Dubai: Dubai Business Associates (DBA) has celebrated the graduation of its 11th cohort, marking another milestone in its mission to develop future global leaders.Held 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 ceremony took place at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre, and recognised the achievements of 37 Associates from 21 countries.The cohort included 12 Emirati and 25 international participants, representing diverse countries such as Colombia, France, India, Peru, Russia, Slovakia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This diversity highlights Dubai’s continued role as a global hub for talent, innovation, and leadership development.His Excellency Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Director General of His Highness The Dubai Ruler’s Court, said: “Dubai Business Associates embodies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global centre for talent, innovation, and opportunity. Through programmes such as DBA, Dubai continues to invest in both national and international talent, equipping future leaders with the skills, experience, and global perspective needed for the future economy.”He added that the programme’s sustained growth and rising international demand reflect strong global confidence in Dubai as a destination for leadership development and talent attraction. He also highlighted the emirate’s commitment to fostering values such as excellence, resilience, collaboration, and innovation.DBA is a fully funded nine-month programme designed for outstanding graduates, combining academic learning with hands-on consulting experience across leading public and private sector organisations in Dubai. Participants engage in professional placements, strategic projects, and leadership development initiatives while gaining exposure to the emirate’s business environment.During the programme, Associates were hosted in more than 20 placements across key sectors, including digital transformation, sustainability, venture capital, retail, hospitality, tourism, and finance. The 11th cohort also delivered eight consulting projects for major entities such as the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Emirates Group, Digital Dubai, Dubai International Financial Centre, and Kerzner International.Since its launch, the programme has welcomed 349 Associates from 56 countries and completed 100 consulting projects in collaboration with leading organisations in Dubai. It has also supported the development of 68 Emirati graduates, reinforcing its focus on nurturing national talent within a global framework.Educational partners, including PwC, CAPADEV, and Bon Education, provide specialised training in leadership, strategy, and professional development.During the ceremony, several Associates were recognised for outstanding achievements. Reem Lari from the UAE received the Emirati Award for excellence in academic, professional, and community leadership. Tom-Louis Flohrer from Germany was presented with the Falcon Award for his leadership potential and alignment with the programme’s core values.Michael Banks from the United States received the Faculty Award for academic excellence, while Angelica Wilina from Indonesia was named Best Fellow by her peers for her collaborative spirit and positive contribution. Viktoria Zbojanova from Slovakia received the Erin Langlards Award for demonstrating empathy, professionalism, and a commitment to continuous improvement.Graduates highlighted the programme’s impact on their professional and personal development, noting that it enhanced their leadership and consulting capabilities while providing valuable real-world experience and global exposure.Applications for the 12th cohort, set to begin in September 2026, exceeded 14,284 candidates from 148 countries — more than double the number received the previous year — further underscoring the programme’s growing international reputation as a highly competitive graduate development initiative.
