on a global scale.

With inputs from WAM