MBRSG And Defence Ministry Launch Future And Young Leaders

The Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG), in partnership with the Ministry of Defence, has launched two new leadership programmes for Ministry personnel. The second cohort of the Future Leaders Diploma Programme and the inaugural cohort of the Young Leaders Empowerment Diploma Programme were officially introduced. This step reflects the UAE’s strong commitment to preparing a new generation of leaders capable of driving institutional development, transformation, and global competitiveness.

Building National Capacity

The programmes highlight the synergy between academic institutions and government entities in building national capacity. By providing participants with advanced tools and knowledge, the initiative seeks to equip current and emerging leaders with the ability to design innovative initiatives, anticipate challenges, and contribute to the UAE’s vision of excellence and global leadership.

Ministry’s Commitment To Talent Development

His Excellency Khalifa Rashed Al Hamli, Director of the Office of His Highness the Minister of Defence, stated that the Ministry places high importance on developing its personnel. He emphasized that the new programmes provide practical leadership tools, enabling participants to make effective decisions, lead teams efficiently, and enhance the Ministry’s readiness to address future challenges with resilience.

Advancing Government Capacity

His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Sebaa Al Marri, Executive President of MBRSG, said the programmes represent a strategic step in advancing government capacity. He noted that they equip both current and future leaders with the ability to manage change, foster innovation, and prepare for rapid transformations shaping the public sector. This aligns with the UAE’s ambition to build a knowledge-based economy and a sustainable society.

Hands-On Learning Approach

Dr. Al Marri highlighted that the partnership applies a hands-on learning model blending academic insight with practical experience. This empowers participants to make strategic decisions, lead successfully, and contribute to designing innovative policies that drive institutional transformation. The approach also enhances the UAE’s standing as a regional and global leader in cultivating decision-makers.

Executive Education For Real Impact

Aisha Al Shamsi, Executive Education Director at MBRSG, explained that the programmes were developed after an in-depth study of the leadership needs of the Ministry of Defence. She emphasized that executive education is not only about knowledge transfer but also about building leadership skills, fostering strategic thinking, and enabling participants to create real impact within their institutions.

Future Leaders Diploma Programme

The Future Leaders Diploma, now in its second edition, builds on the success of its first cohort. It spans 130 training hours with a blend of in-person, virtual, and self-directed learning. Participants also undertake executive projects and engage in dialogue with national and international leaders. The programme is structured around eight key pillars, including transformational leadership, foresight, decision-making, change management, digital transformation, institutional innovation, performance management, and effective communication.

Developing Strategic Thinking

The Future Leaders Programme prepares participants to anticipate future trends, design initiatives aligned with UAE priorities, and adopt innovation strategies. Through collaborative projects and global case studies, participants gain skills to practice transformational leadership, manage institutional change, and promote excellence across national institutions.

Young Leaders Empowerment Diploma Programme

The newly introduced Young Leaders Empowerment Diploma Programme focuses on preparing emerging leaders within the Ministry of Defence. It also spans 130 training hours, blending different learning methods with applied projects and real-world case studies. The curriculum emphasizes eight pillars including administrative discipline, team management, communication, institutional security, time management, and customer service.

Strengthening Emerging Leaders

This programme ensures that young leaders graduate with strong skills in discipline, responsibility, and team management. They will also be equipped to handle institutional pressures, manage time effectively, and plan their career paths with confidence. By empowering youth, the programme strengthens resilience and adaptability in a rapidly changing environment.

Reinforcing UAE’s Vision

The launch of these two programmes reflects the UAE’s long-term vision of investing in human capital. By preparing both experienced and emerging leaders, the collaboration between MBRSG and the Ministry of Defence embodies the nation’s strategic objectives of building a cohesive community, a competitive economy, and a sustainable model of governance. It further reinforces the UAE’s role as a pioneer in cultivating leaders capable of sustaining national development and advancing regional and global leadership.