Hamdan Bin Mohammed Celebrates Graduation Of First Cohort From Dubai Financial Experts Programme

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, attended the graduation ceremony for the first group of the Dubai Financial Experts Programme. This initiative is organised by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) in collaboration with the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development (MBRCLD). The event was part of the Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum, which focuses on leadership and management transformation.

The programme aims to enhance the skills of UAE nationals in finance through a unique learning experience. It combines executive education, access to global innovators, and entrepreneurial mindset development. Participants are aged 25 to 35 with 5–10 years of professional experience. They were chosen based on their financial and leadership skills, educational background, strategic project management abilities, and ambition.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan emphasised that investing in human capital is crucial for Dubai's future. "Human capital is the most rewarding area of investment. Empowering our national talent to meet world-class standards is key to securing Dubai’s future and sustaining its global standing." He highlighted that the UAE's financial sector is vital to its economy and aims to make it one of the world's most innovative sectors.

The programme's first cohort included participants from 16 government and private entities such as DP World, Emirates Airline, and Mashreq Bank. Graduates attended a course at Oxford University’s Saïd Business School in the UK. They explored topics like fintech, banking innovation, ethics, AI readiness, digital finance, leadership, and blockchain.

Participants engaged in practical training sessions led by international mentors at leading financial institutions within DIFC. They also visited Silicon Valley for five days to network with senior executives and learn about innovations. These experiences provided valuable insights into cutting-edge technologies and trends in finance.

During their time in Silicon Valley, participants met start-up founders to learn about pioneering ideas. They worked on capstone projects aimed at achieving tangible impacts by applying their new knowledge in their professional settings.

MBRCLD has become a top leadership development centre globally under His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's vision. It focuses on investing in people as a foundation for successful development strategies. MBRCLD aims to 'Create Leaders for Tomorrow’ by identifying and nurturing leaders through specialised programmes.

The programme strengthens Dubai’s position as a global financial hub by developing talented professionals with innovative visions. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan stated: "This programme strengthens Dubai’s position as a leading global financial hub. We place our complete trust in our people as our true wealth and the pillar of our nation’s progress and sustainable development."

The forum gathered 1,000 key leaders from government and private sectors in Dubai to discuss future transformations in leadership aligned with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's vision of making Dubai a leading city worldwide.

With inputs from WAM