Dubai Future Foundation Launches Lead And Design Program

Post by : Mumtaaz Qadiri

Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has officially started the third session of its Lead & Design Program. The program includes 41 participants from government and private sectors in Dubai. It is designed to build a culture of innovation and equip national talent with modern skills to tackle challenges and turn them into opportunities.

Aim Of The Program

The main goal of the program is to teach design thinking and other innovative approaches to participants. By learning these skills, participants can improve the way their organizations work, plan future services, and provide better solutions for people. The program also focuses on helping entities become future-ready, meaning they can adapt to change quickly and develop new solutions efficiently.

Importance Of Design Thinking

Abdulaziz AlJaziri, Deputy CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, explained that the program is important because it focuses on national capabilities and highlights how design thinking can improve public sector work. Design thinking is a method that emphasizes understanding people's needs and solving problems creatively.

The program teaches participants to look at challenges from different angles, focus on human-centered solutions, and implement ideas that have a real impact on society. This approach helps both government and private organizations deliver services that are more useful and effective.

Structure Of The Program

The Lead & Design Program runs for 13 weeks and combines theoretical learning with practical experience. Participants attend interactive workshops and lectures on creativity, systematic thinking, and problem-solving. They also learn how to use design thinking tools in their work.

The program encourages participants to collaborate on real projects, where they can apply what they learn. This hands-on approach allows them to see how design thinking can improve processes, services, and outcomes in their organizations.

Collaboration And Networking Opportunities

The program is not just about learning theory. Participants also get opportunities to meet experts and specialists in the field of design and innovation. These interactions help them understand global best practices and how they can apply them locally.

Networking also allows participants to share ideas with peers from other sectors, creating connections that can lead to future collaboration and innovative projects. This exposure to a wider professional community helps strengthen the skills and confidence of the participants.

Human-Centered Design Focus

A major part of the program is human-centered design, which ensures that services and solutions meet the needs of the people who use them. Participants learn to observe, listen, and empathize with users to design solutions that are practical, accessible, and meaningful.

This focus on human-centered approaches ensures that participants develop solutions that truly matter to citizens, residents, and stakeholders. The approach helps organizations improve quality of life while being more efficient and innovative.

Future-Ready Organizations

Through this program, DFF aims to prepare organizations and talent for the future. Participants learn how to think creatively, manage change, and use innovative tools in their work. These skills make them better equipped to handle challenges in fast-changing environments.

Organizations benefit from participants’ learning by gaining new ideas and approaches that help improve operations, enhance service delivery, and boost institutional performance.

Learning From Experts

During the program, participants attend sessions led by leading experts in design thinking, innovation, and creative problem-solving. They learn about the latest tools, methods, and trends that are shaping public and private sector innovation globally.

This exposure allows participants to bring back practical solutions that can be implemented in their own organizations. They also learn how to apply innovative strategies to planning, policy-making, and project execution.

Program Impact On National Talent

The program focuses on building the skills of national talent. By training UAE citizens and residents, DFF aims to create a generation of professionals who are capable of driving innovation across sectors.

The trained talent can then lead projects and initiatives that improve government services, create economic opportunities, and foster social development. This initiative aligns with Dubai’s vision of being a global hub for innovation.

Supporting The Public Sector

The Lead & Design Program also helps government entities adapt to modern challenges by equipping their teams with innovative thinking methods. Participants learn to identify inefficiencies, solve complex problems, and implement solutions that are both effective and sustainable.

By adopting these skills, public sector entities can better serve citizens and residents, create more efficient systems, and enhance the overall quality of public services.

Hands-On Projects And Exercises

The program emphasizes practical learning, giving participants the chance to work on real-life projects. These projects are designed to simulate the challenges that organizations face.

Participants are guided to analyze problems, generate ideas, prototype solutions, and test outcomes. This hands-on approach helps them develop skills that are immediately applicable in their workplaces.

Building A Culture Of Innovation

The program’s broader aim is to foster a culture of innovation in Dubai’s government and private sectors. By learning and applying design thinking, participants are encouraged to think creatively, challenge traditional methods, and explore new ways of working.

This culture of innovation encourages employees to be proactive, solve problems efficiently, and contribute to the success of their organizations. It also ensures that organizations remain competitive and future-ready.

Long-Term Benefits

Over time, the Lead & Design Program is expected to produce skilled professionals who can lead projects, mentor others, and implement innovative solutions. These participants will play a critical role in driving change across sectors in Dubai.

By cultivating national talent and improving organizational capabilities, the program supports economic growth, social development, and government efficiency. It also strengthens Dubai’s position as a global leader in innovation.

Dubai Future Foundation’s Lead & Design Program is a significant step toward developing national talent, promoting innovation, and enhancing institutional performance. Participants gain design thinking skills, learn from experts, and apply knowledge to real-world projects.

Through this program, Dubai is empowering its workforce to tackle challenges creatively, improve public services, and build a more innovative and future-ready society. This initiative reflects the city’s commitment to progress, innovation, and excellence across all sectors.

Design Thinking Skills, Innovation Program Dubai, Future Ready Training