Dubai Business Associates (DBA), a prestigious program for future leaders, has welcomed 2024/2025 cohort with 27 Associates from 22 countries.
Some of the participants hail from the EU, the UK, India, China, Indonesia, Canada, Malawi and Colombia. These international Associates will refine their leadership skills while working closely with a select group of Emirati talent, fostering cultural exchange and growth.
The future leaders were chosen from a pool of over 5,000 applicants from 160 countries around the world, and were formally welcomed at an opening ceremony held at the Dubai International Financial Centre.
The program provides a unique opportunity to spend nine months in Dubai, presenting Associates a holistic and immersive learning journey that seamlessly connects academia and professional life.
The program combines management consulting training, competency-based business fundamentals, career coaching, and work placements at world-leading organizations – including the Emirates Group, Dubai International Financial Centre, DP World, Dubai Holding, and Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.
PwC, Capadev, and Bon Education are the key partners of the program who offer best-in-class seminars and case studies. The program also empowers Associates to develop a deep knowledge of Dubai and its global impact, through cultural exchange, business workshops, and engaging with industry leaders
Rami Tawfiq has been appointed as the Director at DBA to lead the program into its tenth year and beyond. Rami has more than 15 years of experience in leadership development, government relations, and strategy consulting.
Rami commented that, “Dubai Business Associates attracts the highest caliber graduates from around the world, working and developing their skills alongside young Emirati talents. This experience enhances our Associates’ growth mindsets and intercultural perspectives, nurturing future leaders in business, politics, and social impact. A major drawcard for aspiring Associates is the innovative blend of professional and personal development, the contribution to ‘real world’ projects across the Dubai economic landscape, and the opportunity to collaborate with international peers.”
Sharon McCafferty, Strategic Project Office Manager at dnata (part of Emirates Group), stated that, “We’ve partnered with DBA over several years, and in that time a number of Associates have contributed to dnata projects, yielding exceptional results. We’re excited to continue that partnership and welcome the next cohort of Associates.”
“DBA was a transformative experience for my professional career, giving me the skills to work as a leadership and talent partner with Emirates Group. Dubai has firmly positioned itself as a top global city, and I’m excited to be part of the next phase of its growth, thanks to the invaluable connections and experiences I gained through DBA,” added Majed Bin Thanaya, an Emirati graduate of the 2023/24 program.
