Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, recently met with alumni of the Dubai Business Associates (DBA) programme, a notable graduate talent development initiative, as it commemorates its 10th anniversary. H.H. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the importance of investing in human capital to build an economy driven by creativity and innovation. He highlighted the objective of empowering future entrepreneurs to convert ideas into impactful projects that address upcoming challenges and benefit society.
According to Emirates News Agency, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed expressed his pleasure in meeting graduates from the UAE and across the globe. He encouraged them to utilize the knowledge and entrepreneurial skills acquired through the programme to shape a knowledge-based future, propelled by innovation and dedicated to enhancing quality of life. His Highness reiterated Dubai's status as a premier destination for creative minds and a global hub for shaping the future in key sectors, underscoring the city's commitment to launching and supporting initiatives that foster human potential and promote excellence.
The meeting was also attended by Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Director-General of H.H. the Ruler's Court, along with several officials associated with the programme. DBA is recognized as one of the world's most competitive business and education programmes, receiving over 5,500 applications annually from both international and UAE-based graduates. Operated by Falcon Consultancy, a Dubai-based firm established in 2009, the programme offers a nine-month course combining academic learning with business placements, industry networking, coaching, and cultural immersion.
The programme's tenth edition welcomed 36 participants from 22 countries, including nine Emiratis, who engage in real-world consulting projects with leading Dubai-based organisations such as Emirates, DIFC, dnata, DP World, and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Since its inception in 2014, the programme has attracted 278 associates from 44 countries, including 56 UAE nationals. It has facilitated over 140 work placements in collaboration with more than 30 of Dubai's leading companies.
Moreover, 84 consulting projects valued at $27 million have been delivered, benefiting Dubai's broader business ecosystem. Notably, over 30% of applicants hail from QS Top 10 global universities. DBA's excellence in academic and professional realms is bolstered by leading learning partners like PwC's Academy, Capadev, and Bon Education, who provide world-class training and development to prepare Associates for their professional careers.