The Dubai Business Associates (DBA) program, recognized globally as a premier initiative for aspiring leaders, has proudly introduced its 2024/2025 cohort consisting of 27 talented graduates from 22 different countries.
This year’s group features participants from various regions, including the EU, the UK, India, China, Indonesia, Canada, Malawi, and Colombia. The international cohort will have the chance to enhance their leadership abilities while collaborating with a select group of Emirati professionals, fostering a unique environment for cultural exchange and personal growth.
Chosen from a staggering pool of over 5,000 applicants from 160 nations, these future leaders were formally welcomed during an opening ceremony held at the Dubai International Financial Centre.
The fully-funded DBA program provides an extraordinary opportunity for participants to spend nine months in Dubai, embarking on an immersive learning experience that bridges academic knowledge and practical application.
This enriching experience is facilitated through a blend of management consulting training, competency-based business fundamentals, career coaching, and work placements at prestigious organizations, including Emirates Group, Dubai International Financial Centre, DP World, Dubai Holding, and Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.
Key educational partners such as PwC, Capadev, and Bon Education play a crucial role in delivering top-tier seminars and case studies. Additionally, the program helps Associates gain an in-depth understanding of Dubai’s global significance through cultural exchanges, business workshops, and networking opportunities with industry leaders.
Rami Tawfiq has recently stepped into the role of Director of DBA, guiding the program into its tenth year and beyond. With over 15 years of experience in leadership development, government relations, and strategy consulting across London, Singapore, Barcelona, and Dubai, Rami is well-equipped to lead this initiative.
“Dubai Business Associates attracts the highest calibre 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,” Rami said.
“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, commented, “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.”
Majed Bin Thanaya, an Emirati graduate of the 2023/24 program, shared, “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.”
Since its inception, the DBA program has seen 278 alumni from 44 different nationalities complete a total of 84 projects for over 30 partner organizations, with these numbers set to increase. The program’s success is underscored by the remarkable achievements of its alumni, including tech entrepreneur Raymond Zhu, founder of Wing Go, and US graduate Jodi Cullity, who later worked for First Lady Jill Biden. Graduates now hold positions in leading global organizations such as McKinsey, Boston Consulting Group, Microsoft, and Google.
Follow the graduates throughout their journey on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Applications for the 2025 intake will open in December 2024.
