The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has introduced the ‘Dubai Financial Experts Program’, aimed at cultivating the next generation of Emirati leaders to drive innovation within financial institutions in Dubai, the UAE, and globally.
The pioneering program, designed to graduate Emirati leaders, is being delivered in collaboration with the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development (MBRCLD). The initiative aims to equip Emirates with enhanced knowledge, skills, and capabilities in the financial services sector, as well as to nurture their entrepreneurial mindsets and leadership skills.
His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, and President of DIFC, highlighted that Dubai continues to empower Emirati talents, equipping them with the highest levels of knowledge and experience, in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The program supports the goal to launch specialized programs that train national leaders capable of solidifying the UAE’s position as a global economic hub and achieving the targets of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, His Highness Sheikh Maktoum stressed.
New generation of qualified professionals
His Excellency Mohammad Al Gergawi, Chairman of The Executive Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Chairman of MBRCLD, stated that the program highlights His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision to develop a new generation of leaders to drive transformative projects and fuel growth in key economic sectors, while also managing, developing, and innovating within leading financial institutions, both locally and regionally.
Cultivating national talents
His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of the DIFC, commented that “This program aligns with the DIFC’s 2030 strategy, which focuses on leading the future of finance, as well as the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.”
Target of Dubai Financial Experts Program
The target of this program is UAE nationals between the ages of 25 and 35 with 5 to 10 years of professional experience, including financial sector experience. The Ideal candidates will possess an excellent educational background, demonstrated leadership as team leaders or strategic project managers, and a strong focus on growth. Selection process will be based on a comprehensive assessment of leadership and financial competencies.
Six-part program
The Dubai Financial Experts Program is a comprehensive six-part program to cultivate future leaders in finance. The program includes specialized courses on leadership and innovation in future financial services, developed in collaboration with the University of Oxford, and complemented by partnerships in Silicon Valley.
Participants will get advanced training and mentorship from top experts and innovators in the field and gain practical experience through world-class job shadowing opportunities at major financial institutions.
A key element of this program is capstone project, which is focused on delivering tangible impact and transferring acquired knowledge to the workplace. Participants will also benefit from exclusive sessions with leading financial and economic leaders. The program will conclude in a graduation ceremony at the Dubai World Trade Centre during the Mohammed bin Rashid Leaders Forum 2025.
The Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development strives to “Create Leaders for Tomorrow” by developing the next generation of Emirati leaders. Through specialized programs and targeted initiatives, the Center identifies, develops, and empowers leaders at all levels.
These program provide participants with the diverse skills necessary to navigate a rapidly evolving landscape, adapt to new developments with agility and intelligence, and make informed decisions to tackle future challenges.
The Center promotes leaders with the competence and broad perspectives required to create cutting-edge solutions for tomorrow’s complex issues.
