News DeskDubai, UAE – Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the prestigious Dubai Business Associates (DBA) programme celebrated the graduation of ten Emiratis at the Emirates Group Headquarters. This year’s programme saw a remarkable pool of over 12,500 applicants, from which 36 Associates representing 20 countries were selected for the nine-month immersive experience.
The DBA programme, renowned for its excellence in graduate management education, provides young professionals with comprehensive training in strategy, business, and leadership. Among the distinguished graduates, Majed Bin Thaneya and Maha Alshehhi received top honors. Bin Thaneya was awarded the Falcon Award for his exceptional leadership and strategic thinking, while Alshehhi received the Emirati Contributor Award for embodying Emirati values and demonstrating outstanding performance.
Reflecting on her experience, Maha Alshehhi stated, “The DBA programme offered nine months of intense learning and development. It significantly enhanced my skills and confidence in stakeholder management by addressing real-life business challenges alongside high-performing consultants.”
Asma Al Bedwawi, another proud graduate, expressed her gratitude, “I feel very fortunate to have been selected for the DBA programme. It has been an incredible opportunity to work with and learn from international talent. This experience has been truly inspiring, and I am excited for the next chapter in my career.”
The programme, which commenced in September 2023, is designed to blend experiential learning with project-based strategic assignments. Delivered in collaboration with esteemed partners such as PwC Academy Middle East, CAPADEV, and Bon Education, the Associates honed their abilities to tackle industry challenges while gaining a deeper cultural understanding of Dubai.
Graduates engaged in real-world consulting projects with leading Dubai organizations, including Emirates Airline, dnata, Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), Expo City Dubai, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), and Falcon and Associates. This practical experience was instrumental in preparing the Associates for their future careers.
The graduation ceremony featured a keynote speech by Amira Al Falasi, Senior Vice President of Learning and Talent at Emirates Group, who emphasized the importance of nurturing future global leaders in Dubai’s dynamic business environment. Emirates Airline was honored with the Partner Appreciation Award for its steadfast support over the past nine years, while the Consulting Prize Award went to Expo City Dubai.
James Maughan, Director of Dubai Business Associates, lauded the graduates’ achievements, “The DBA programme continues to be a beacon of Dubai’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering innovation. We congratulate our graduates and look forward to their continued success as ambassadors of Dubai’s vibrant business landscape.”
As the DBA programme prepares to welcome its next cohort this September, it remains committed to launching the careers of talented graduates from around the world, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global hub for business and innovation.
