Dubai Business Associates Recognizes 37 Emerging Leaders from 21 Nations

Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai Business Associates (DBA) celebrated its 11th cohort graduation at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre.

This program has seen 37 Associates graduate from 21 countries, including 12 Emirati participants and 25 international attendees. The cohort showcased talents from nations such as India, the UK, the US, France, Germany, Colombia, Peru, Russia, Slovakia, and South Africa, highlighting Dubai's rising status as a global hub for talent development and leadership.

His Excellency Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Director General of The Dubai Ruler's Court, articulated that the initiative embodies Sheikh Mohammed's vision of enhancing Dubai's stature as a hub for innovation and opportunity. He emphasized DBA's commitment to nurturing both Emirati and global talent, equipping future leaders with the necessary skills and experiences to drive an evolving economy.

Al Shaibani noted the program's growth and increasing international interest, which underscores global trust in Dubai as a prime location for leadership development and talent acquisition. He also remarked on Dubai's dedication to fostering future leaders through principles such as excellence, resilience, collaboration, and innovation.

The Dubai Business Associates initiative is a fully funded, nine-month program tailored for outstanding university graduates. It integrates academic learning with practical experience through placements in prominent public and private sector entities in Dubai. Participants gain substantial experience through various professional placements, consulting projects, and leadership development initiatives while immersing themselves in Dubai's business landscape.

Throughout their involvement, Associates completed over 20 placements across various sectors, including digital transformation, sustainability, venture capital, retail, hospitality, tourism, and finance. They successfully executed eight consulting projects for major organizations like the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and Emirates Group, demonstrating innovation in addressing real business challenges.

In spite of global economic headwinds, the participants effectively provided strategic advice and innovative answers to complex business problems, showcasing remarkable adaptability and professionalism.

Since its inception, DBA has welcomed 349 Associates from 56 nations and completed 100 consulting projects alongside leading organizations across Dubai. Over the past eleven years, the program has also facilitated the growth of 68 Emirati graduates.

Educational partners of the program, including PwC, CAPADEV, and Bon Education, offer specialized training in leadership, strategy, business management, and professional advancement.

Several participants were honored for their remarkable accomplishments during the graduation ceremony. Reem Lari from the UAE won the Emirati Award for outstanding academic, professional, and community leadership, while Tom-Louis Flohrer from Germany was awarded the Falcon Award for his exceptional leadership potential.

Michael Banks from the USA received the Faculty Award for excellence and professionalism. Additionally, Angelica Wilina from Indonesia was acknowledged with the Best Fellow Award for her constructive contribution and cooperative spirit, and Viktoria Zbojanova from Slovakia received the Erin Langlards Award for her empathy, professionalism, and ongoing personal development.

Graduates praised the DBA for enhancing their professional growth and personal skills through impactful projects and influential business connections, which fortified their leadership and consulting abilities while fostering valuable professional networks.

The recruitment for the DBA’s upcoming 12th cohort, set to commence in September 2026, drew in over 14,284 applicants from 148 countries—more than doubling last year's figure and further solidifying DBA's reputation as one of the most competitive graduate development programs globally.