The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the
Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Leadership Development (MBRCL) have jointly
announced the launch of the first cohort of the 'Dubai Financial Experts
Program', with 20 young Emirati leaders embarking on an intensive six-month
training journey.
Vision and Objectives
The program aims to develop the next generation of
Emirati financial leaders who will spearhead innovation in Dubai’s financial
sector and reinforce the emirate’s position as a global financial hub. Targeting
UAE nationals aged 25–35 with 5–10 years of professional experience—including
financial sector roles—the program combines world-class executive education,
access to senior innovators, entrepreneurial mindset cultivation, and
leadership skill development.
Participants were carefully selected through a
comprehensive assessment of leadership and financial competencies, strong
academic foundations, and strategic project or team management experience.
Representing 16 Major Institutions
The cohort represents 16 key government and private
entities, including:
- Dubai Community
Development Authority
- Department of
Finance – Government of Dubai
- DP World
- Dubai Economic
Security Center
- Dubai Chambers
- Dubai Integrated
Economic Zones Authority
- Dubai Police
- Emirates Airline
- Securities and
Commodities Authority
- Emirates NBD
- Commercial
International Bank
- Commercial Bank of
Dubai
- First Abu Dhabi Bank
- Mashreq Bank
- RAKBANK
- Mastercard
Program Highlights
The program commenced with an orientation event at
Emirates Towers, followed by a roundtable discussion with senior executives to
inspire and engage participants. It also includes an executive education module
at the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School, focusing on:
- Financial technology
and innovation
- Banking ethics and
compliance
- AI readiness in
finance
- Digital finance
- Future leadership
Practical Training and Global Exposure
In June 2025, participants will be placed within
leading financial and innovation institutions in DIFC for hands-on experience,
followed by a one-week executive immersion in Silicon Valley, USA. This
international phase includes site visits to top innovation firms and networking
with global industry leaders.
The program culminates in a graduation ceremony at the
‘Mohammed Bin Rashid Leadership Forum 2025’, held at the Dubai World Trade
Centre, in the presence of Dubai’s top officials and global experts.
Mentorship and Support
Participants benefit from direct mentorship by
high-profile leaders such as:
- Faisal Belhoul
(Chairman, G&F Holding)
- Dr. Tariq Bin Hendi
(CEO, Astra Tech)
- Shamsa Al Falasi
(CEO, Citibank UAE)
- Rola Abu Manneh
(CEO, Standard Chartered UAE)
- Noor Sweid (Founder,
Global Ventures)
- Amna Ajmal (Thought
Leader & Public Speaker)
- Alia Al Zarouni
(COO, DIFC Authority)
- Mohammad Alblooshi
(CEO, DIFC Innovation Hub)
- Nader Bastaki (MD,
Dubai Future District Fund)
- Dr. Saeeda Jaffar
(SVP, Visa GCC)
- Amira Sajwani (MD,
DAMAC & Founder of Amali & Pripco)
These mentors provide practical guidance, leadership
insights, and support in building strategic networks and decision-making
capabilities.
Legacy of Leadership Development
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Leadership
Development, celebrating its 20th anniversary in September 2024, has graduated
over 850 Emirati leaders across sectors, including 7 ministers, 10
undersecretaries, 17 directors general, and 89 C-level executives. Since its
inception, the Centre has partnered with over 300 global and local leadership
experts and more than 55 universities and consultancies to deliver high-impact
training programs.
The Dubai Financial Experts Program is a key step in
preparing Emirati talents to lead with innovation, agility, and vision, shaping
the future of finance in Dubai and beyond.