Hamdan Bin Mohammed Witnesses Signing Of MoUs To Enhance Leadership Development With Global Universities

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, witnessed the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development (MBRCLD) and renowned international universities. These agreements aim to launch an advanced leadership programme and the ‘Dubai Leadership Research’ initiative, inspired by the journey of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The MoUs were signed with Georgetown University, IESE Business School, IMD Business School, INSEAD, and HEC Paris. They focus on conducting comprehensive leadership research tailored for MBA and executive education programmes. This research will serve as a global reference in inspirational leadership and decision-making, shared across conferences, workshops, and academic platforms worldwide.

Saeed Al Eter, Director-General of The Executive Office of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, signed the agreements on behalf of MBRCLD. Representatives from partner universities included Paul Almeida from Georgetown University; Andrea Montalvo from IESE Business School; David Bach from IMD; Marc Mortensen from INSEAD; and Dr Pablo Martin de Holan from HEC Paris.

The MoUs are an outcome of the Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum held at the Dubai World Trade Centre on 24th September 2025. This annual platform brought together 1,000 senior figures from government and private sectors in Dubai to explore future management and leadership strategies.

The agreements aim to enrich leadership curricula in the UAE and inspire future leaders globally. They also seek to document Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid's legacy in creativity, governance, and future-oriented leadership through recognised academic platforms worldwide.

The "Dubai Leadership Research" initiative will be integrated into MBA and executive education programmes at partner universities. It will reach hundreds of students and business leaders while being published through The Case Centre, benefiting over 500 business schools in more than 90 countries.

Prominent Academic Institutions

Georgetown University is globally renowned for its international relations programmes. It ranked first worldwide for master’s and bachelor’s programmes in international relations according to Foreign Policy magazine’s 2024 ranking. Notable alumni include King Abdullah II of Jordan and former US President Bill Clinton.

IESE Business School is recognised among leading institutions for Executive MBA programmes. It ranked third globally in both Financial Times 2025 Global MBA rankings and QS Executive MBA Rankings 2025. Distinguished graduates include Juan Antonio Samaranch and Joan Clos.

Leadership Philosophy Recognition

Mohammad Al Gergawi stated that H.H. Sheikh Mohammed's leadership philosophy embodies innovation, foresight, bold decision-making, and people-centric development. "This unique experience has gained recognition from some of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions as a model of leadership," he said.

Al Gergawi emphasised that strategic partnerships with leading universities aim to document this vision through research outputs that enrich global thought. He added that this initiative showcases Dubai’s developmental success story while presenting Sheikh Mohammed's governance philosophy as a practical framework to emulate.

IMD Business School Excellence

IMD Business School ranked first globally in custom executive education programmes according to Financial Times 2025 report. Its notable alumni include Mark Rutte, former Prime Minister of the Netherlands; Paul Bulcke; Peter Voser; and Carla De Geyseleer.

INSEAD ranked fourth globally for Global MBA programmes according to Financial Times 2025 report. Its distinguished alumni include Ursula von der Leyen; Lindsay Owen-Jones; Patrick Cescau; Niels B. Christiansen; and Sébastien James.

HEC Paris Achievements

HEC Paris ranked ninth worldwide for Global MBA programmes according to Financial Times 2025 report. Its alumni include Jean-Noël Barrot; Marc Ferracci; Jean-Paul Agon among others who have made significant contributions in various fields globally.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Leadership Development has become one of the world’s foremost institutions since its establishment under H.H Sheikh Mohammed's vision focusing on investing in people as part of sustainable development strategies with a mission to ‘Create Leaders for Tomorrow’ by empowering Emirati leaders through specialised initiatives.

With inputs from WAM